Little Flicker is always cheering his friends on with words of encouragement and support. But as the smallest candle in the box, why should he be chosen to be the shammash in the Hanukkah menorah? Isn't the job of lighting all the other candles too big for him? As it turns out, it's the size of your heart that matters, and in that department, Little Flicker is huge!

The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story

Children's Books

Olitzky, Kerry Rabbi

Olitzky, Jesse Rabbi

Animals

Kalaniot Books

Every Shabbat Jacob and his horse Soosie set out to deliver Ezra and Esther's delicious challahs to their Jerusalem neighbors. But what happens when Jacob is sick? Will everyone get their challah in time for Shabbat? This heart-warming story is based on the history of Angel Bakery, the oldest commercial bakery in Israel. Charming illustrations capture picturesque turn of the century Jerusalem and its eclectic group of residents.

Soosie: The Horse That Saved Shabbat

Lehman-Wilzig, Tami

Based on stories handed down from the past, The Rabbi and the Painter tells of the unique relationship between the 15th Century Rabbi Judah Areyeh di Modena and the Venetian painter Tintoretto. Modena's interests extended far beyond the typical confines of the ghetto's synagogue life to the secular world around him, while Tintoretto breaks all the artistic rules of the Renaissance with his mannerist painting style. In The Rabbi and the Painter we are transported to a place where cultures mixed to create a breathtaking masterpiece.

The Rabbi and the Painter

Weiss, Shoshana

Biographies

Review\nAlmost every picture in this Israeli import looks like a celebration.The animals on Noah's Ark could be having a wild rumpus. In fact, all the animals in this collection of Bible stories smile more often than they do in nature. Even when Eve is plucking fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, a crowd of beasts gathers around enthusiastically to watch. The darkest scenes in the book tend to be accompanied by moments of joy. The chapter about Joseph climaxes with Joseph presumed dead and his father weeping, but the final paragraph begins: “This is all very important and all very interesting. But what is far more important and interesting is that after many years, Joseph and his brothers met again.” Shalev seems to have selected the six stories for their drama and left out anything that isn't brisk and entertaining. The story of Noah, for example, omits the raven. But he sometimes adds tiny, enchanting details. His description of the abandoned Tower of Babel says that “the angels would play hide-and-seek in it, and birds built their nests inside.” Luzzati's illustrations use so many bright colors that even Joseph's sale into slavery looks faintly joyous, with the merchants, at least, smiling. Both the author and the artist seem to take delight from the simple power of the stories. Most human characters have paper-white skin and rosy cheeks.This book is less a religious experience than a celebration of storytelling. ― Kirkus Reviews, September 2021\nThis book offers an engaging telling of six biblical stories (five from Genesis and one from Exodus) as interpreted by the iconic Israeli author Meir Shalev. The English translation by Ilana Kershan, a writer steeped in Jewish heritage, is both natural and nuanced. The luminous illustrations by the Italian artist Emanuele Luzzati will ignite the imagination of readers of all ages. The narratives in this sophisticated picture book are well-suited to middle-grade readers, with exchanges between the biblical heroes made relatable for young readers: in the chapter about Adam and Eve, “The two of them looked at each other, blushed, and then burst out laughing.” There are also imaginative flourishes, such as the description of the appearance of the Tower of Babel in the aftermath of its destruction: “The tower remained there alone and abandoned. At first the angels would play hide-and-seek in it, and birds built their nests inside....” The story-telling goes beyond the plot of the passages, with the morals presented in ways that are reassuring and not pedantic. It is also clear that we are reading only a passage of a longer story in the drama of the Jewish people, with the future foreshadowed: “ After many years, Joseph and his brothers met again. And what is most important and interesting of all is that Joseph also met his father again... But that is another story, for another time.” This book is elegantly aligned with the values of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards. Each of the six chapters (The Tree of Knowledge, Noah's Ark, The Tower of Babel, Abraham and Sarah, Joseph and His Brothers, and Moses in the River) gently immerses the reader in beloved and foundational stories of Jewish heritage. Individually and collectively, the stories encourage the shaping of Jewish identity and “only connect” the prose and the passion (to borrow the words of E.M. Foster) This book is a worthy and mirthful introduction to biblical stories, and will retain the interest of those already familiar with the plot―including parents and teachers, who may choose to read it out loud to younger children. The book can easily glide through the libraries of varied denominations. The original Hebrew version was published in 1994, but the writing remains vivid. Best of all, this book may encourage English readers of all backgrounds to explore the original biblical texts. -- Eva L. Weiss ― Association of Jewish Libraries / Sydney Taylor Shmooze, November 29, 2021\nAcclaimed Israeli author Meir Shalev (who writes books for b

