<b>This deceptively simple story celebrates a year of
Jewish holidays using apples as the through line.</b> With sparse, rhyming text,
each spread celebrates a different Jewish holiday, beginning with Rosh Hashanah
and continuing through Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B’shevat, Purim,
Passover, and Shavuot. While the minimal text doesn’t explain much, each short
rhyme includes something about the holiday, whether it is the apples and honey
eaten on Rosh Hashanah or the trees planted on Tu B’Shevat. The illustrations
are collage style on solid white backgrounds. A fox, bear, and raccoon are
depicted fairly realistically, with a slightly cartoony feel. They wear no clothes,
but do sit at tables and wave flags. <b>The simple, bold illustrations pop on the
white backgrounds and will catch and engage the attention of toddlers and
preschoolers. The sparse text and bright illustrations would work equally well
for a story time or a one-on-one reading.</b> The lack of explanation makes this
book most effective for a knowledgeable Jewish adult to share with a child; the
general appeal of food and holidays will speak even to the uninitiated. Brief
back matter includes a short author’s note on the back cover. VERDICT <b>This will
be a welcome addition to Jewish schools and libraries looking for holiday books
for their youngest readers. Public libraries will benefit from including this
title as well.</b> PreS-K– <b> </b><b>–Amy Lilien-Harper, School Library Journal </b><p></p><b><br /></b><p></p><b>Apples join the joy of Jewish holiday celebrations in this
rollicking, perfectly rhymed journey through the Jewish year</b>. Traditional apple
treats include apples and honey for Rosh Hashanah, apple decorations for the
Sukkah, applesauce to accompany Hanukkah latkes, apples in the Passover
charoset and more, making this a book to share all year long. The artwork is
bright and cheery, with lots of holiday symbols. Lively animal characters
celebrating the special days will have young readers turning pages and coming
back for more. Yum!<br />
<br />
This book is eligible for Sydney Taylor Book Award consideration. The book has
literary merit with its spot-on, smoothly rhyming, memorable text. Bright,
lively digital art with adorable animal characters and bold clear text style
make this a perfect fit for children ages one through six. With its connection
to many Jewish holiday traditions, it has positive Jewish cultural content,
making it valuable for the Jewish community as well as a wonderful introduction
to Jewish holidays for children of all backgrounds. --<b>The Sydney Taylor Shmooze</b><p></p><p></p>