The Sydney Taylor Shmooze

Can You Hear Them? One, Two! by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh, illustrated by Florence Weiser PJ Publishing, 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Rochelle Newman-Carrasco   Buy at PJLibraryshop.org   This sweet picture book opens as the rains end and the animals exit the ark to explore and play. The simple rhyming storytelling is not only meant to be read aloud, but has the added bonus of playing with the fun sounds animals make. This creates the opportunity for an interactive experience as readers encourage little listeners to imitate the sounds – the “grunt, grunt,” of piglets, the “Ooh-wah, Ooh-wah!” of elephants, and more. Speaking of little ones, the storytelling and illustration does a lovely job of focusing on the baby and young animals who are ready to play and explore. Not only does each picture feature adorable animals in action, but the use of rich, vibrant colors includes emphasizing the animal name and sound so that they stand-out. Little children, from diverse background...

Sparrow by Mary Tebo, illustrated by E.B. Lewis Astra Young Readers, 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Heidi Rabinowitz   Buy at Bookshop.org   A sparrow builds her nest in a crevice in the Western Wall in Jerusalem, using plant material and prayer notes. She doesn't know exactly what's going to happen, but she has a sense of expectation and hope. Hope, indeed, is the theme of the story. Lyrically told in the present tense, and accompanied by beautiful realistic paintings that move between cityscapes and closeups, the story captures some of the magic of this city that is sacred to so many people. By showcasing the neutral character of a sparrow, the book becomes equally accessible to readers of all backgrounds.    No religions are mentioned in the text, although there is a reference to church bells. The illustrations include the Western Wall, the golden Dome of the Rock, and many church towers, as well as people of various skin tones, some wearing kippot. The ba...

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown, illustrated by Melissa Castrillon Chronicle Books, 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Rachel J. Fremmer   Buy at Bookshop.org   “The greatest individual act of rescue in all of World War II” may have been accomplished by someone you never heard of. This person may have saved more people than Schindler or Wallenberg. If I told you he had saved people by issuing visas, perhaps Sugihara would come to mind. (Wallenberg and Sugihara are, in fact, the first two diplomats listed in the dedication to “diplomats who defied official policy to save countless lives.”) But Aristides de Sousa Mendes? Probably not. And yet… Finally giving him the attention he deserves is Elizabeth Brown’s picture book, The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue with stunning illustrations by Melissa Castrillon. The book starts with Aristedes’s career as a Portuguese diplomat who issued v...

Hidden Lives: Stories from Child Survivors of the Holocaust Edited by Rachelle L. Goldstein and the Hidden Child Foundation/ADL Second Story Press, 2025 Category: Young Adult Reviewer: Kathryn Hall   Buy at Bookshop.org Hidden Lives is a nonfiction collection of almost sixty biographical excerpts and essays by and about Jewish children who survived separation from their parents during the Holocaust. Many of these were first published in The Hidden Child , a newsletter published by the Hidden Child Foundation/ADL. Each voice is different, but there are several common themes in the lives of these children. Those who were able to be reunited with family had difficulty reestablishing those relationships. Many were high achievers. Many eventually moved to the United States, Canada, or Israel. The stories were all written many decades after the war, each author looking back at a traumatic childhood from the perspective of old age. The brevity of the excerpts left me wanting to know more ...

My Little Book of Big Jewish Holidays written and illustrated by Hannah Shafiroff Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2025 Category: Picture Book Reviewer: Julie Ditton   Buy at Bookshop.org This fantastic 64-page treasury is a guide to ten Jewish holidays throughout the year, written at sophisticated picture book level. Beginning with Shabbat, then Rosh Hashanah, the book takes the reader through the Jewish calendar, explaining each holiday. The author-illustrator's bright, colorful drawings will engage even the youngest reader and the descriptions and explanations are written in simple language that school-aged children can read for themselves. Each holiday begins with a spread that includes sections labeled When, What We Say, Why We Celebrate, and How We Celebrate. For some holidays, this basic information is followed by additional detail. This book explains the history and the traditions for each holiday. It also provides pronunciation for holiday greetings. This is an excellent ...