A Snake, a Flood, a Hidden Baby: Bible Stories for Children

Shalev, Meir

Religions

Review\nA young dancer discovers terpsichorean beauty at a Jewish wedding.Instead of dancing her solo at the ballet recital, Sarah has to attend her cousin's wedding. Defiantly dressed in her ballet costume, Sarah finds herself drawn in by the beautiful movements of the Jewish wedding ceremony. At the reception, the klezmer band plays as friends and family dance around the bride and groom. Sarah doesn't want to join in―it's not as graceful as ballet―but when her cousin pulls her into the circle, Sarah loses herself in the music as she dances her solo at long last. The descriptive third-person narration provides natural pauses for questions and discussion during a read-aloud. While Sarah's love of dance is a major plot driver, this book is more about Jewish culture than ballet. Backmatter provides insight into Jewish wedding traditions. Unfortunately, there are two illustrations that incorrectly depict ballet positions and movements. Ballet inconsistencies aside, the celebratory illustrations are cheerful and inviting. They employ exuberant, sometimes squiggly, linework and a color palette contrasting rosy red with cool turquoise and blue. Main characters are drawn with pale pink skin; Sarah has red hair. Wedding guests and musicians include people of all ages with a variety of skin tones, hair colors/textures, and body shapes. One guest uses a wheelchair.Teaches about and celebrates Jewish religious and cultural wedding traditions. ― Kirkus Reviews, February 1, 2021\nWhen a child has been looking forward to a special event and has to miss it because of a family commitment, it is difficult to reassure her that life will go on ― especially one for which she has prepared and practiced, such as a music or dance recital. In this lovely story, young Sarah is disap-pointed to learn that her cousin's wedding conflicts with the long awaited recital at which she was to dance a solo. Nevertheless, off she goes to the wedding because family is family.During the wedding, Sarah observes many customs and traditions unique to a Jewish wedding. The bride circles the groom under a chuppah. There is lively hora-style dancing at which the bride and groom are lifted high up on chairs, gazing down at the crowd below. Music and dance are everywhere; the circling under the chuppah looks almost like a dance, and the circle dancing is inclusive and fun. The bride draws Sarah into the center of the circle to dance with her; Sarah, caught up in the joy of the moment, dances on and on. The guests applaud her with fervor and Sarah basks in the sound of the applause. Her concluding curtsy is elegantly executed. Sarah real-izes that she has performed her dance solo to an admiring audience! It seems that dreams can come true at unexpected times and in unanticipated ways.The story is as gracefully presented as a well-rehearsed dance number, and the illustrations whirl the story to even greater heights. The fancy bun atop Sarah's red hair and her puffy party dress are every aspiring young ballerina's dream. Homey Jewish touches include a menorah on the family bookshelf and an unmistakable aura of simcha at the wedding. The musicians ooze a klezmer vibe; one can practically hear the music coming off the page. The multicultural crowd, the wheelchair which looks right at home on the dance floor, the mix of young and old celebrating together, all transmit their gentle lessons subtly but clearly.A clever afterword is both a glossary of terms and a summary of the traditions found at a Jewish wedding, all of which the reader has encountered within the pages of the story. The descriptions incorporate the story itself, making this endnote feel woven into the text as an integral part of the book.The importance of celebrating milestones with family is highlighted and children (and adults, too) will be reminded that there are many ways to fulfill long-treasured dreams. -- Michal Hoschander Malen ― Jewish Book Council, March 1, 2021\nSarah's Solo by Tracy Brown definitely f

Sarah's Solo

Brown, Tracy

Arts, Music & Photography

When Max and Emily's spunky grandma comes from Israel for a Rosh Hashanah visit, she's got some surprises up her sleeve. Max just wants to hurry up and get started, but he learns that sometimes new traditions can be worth the wait.

