Leia Bleich’s imaginative story will strike a chord with any youngster who feels that his or her space has been invaded by a younger sibling.  With humor and empathy, she describes the little boy’s anger and frustration.  C. B. Berger’s bright, colorful illustrations capture the characters’ facial expressions and body language.  Little details like the kitchen curtains matching the altered night sky are precious.  Even though the story is written for a religious Jewish audience, the message is a universal one. This book is a storytime treasure, and kids will enjoy reading it on their own.  Ages 4-7

Published by Feldheim Publishers in 2011

However, when the Gordons are finally reunited in America, they discover that their journey is only beginning.  Mamme and Tcharna are dismayed that Tatte works on Shabbos: Tatte, who protested against those who came to America and lost their religious observance?  Even more baffling, the head of the family insists that keeping Shabbos has no place here.  New friends like the Ostroffs and Rabbi and Rebbetzin Pinsker provide much-needed spiritual strength as Tcharna acclimates to life in America.  And it is a life fraught with difficulties.  Making a living.  Dealing with labor unrest.  Coping with her father’s impatience with her dedication to Shabbos observance.  Wondering if she will ever be able to marry without a dowry and with so few observant young men available.  But, when all seems hopeless, an unrelated chain of events occurs that marks the beginning of change, culminating in a knock on the door one Shabbos afternoon…

Henye Meyer, the author of two previous historical novels, has penned a realistic portrayal of life in early-twentieth-century Eastern Europe and New York.  The reader feels the hope, despair, confusion, and awe that the newcomers to this country experienced as they made their way in their new home.  The atmosphere of the Lower East Side—the crowded streets, the tenements, even the unbearable summer heat–is palpable.  Tcharna is a strong, likable heroine readers will cheer for every step of the way.  This is one story you will not soon forget.

Published in 2012 by Israel Bookshop Publications

When Victricia’s bungling efforts result in catastrophe, the buccaneers vote to put her ashore on an island—until a frightening turn of events changes the mishap into a fortunate occurrence, and transforms the misfit into a hero.  This is the young landlubber-wanna-be’s chance to make her dream come true: “Vic opened a bookstore for young lads and lasses/with Sea Story hours and A-B-C classes.”  And her family? “…though they’re still pirates/they’re not quite barbarians–/NOW they’re the world’s first/seafaring librarians!”

This rollicking tale, told in witty rhyme by Carrie Clickard, is sure to delight readers and listeners.  Mark Meyers’ hilarious illustrations are in keeping with the spirit of the story. Little extras—like the book title, Don’t Let the Pigeon Steer the Ship—add to fun.  So, me hearties, hurry and get a copy of this treasure for your very own.

Published in June 2012 by Flashlight Press

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As the story opens, the Hag has been reduced to operating a boarding house for fellow magical creatures.  Missing the old days, the elderly lady is thrilled to learn of an upcoming annual convention.  The attendees are always given a special, usually pleasant task. But this year, things are different. The Hag and her companions are ordered to travel to a distant castle, slay the ogre who resides there, and free the princess he is holding captive. So, the reluctant trio–the Hag, a troll, and a wizard–make the journey, accompanied by Ivo, an ordinary human boy who insists on joining them.

However, when the rescuers arrive, they discover that the situation is not what they were led to expect. It is not the princess who needs rescuing, but a despondent ogre who wants nothing more than to be left alone in his misery. As the Hag and her companions uncover the truth about the state of affairs at Oglefort, it becomes obvious that their mission is quite a different one than anticipated. However, accomplishing their goal is not going to be easy: not only is the ogre unwilling to cooperate, but the rescuers must face some very sinister ghosts and an army sent by the king to bring his daughter home. How the magical trio and their young companion–with more than a little help from the princess and some new friends–make everything come out all right makes for a can’t-put-it-down story with a delightful dose of vintage Ibbotson humor.  Lisa K. Weber’s black-and-white illustrations perfectly capture the mood of the story.

Readers who have not read any of Eva Ibbotson’s other tongue-in-cheek fantasies will definitely want to check out treasures like The Secret of Platform 13 and Not Just a Witch.  Both newcomers to the author and those who have had the pleasure of reading her wonderful books will be happy to discover that a new Ibbotson fantasy, entitled The Abominables, is to be published in England in July.  Hopefully, it will be available this side of the pond before too long!

