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May 24, 2002/Sivan 13 5762, Vol. 54, No. 36
Summer is perfect time to read aloud
BETH OLSON
Staff Writer
For parents who find it difficult to make time to read to their kids during the school year, summer break is a great opportunity to buy a few new books and spend some time reading together as a family. Here are four great titles for reading aloud.
"The Rabbi Who Flew" written and illustrated by Renate Dollinger (Books-mythe, $18 hardcover)
While I am usually drawn to a book by its text, I have a friend who always selects books for children based on the illustrations. She would love this book.
Each page of text is complemented by a richly colored painting depicting the villagers of the story who are vividly brought to life by this talented artist.
The story tells of a rabbi who prays so hard that he flies - to the delight of his congregation and to the dismay of the local shoemaker who notices holes in the rabbi's shoes. But the shoemaker, with the help of his young son Moshe, is able to provide new shoes for the rabbi without embarrassing the holy man.
This book is recommended for ages 3 and up.
"The Friday Nights of Nana" by Amy Hest, illustrated by Claire A. Nivola (Candlewick Press, $15.99 hardcover)
The illustration on the cover of this book represents the "perfect" Shabbat meal - a warm family gathering, where people of all ages are engaged in conversation and enjoying food and drink.
The story begins with Jennie and her grandmother spending the day preparing for Shabbat, from making beds to ironing to baking pies and challah. When preparations are complete, the two share lunch at a park and drink hot cocoa by the river before going to buy fresh flowers for the Sabbath table.
The two return to Nana's home to make the final preparations. As it begins to snow, the family arrives and the celebration begins.
This is a wonderful book that not only highlights the beauty of a traditional Shabbat, but also celebrates the relationship between grandparent and grandchild.
This book is recommended for ages 3-8.
"Shoes for Amélie" written by Connie Colker Steiner, illustrated by Denis Rodier (Lobster Press, $12.95 hardcover)
This is a short novel - 37 pages - that could easily be read aloud over a few evenings.
Set during World War II, this is the story of a French boy, Lucien, whose Protestant family is sheltering a young Jewish girl, Amélie. She is from the city and knows nothing about life in the country, so Lucien must teach her about farming life. The two develop a special bond, and Lucien decides to enlist the help of his grandfather to make a gift for Amélie - a gift Lucien never has the opportunity to give.
The story, told from Lucien's point of view, skillfully uses the language and perspective of a young boy, and the reader can sense his confusion over the complex issues of the time period.
This book is recommended for ages 7-12, or as a read aloud for ages 5-10.
"Be Not Far From Me: The Oldest Love Story" retold by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by David Diaz (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $25 hardcover)
If a school-age child was to have one book of Bible stories, this should be it. The stories, based on the Bible and the Midrash, are told in language that is clear and easy to read, yet none of the essential elements of the stories are left out. The dialogue is realistic and young readers will be drawn into the compelling tales.
The collection focuses on man's relationship with God over the history of humankind. This book, however, is not so much a spiritual text, as a collection of wonderful stories with heroes and heroines, villains, action, suspense and good triumphing over evil.
Also included are four colorful maps of the region at different points in history, as well as a timeline for the stories included in the collection.
This book is recommended for ages 8 and up, or as a read-aloud for ages 5-10.
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