Not So Fast, Max: A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma

Schottenfeld, Annette

Literature & Fiction

Review\nFor many children who regularly attend services at a synagogue, the person that makes them feel most welcome is not the rabbi or cantor but is instead the time-honored “Candy Man” or “Lollipop Lady,” the regular attendee who hands out free candy to any child who approaches. Though the idea of giving candy to entice children could be problematic, in The Candy Man Mystery, Rabbi Kerry Olitsky, author of Where's the Potty on this Ark? does a good job of showing that the reward is actually in the relationships and in the community, and not in the sweets. With the "mystery" of where the missing Candy Man went, the young reader is guided through the narrative in an age-appropriate manner, and is introduced to the people, places, and prayers that can be found and heard in the typical American synagogue. The narrative ends with a message that models important Jewish values of respecting the elderly and visiting the sick. In utilitarian illustrations by Christina Mattison Ebert, the images aptly display the mood of the narrative, adding some diversity that the text does not specify. Mattison Ebert also gives the young reader an added treat of prompting them to search on each page for the colorful candy always spilling from the Candy Man's pockets. In the narrative itself, while I applaud the stab at diversity, the inclusion of a teen leader teaching the Shema in American Sign Language seems a bit didactic and a departure from the story. The Candy Man Mystery fits the Sydney Taylor criteria of authentic, positive Jewish content, and is a serviceable, conventional book that allows those children comfortable in a synagogue to see themselves in a story. For those who are new to a Shabbat service, it provides a helpful introduction and welcome, just as the Candy Man does. Hopefully reading the book will not set up some unrealized expectations of finding piles of falling candy! -- Dena Bach ― The Association of Jewish Libraries / Sydeny Taylor Shmooze, September 27, 2021\nWhat would synagogue attendance be like for a child without the venerable institution of the highly respected candy man (or sometimes candy woman)? The candy man is a fixture in many synagogues, and everyone seems to know who he is and that his pockets are filled with delicious treats that he loves to distribute. The candy man sweetens the synagogue experience for the community's children and is esteemed by all.In The Candy Man Mystery, Mr. Sharansky, the candy man at Josh's synagogue, also told silly jokes, taught the children words in his native Russian, helped the adults build the sukkah, participated in kitchen duties, and worked in the gift shop. Everyone loved Mr. Sharansky! One day Mr. Sharansky was nowhere to be found. Josh and his sister, Becky, searched everywhere. They asked the cantor if she knew where he was, but she had no idea. They asked the leader of the junior congregation, who was teaching the younger children to sign the Shema in American Sign Language, but she didn't know either. A group of Mr. Sharansky's pals were also in the dark about the whereabouts of their friend. The rabbi, when asked, was the only one who knew that Mr. Sharansky had been taken ill. The children and their parents, performing the important mitzvah of bikur cholim, visiting the sick, went to visit their dear friend in the hospital after services. Knowing how sad Mr. Sharansky had been to miss services, the children sang the Adon Olam right in his hospital room, and then Josh reached into his pocket and gave Mr. Sharansky a piece of candy he had been saving to sweeten the day of his elderly friend.This is a story filled with heart, with joy, and with the love of good deeds. A kind, generous gentleman who spent his days making people happy was treated to the same warmth and caring he regularly showed others. The values of giving, visiting the sick, community service, and inclusion are highlighted, providing myriad gen-tle lessons for the reader to absorb. The color illustrat

