Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education

Educational Resources

Jewish Book Read-In

New Books for 2002/5763

Compiled by Nancy M. Messinger,
Director of Educational Resources

For Children Ages 5 - 7

The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue - A Yiddish Folk Tale by Edith Tarbescu, illustrated by Judith Christine Mills. New York, NY: Barefoot Books, 2000.

When the widow’s son sticks out his tongue once too often, he finds himself in trouble. But the kind-hearted folk of the little Hungarian village are quick to rally around.

Cain & Abel by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, illustrated Joani Keller Rothenberg. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2001.

In a world often hurt by violence, this retold Biblical story gives children and adults a starting point for discussing anger and its effects on those around us.

The Littlest Pair by Sylvia Rouss, illustrated by Holly Hannon. New York, Jerusalem: Pitspopany, 2002.

Winner of the 2002 National Jewish Book Award for Best Children’s Picture Book. Will the animals let the termites onto Noah’s wooden Ark? After all, termites eat wood, don’t they?

Mr. and Mrs. Noah by Lois Lenski. New York, NY: Random House, 2002.

Mr. and Mrs. Noah are told to build an ark. Together with their three sons - Shem, Ham, and Japeth - the family gathers two of each animal and saves them from the coming flood.

When I Fell into My Kiddush Cup by Sashi Fridman, illustrated by Sarah Kranz. Brooklyn, NY: Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, 1999.

Adventure of a small boy who falls into his kiddush cup and is transported to Kiddush Cup Land , where he discovers all the sacred uses of wine in Judaism.

Why the Snake Crawls on Its Belly by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Allen Davis. New York, Jerusalem: Pitspopany, 2001.

A fable/modern midrash based on the Biblical story of Adam and Eve and Nahash, the snake. Accompanied by brilliantly colored illustrations.

For Children Ages 8 - 10

Daughters of Fire: Heroines of the Bible by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning artist, Uri Shulevitz. New York, NY: Harcourt Brace, 2001.

Eleven stories about women of the Bible who influenced the course of Jewish history through their courageous actions.

Grandma Esther Remembers by Ann Morris. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 2002.

In Manhattan and Brooklyn, two Jewish girls learn about their heritage from their grandmother, who was born in Lithuania, escaped during World War II, and lived for a while in Israel.

Rivka’s Thanksgiving by Elsa Okon Rael. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2001.

Fictionalized account of the author’s first Thanksgiving in American as an eight-year-old Jewish immigrant from Poland at the turn of the century. She recounts the wisdom of her rebbe as she becomes part of American culture.

Too Young for Yiddish by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Neil Waldman. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing, 2002.

When Aaron was a boy his Grandpa, or Zayde, would not teach him Yiddish, but as an adult, Aaron longs to learn the language and history of the old country from Zayde and his many books.

For Children Ages 11 - 13

Angels Sweep the Desert Floor: Bible Legends about Moses in the Wilderness by Miriam Chaiken, illustrated by Alexander Koshkin. New York, NY: Clarion Books, 2002.

A collection of 18 stories, based on the Bible and Midrash, which tells how the angels responded to God’s commands to ease the way for Moses and the Israelites as they crossed the wilderness on their journey to reach the land of Israel.

Anne Frank: A Hidden Life by Mirjam Pressler. New York, NY: Penguin/Pressler, 2001.

This companion to the diary examines the history of the now-famous journal. It offers a great deal of biographical information about the cast of characters in the attic, and discusses in detail the world of the "secret annex."

The Burning Light by Betsy Ramsay, illustrated by Avi Katz. Jerusalem/New York: Pitspopany Press, 2002.

The Burning Light transports two children, Gidon and Galit, back in time to be witnesses and part of the Maccabees’ rebellion against the Greeks. Based on historical facts, it recreates the spirit and excitement of the Hanukkah story.

Forged in Freedom: Shaping the Jewish-American Experience by Norman Finkelstein. Philadelphia, PA: The Jewish Publication Society, 2002.

A history in words and photos of the development of the American Jewish community and its contributions to American culture, politics, and economics in the 20th century. Includes a bibliography, timeline and index.

The Promised Land: The Birth of the Jewish People by Neil Waldman. Honesdale, PA: Boyd’s Mill Press, 2002.

The story of the Jewish people from Abraham to Moses retold in engaging story format incorporating Biblical quotes. Illustrated by the author using modern and ancient motifs.

For Families

The Jewish Family Fun Book: Holidays Projects, Everyday Activities, and Travel Ideas with Jewish Themes by Danielle Dardashti and Roni Sarig. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2002.

A celebration of Jewish living, this Jewish family source book includes creative holiday projects, weekday activities, and travel ideas with Jewish themes. More than 85 easy-to-do activities that guide families into enjoying being Jewish.

Of Times Past: Grandmother to Grandchild - Transmit the Past: Link to the Future by Arlene Chavel and Sara Farkas. Jerusalem, Israel: Targum/Feldheim Press, 2002.

One can create beautiful personal keepsakes and preserve precious memories by using the fill-in forms for family history, traditions, recipes, and holiday celebrations provided in this guidebook.

Tastes of Jewish Tradition: Recipes, Activities and Stories for the Whole Family by Jody Hirsh, Idy Goodman, Aggie Goldenholz and Susan Roth. Milwaukee, WI: Harry & Rose Samson Family, Jewish Community Center, 2002.

This is an exciting and invaluable resource for families who want to both understand why and how to celebrate Jewish holidays. Much more than just a cookbook!