Every Scoop of Light: A Story About Repairing the World by Ilene Cooper, illustrated by Omer Hoffmann Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Julie Ditton   Buy at Bookshop.org   Ilene Cooper brings children a new book just as fantastic as her 2007 picture book, The Golden Rule . This charming book retells the midrash of how God decided to give humans wonderful gifts such as happiness, health, wisdom, kindness, love, laughter, imagination, celebration and peace. But the vessels shattered, leaving people to find and gather the sparks. Cooper tells the tale in a simple manner that kids can understand. She even includes people that question God, asking why God needs our help. Others ask why they should do the hard work of gathering sparks. Why doesn't God do it? God replies that it is people's world and they should have the responsibility to help make it a better place.    Omer Hoffmann's colorful illustrations include people of various ra...

Shabbat on Mars by Jeff Ward, illustrated by Gila von Meisner Intergalactic Afikoman, 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Julie Ditton   Buy at Bookshop.org "It's not exactly rocket science," but this book is "what happens when a Jewish aerospace engineer marries a Conservative rabbi." Jeff Ward gathers current scientific theories about life in a future Mars colony and applies them to how Jewish Mars colonists would celebrate Shabbat. Readers learn all about life on Mars, from what types of buildings would be created to what food colonists might be able grow or make. Much like vegan "hotdogs" which are not made of meat, the brisket or pishkado might be made from algae instead. By comparing Shabbat on Earth to Shabbat on Mars, this fantastic picture book for older readers teaches science and Jewish culture at the same time. In the afterward, which asks "What does Jewish look like...On Mars?" the author points out that there are different w...

The Rebel Girls of Rome by Jordyn Taylor Harper (imprint of HarperCollins), 2025 Category: Amy Brook Cohen Reviewer: Young Adult   Buy at Bookshop.org   In The Rebel Girls of Rome , Taylor has written an epic, important and moving story. The story is told from the perspective of two characters: Lilah and Bruna. Lilah is a Jewish American college student who travels to Italy with her grandfather, Raffa (a Holocaust survivor with a tremendous amount of survivor’s guilt), looking for answers after receiving an intriguing email. Lilah and her grandfather are grieving after having recently lost Lilah’s mother to cancer, and a purpose-filled trip to Italy comes at an opportune time. Lilah and Raffa have no idea just how important and transformative this trip to Italy will be. Their visit to Rome leads them to uncover answers to questions about their family history, which will change their lives forever. The second perspective offered is that of Bruna - Lilah’s great aunt, and Raffa’...

Sammy Spider's Big Book of Jewish Holidays by Sylvia A. Rouss, illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn Kar-Ben Publishing (imprint of Lerner), 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Ronda Einbinder   Buy at Bookshop.org In the long-running Sammy Spider series, Sammy Spider and his mother, Mrs. Spider, live secretly with Mr. and Mrs. Shapiro and their son Josh. Sammy is quite inquisitive and is fascinated by the many Jewish holidays the Shapiros celebrate. There are individual Sammy Spider books for most Jewish holidays, but this title combines a number of holidays, with short original stories and mostly original artwork.   The story begins with the Shapiros hanging up the Jewish calendar. Sammy also wants to hang a calendar, but Mrs. Spider tells him that spiders don’t hang calendars, spiders spin webs. The cute catchphrase  continues as the reader learns about each of the Jewish holidays: when Sammy asks to participate in a holiday, Mrs. Spider responds with “Silly little S...

Refugee: The Graphic Novel by Alan Gratz, art by Syd Fini Graphix (imprint of Scholastic), 2025 Category: Middle Grade Reviewer: Rachel Aronowitz   Buy at Bookshop.org Refugee , a new graphic novel version of an Sydney Taylor Book Award winning fictional middle grade book, recounts the story of three different children and their families, in three different historical time periods, all forced violently and dramatically into refugee status. The children show resilience, strength and courage, and play a big part in helping their families find a path to peace and safety. Whether they are Jews escaping the Nazis in World War II, Syrians fleeing Aleppo, or Cubans making the perilous journey to the US, all must face harrowing obstacles. The graphic novel features rich character development and readers will sympathize and feel an emotional connection to the plight of the refugee families. The full color illustrations are riveting and lend context to the geographic areas and historical de...