The Candy Man Mystery

Review\nIn perfectly rhyming, rhythmic quartets and with remarkable color illustrations that evoke spectacular Israeli landscapes, Alice Blumen-thal McGinty and Rotem Teplow express pride in Israel's many accomplishments, joy in its beautiful scenery, admiration of its diverse population, and respectful recognition of its unique place in both reality and the imagination. The rhyming quartets, told from a child's perspective, alternate with pithy prose paragraphs that describe Israel and guide young readers through its varied and fascinating features.Bustling modern cities, ancient historic sites, and rural country locales are all appealingly described along with colorful marketplaces, innovative high-tech businesses, and spectacular landscapes. Ethiopian Jews and other Jews of color, nomadic Bedouins, tradition-al Jewish families of many kinds, and proud Arab-Israeli Muslims appear in these pages, drawing a variegated and realistic picture of Israel's population, each group maintaining its own thriving culture but all joining together as proud Israeli citizens.Israel is portrayed as a special place where biblical stories come alive, preservation of nature is given careful attention, and daily life is pro-ductive and meaningful. In a world in which much inconsistent, incorrect, and badly skewed information about Israel is easy to find, this lyrical-yet-realistic portrayal is a much-needed addition to the picture book genre. The poems, descriptions, and illustrations present an Israel recognizable to those who live there and know it well; a country of complexity that is both ultra-modern and ancient, innov-ative and spiritual, energetic and peaceful. -- Michal Hoschander Malen ― Jewish Book Council, December 10, 2021\nThis is the perfect book for introducing the diversity that exists in Israel. In gentle rhymes and careful detailed illustrations, the young picture book reader is introduced to Israel's bustling city life, kibbutz life, Bedouin life, Arab/Muslim life, Christian life, and Jewish life, all coexisting. Even the cats in Israel play a part in this book, along with the history of how there came to be so many cats. Theres's the varied geography of this nation (the size of New Jersey), the Negev's geography, and the story of Israel's farms and fields, and animals. A double page spread for the tourist enhances the reader's inclusion in Israel's story. Some books have back matter for the parent or teacher; this book offers additional information in a small paragraph accompanying each double page spread, which greatly enhances each section in an immediate way. While not a Jewish book per se, Jewish life is one of the topics covered in this picture book. It's not a religious book; there's no mention of the Kotel, but as each ethnicity living in Israel is mentioned, there's a Jewish family life scene that's very informative. Inclusive books about Israel are much-needed within the children's literature. -- Sandy Wasserman ― Association of Jewish Libraries / Sydney Taylor Shmooze, August 19, 2021\nFor reasons perhaps better left to speculation elsewhere, Israel-infused kidlit doesn't appear on as many book lists as it should, in both mainstream and Jewish contexts. But given the current emphasis on diversity and inclusion within both broader cultural discussions and the Jewish-book world itself, stories set in Israel―many of which feature Jews of color, Sephardic and/or Mizrahi Jews, disabled Jews, and more―are particularly worth acknowledgment and amplification. Moreover, the latest data reveal that the plurality of the world's Jews (6.93 of 15.2 million people) now lives in Israel. Lists that neglect Israel-infused books thus suffer from a dual flaw: They present incomplete pictures of contemporary Jewish life and identity while also foregoing valuable opportunities to enrich important, ongoing conversations.Here [is a] recent picture book worthy of attention in this regard, whether during Jewish Book Month (the 5782/2021 vers

My Israel and Me

Blumenthal McGinty, Alice

Review\nA breezy melody drifts through the air, seeking another creation to share its existence. Personified elements give a variety of excuses for rejecting the connection, Mountains give no reply, stones try but fail to join the singing, river can't slow down, crow is afraid he will be transformed, mole prefers isolation and horse fears ridicule. Melody asks itself universal questions, “What is my purpose if no one will listen? Why am I here? Whose am I?” Finally, a mother shares the melody with her baby as a lullaby. This is a lovely parable of the midrash of many nations being offered but refusing the gift and responsibilities of the Torah, with the final acceptance by the Jewish people. It is also a parable for seeking friendship in the face of rejection, as well as transmission of heritage through the generations.The gentle digital artwork enhanced with manual textures seamlessly connects the lyrical text with the soothing mood while page turns dynamically move the story forward. Originally published in Hebrew, the careful translation maintains the flavor of the tale.This is a wonderful book for all young children, perfect for baby's bedtime, story times with the theme of friendship, and a great addition to the holiday of Shavuot. -- Suzanne Grossman, Reviewer, Association of Jewish Libraries ― Sydney Taylor Shmooze, March 16, 2022\n"Oded Burla's THE MELODY is a beautifully told story about a song melody that is looking for someone to listen to it….Assaf Benharroch contributed his talents as an illustrator with beautifully colored illustrations…" -- Cindy Hewitt, Reviewer ― Hub Pages, March 26, 2022\nAuthor Oded Burla uses this simplistic story to make a statement about how the Torah was accepted by the Jews and shared for generations. This beautifully illustrated story can be read at bedtime or any time. Parents and teachers can use this tool to teach about Jewish culture. -- Kristi Bernard, Reviewer ― Kristi's Book Nook\nA beautiful story of a melody in search of a home. It travels around asking the mountains, the rocks, and even the animals to welcome it but they all have no use for a simple melody. The melody is lost until it happens upon a mother and child and discovers right where it belongs. ⁠This touching story stands alone but a note from the author explains that it also echoes the Jewish people embracing the Torah and serves as a beautiful reminder to share it. -- Charlotte Offsay, Reviewer ― Picture Book Recommendations, March 7, 2022\nThis is such a sweet book! I love the story of the melody searching for its purpose in the world. It almost has a fairy-tale legend kind of style, since even the mountains, rocks, and rivers are personified.The illustrations are very bright and colorful, with interesting figures in the background of each scene. The rocks and trees have big eyes and wide mouths. It's so cute! -- Kailey Bradley ― Luminous Libro, March 18,2022\nThis seems to be a simple story of a melody in search of a singer, but look a little closer and you will find echoes of an ancient Jewish tale. According to a two-thousand-year-old commentary on the Bible, God offers the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, to all the people of the ancient world. Each nation decides not to accept the Torah because it cannot abide by its laws. But when the Torah is presented to the Jews on Mount Sinai, they welcome it. Ever since then, the Torah has been the song of the Jewish people, and in every generation its melodies are sung by new voices. 
A free downloadable activity guide that highlights the themes in this book is available on the Kalaniot Books website.

The Melody

Burla, Oded

Growing Up & Facts of Life

Review\n"While racing home with the family's matzoh for Passover, Ezra trips and all of the unleavened bread lands in a puddle. He and his younger sister, Roza, try to purchase more in the market, but with the Jewish holiday starting shortly, all of the vendors are sold out. The children arrive home with their heads hanging low, until their friendly and generous neighbor Mrs. Pirnazar offers to share her matzoh with them. When they find out that she will be spending the holiday alone, they invite her to join their family for the Passover seder. Delightful collage illustrations dominated by red, beige, and turquoise playfully depict a Jewish family in 1950s Iran. Roza helps her mother make the unique Persian charoset salad for the seder (the recipe is appended), and the family enjoys their meal sitting on the floor with all of the ritual food and items beautifully arranged on the sofreh (fabric). Readers will almost smell the parsley, mint, tarragon, and dill wafting through the bustling market. An author's note with additional information about Passover and the Jews of Persia is included, along with a helpful glossary of Hebrew and Persian terms. With so many picture books portraying the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe and North America...celebrates the diversity of Jewish culture and observance around the world, as well as illustrating the Jewish value of welcoming guests." -- Rachel Kamin, Reviewer ― School Library Journal, February 11, 2022\n"A Persian Passover will be a perfect source of learning and discussion in classrooms and homes, amongst kids of any background. I highly recommend this lively, diverse addition to the literature for children...and for everyone!" -- Briget Hodder, Reviewer ― Sydney Taylor Shmooze / Association of Jewish Libraries, April 6, 2022\n“A Persian Passover shares the distinct sights and traditions of the Iranian Jewish community…” -- Leah F. Finkelshteyn, Senior Editor ― Hadassah Magazine, March 2022\nA PERSIAN PASSOVER is…a coherent, beautiful and easy-to-read children’s book. One of the most striking aspects of A PERSIAN PASSOVER are the deliciously vibrant and colorful illustrations… 
-- Tabby Refael, Reviewer ― Jewish Journal, April 8, 2022\nEzra and Roza help their family prepare for Passover in 1950s Iran. Ezra's most important job is to take his family's flour to the matzah bakers in the synagogue courtyard. As he and his sister watch, the baker's pour in water, mix, knead, and bake the flour into matzah, in well under the 18-minute halachic requirement. The package of matzah in hand, they set out for home, but when Ezra tries to make it back in record time, he trips and falls, dropping his matzah in a puddle of water. Distraught, the children search the market for any vendor who might be selling matzah. With Passover looming, they receive scallions (to hit each other during Dayenu!), candied almonds (for an extra sweet holiday), but no matzah. Worried and upset, they stand outside their home wondering how to tell their parents that there will be no matzah this year. Their neighbor, Mrs. Pirnazar, walks by wishing them a Moadim Shalom (a happy holiday), and learns of their plight. Immediately she offers them her matzah, as she will be “celebrating alone this year.” The children invite her to share the Passover seder with their family. Vibrant and colorful illustrations, in a primitive style, bring this story to life. The seder “table,” an ornate sofreh, a cloth on which food is served, is carefully detailed and beautifully decorated with all the symbols of the holiday. The back of the book contains a short description of Passover, a glossary of the Hebrew and Persian words used throughout the text, a narrative about Jews in Persia, and a recipe for Hallaq, Persianstyle charoset. Filled with wonderful facts about an Iranian seder, this is a charming Passover story for young people and their families, and a rare look at a segment of Sephardic Jewish life. A great addition to the Passov

A Persian Passover

Basseri, Etan

Holidays & Celebrations

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Kalaniot Books publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Kalaniot Books