Threat of the Spider (The Web of the Spider series) by Michael P. Spradlin Margaret K. McElderry Books (imprint of Simon & Schuster), 2025 Category: Middle Grade Reviewer: Judith S. Greenblatt   Buy at Bookshop.org   Germany, 1930. Twelve year old Ansel’s father has gone missing. No help will be had from the police, as his father was fighting for a free press in Germany. It’s up to Ansel and his friends. Ansel applies what he has learned from reading his favorite books, the “Dirk Goodly, Boy Detective” novels. First considering possible kidnappers, Ansel focuses on Hans and his friends in his town’s Hitler Youth chapter. Ansel, who is quick to speak up against what he sees as wrong, and who is smart and funny, has been Hans’s enemy for a long time. Enmity between the two boys grew as Hans became more arrogant and even more of a bully. Can Ansel be right? Threat of the Spider  is a fast paced and compelling story: readers will want to know what happened to Ansel’s fath...

What Louis Brandeis Knows: A Crusader for Social Justice Becomes a Supreme Court Justice by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Stacy Innerst Calkins Creek (imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers), 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Heidi Rabinowitz   Buy at Bookshop.org The life of lawyer Louis Brandeis is outlined in this picture book biography, from childhood to his appointment to the Supreme Court. His common sense approach to life is evoked through the repeated phrase "Any fool knows..." that all people should be treated equally, that joy is more important than wealth, and so on. We see Louis growing and learning, building his persuasive skills and fighting for justice. Key events in his life are touched upon briefly, and are later fleshed out in a thorough and fascinating endnote. We learn that Louis was not only significant for being the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, but that he set crucial precedents that have contributed greatly to the fairness of our demo...

My Sometimes Mistakes by Leah Chana Rubabshi, illustrated by Miriam Rooney Hachai Publishing, 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Ellie Grossman Cohen   Buy at Amazon.com One of the best perks of being a parent is teaching our children the same lessons we need to be reminded of—namely, the blessings of making mistakes that help us become better human beings. This important Jewish concept of teshuva is the storyline in this picture book, which contains Jewish nuggets of wisdom that resonate with young children without being over their heads. In this engaging story, a boy learns something new every time he makes a mistake. Through rhyming and clever text, accompanied by colorful, expressive illustrations, young children ages 2-5 will relate to the simple everyday mistakes that help the boy grow and learn and change his behavior. Every scenario has a resolution, and this pattern leads to healthy self esteem, especially in the context of a supportive, loving family depicted in the ...

Jewish Songs from Around the World illustrated by Lucille Ahrweiller Kalaniot Books, 2025 Category: Board Books Reviewer: Elizabeth Suneby   Buy at Bookshop.org   This book has it all: songs to listen to in Hebrew, Yiddish, and Ladino, written transliterated lyrics to follow along with, joyous, colorful illustrations, and a bit of history. Little ones will love pressing the button to hear the songs and will be mesmerized by the detailed drawings. Grownups will likely be happy to hear familiar songs and learn about new ones, and they will appreciate the context provided for each song. The book helps keep traditional traditional Jewish music alive! (I wish there were one song that was sung in English. Maybe a series is in order!) This book definitely feels authentically Jewish and will likely appeal to Jewish people predominately. It offers some diversity with songs from Eastern Europe, Israel, and Spain.    ARE YOU INTERESTED IN REVIEWING BOOKS FOR THE SYDNEY TAYLOR ...

Say Shalom All Day Long by Elizabeth Suneby, illustrated by Elke Boschinger PJ Publishing, 2025 Category: Board Books Reviewer: Shanna Silva   Buy at Amazon.com Say Shalom All Day Long is a basic introduction to the three meanings of the word “shalom:” hello, goodbye, and peace. With a simple, predictable structure, a day in the life of a child unfolds, with each activity contextually showing the three meanings. Hellos and goodbyes are used as time markers. The connotation of “peace” is shown in nature, self-care, and friendship. Kids will easily understand “shalom” through the word repetition and art. Lovely, detailed illustrations accompany the sparse text, urging the reader to pause before the page turn, as a closer look at the art is merited. Two spreads are reminiscent of the classic book, Goodnight Moon , taking place in the child’s bedroom. The details sing here, giving a sense of the child’s personality and interests. However, I would like to have seen more Judaica displ...

Mazel Tov, Baby! by Dara Henry, illustrated by Varda Livney Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2025 Category: Board Book Reviewer: Ellen Scolnic   Buy at Bookshop.org This adorable board book would be a wonderful gift for any new baby. The light, playful rhymes urge readers to “clap with me” and “blow a kiss” while illustrating the milestones of a baby’s days. The repeating “mazel tov” as baby grows and accomplishes these feats adds to the interaction. The book has cute drawings of multi-ethnic babies and flaps to encourage listeners to interact with the book. The engaging, friendly illustrations go perfectly with the fun, happy text. The Jewish representation in the book is authentic and adorable - from the multi-ethnic babies to the "little matzah ball" bib one of them is wearing. It is casual Judaism, because it is limited to the congratulatory "mazel tovs" offered to the babies - but it is joyful. You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy this book.   ARE YOU INTERESTED...

How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler: The Story of American Artistry and Deception in World War II by Rebecca Siegel Peachtree, 2025 Category: Middle Grade Reviewer: Stacey Rattner   Buy at Bookshop.org   Before reading this book, if you had asked me about the Ghost Army I would have looked at you quizzically. Now I am grateful that I am educated and that so many young people will have the opportunity to become educated as well. As evidenced by the author’s extensive bibliography, a substantial amount of research went into writing this narrative nonfiction middle grade, which is greatly appreciated. In January 1944, a United States army unit of deception was created with a diverse group of creative, smart and talented soldiers. The secret Ghost Army was made up of not only visual artists, fashion enthusiasts, film and theatre set designers, but also coal miners and bartenders and everyone in between. The Ghost Army used their talents to distract the Germans with deception oper...

Banana Menorah by Lee Wind, illustrated by Karl West Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House), 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Lila Spitz   Buy at Bookshop.org Banana Menorah is guaranteed to get kids and parents laughing out loud and talking about unique menorah materials and shapes. When a Jewish family of three arrives at their Hanukkah beach vacation, they realize that they did not pack a menorah in their luggage. While this is disappointing, the young narrator does not despair. They cleverly use their problem solving skills and create a temporary menorah by placing candles in a banana for the first night of Hanukkah. This inventive solution is used for the second and third nights of Hanukkah when a bowl of granola and some aluminum foil are molded into the shape of a menorah. Then, on the fourth night of Hanukkah, they return home to light each one of their three “traditional” menorahs. Afterwards, the child of the family expresses their fond memories of cr...

Construction Site Hanukkah Lights: A Hanukkah Lift-the-Flap Book by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Shawna J.C. Tenney Chronicle Books, 2025 Category: Board Books Reviewer: Lila Spitz   Buy at Bookshop.org This lift-the-flap board book is a charming and culturally appropriate addition to the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series. The text bolds specific words to show emphasis and includes developmentally appropriate rhymes which give the book a sing-song tone when read aloud. The illustrations are drawn in the same fun style and high contrast colors-yellow, red, and orange- as other books in the series. The seven machines celebrate Hanukkah by participating in cultural and religious traditions such as building a menorah, lighting candles, and gifting gelt. Additionally, the cement mixer creatively sculpts a huge dreidel in recognition of its importance within the Hanukkah story. This delightful book would be a wonderful gift for Jewish and non-Jewish toddlers this 2...

The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Leanne Hatch Clarion Books (imprint of HarperCollins), 2025 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Freidele Galya Soban Biniashvili   Buy at Bookshop.org   The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah is exactly as its title suggests, and also so much more. A collection of eight free verse poems, one for each night of Hanukkah, each poem centers around the candles themselves and is followed by a thought for that particular night. These thoughts pack in a lot of interesting and useful information that may be new for some readers. For example, the thought for the fourth night explains that the Hanukkah candles are lit on Friday night before the Shabbat candles are lit. The thought for the sixth night describes the placing of the candles from right to left in the hanukkiah and lighting them from left to right (although the illustrations for that night and the last night may be interpreted as depicting the...