Published by Dutton Juvenile in 2011

Read more reviews and buy The Ogre of Oglefort on Amazon: The Ogre of Oglefort

Puah Shteiner and her husband are returning home.  After the taxi driver drops the couple off at the family’s house in Jerusalem’s Old City, she looks at her old-new neighborhood through tear-filled eyes.  In the ten years since Israel liberated this part of the holy city from the Arabs following the 1967 Six-Day War, Puah has watched the rebirth of her childhood home from the destruction it suffered–and now it is hers once again.  As the mother re-acclimates, her thoughts drift back to the terrible days leading up to the surrender and forced evacuation of her beloved domicile.  She takes us along on the journey to that unforgettable time.

When the Bergman family first moves to the Old City, Puah is four years old.  Even at that young age, she quickly learns that the situation in Israel is a difficult one.  The British who control the country are not exactly friendly, and the Jewish military underground groups do not agree on the best approach to deal with matters.  Even the children who gather to play in the neighborhood lot take sides and heatedly debate the question.  And Puah’s looked-forward-to excursions with her Imma to the Arab shuk turn sour as the United Nations votes on Israeli independence.  As the once-amiable shopkeepers show their true feelings for their Jewish customers, the frightened little girl begs her mother never to buy there again.

But the worst is yet to come.  A British-imposed curfew threatens to strand some of the family outside the Old City.  The dangerous atmosphere at home impels young Puah and her sister Naomi to live with their grandparents in the New City for months, until their father gives in to their homesickness and reunites the family.  Then the fateful day arrives: May 14, 1948, the 5^th of the Jewish month of Iyar, when the partition plan goes into effect.  No sooner does the last British soldier leave than seven Arab states attack the fledgling nation with the intent of utterly destroying it.  The Bergman family, along with many others, spend terrifying days holed up in hiding places throughout the Old City as Jewish soldiers engage bloodthirsty Arabs in battle.  It all seems for naught: for the Arab Legion invades their home, and the Jews are compelled to surrender and evacuate.  Puah and Naomi despair: their beloved Abba is now a prisoner of war!  When will they, and their younger siblings, see him again?

Author Puah Shteiner’s fast-paced story makes the reader feel like he or she is actually in Jerusalem during this tumultuous time.  One senses the fear, longing, despair, and hope of every player in this real-life drama.  It is a must-read for this season spanning Yom Hazikaron (Israel Memorial Day), Israel Independence Day, and Yom Yerushalayim (commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem).  Yet, history buffs and those who love inspiring tales will enjoy this thrilling story any time of the year. Ages 12 up

Published by Feldheim Publishers in 1987

Check out this site for more info about this timeless treasure: http://www.feldheim.com/forever-my-jerusalem.html

Yael Zoldan has written a delightful introduction to tefillah (the Hebrew word for prayer) that young children will relate to. Large print with plenty of white space and only one or two sentences on each page make this not only a perfect read-aloud but ideal for a beginning reader. Vibrantly colored, cheerful illustrations by Shira Allen complement the text and add to the kid-friendliness. This treasure is a must for families with preschoolers, and belongs on the shelves of every library serving young children. Another winner from the author-illustrator team that gave us We Can Do Mitzvos from Aleph to Tav. Ages 1-6

However, this is also Vietnam, and the army of the North is closing in on Saigon.  To make matters more difficult, 10-year-old Kim Ha, her mother, and her older brothers have not seen her Navy officer father since he disappeared many years before.  Along with the growing uncertainty that the family will ever be reunited is the increasing certainty that they must leave their beloved homeland. So, with varying degrees of reluctance, Ha and her family manage to board a ship and begin their journey to America.

For the intelligent, sensitive ten-year-old, who tells this story in free verse, and her mother and brothers, arriving in the United States is only the beginning of the struggle. After a sponsor takes them to his home in Alabama, Ha begins school. Not only must she grapple with the difficulties of the English language and its pronunciation, there is the condescending attitude of both teacher and students to contend with:

“MiSSS SScott
points to me,
then to the letters
of the English alphabet.
I say
A B C and so on.
She tells the class to clap.
I frown.
MiSSS SScott
points to the numbers
along the wall.
I count up to twenty.
The class claps
on its own.
I’m furious,
unable to explain
I already learned
fractions
and how to purify
river water.
So this is
what dumb
feels like.
I hate, hate, hate it.”

However, the misunderstanding does not stop there. The South in the 1970s is only a decade away from desegregation, and racial differences are strongly felt. Ha observes that white and black children do not eat together: so where does she belong? It is for no small reasons that she wishes she were back in Vietnam, believing her home country at war to be preferable to Alabama in peacetime.

Thanhha Lai’s blockbuster novel, based on her own experiences, takes the reader into the mind and heart of Kim Ha. We feel every frustration, longing, and hope along with the strong-willed young protagonist. This story is a natural for multicultural and Vietnam War units. Yet, readers will enjoy the novel because of its themes of family, loyalty, bullying, inner strength, and hope. A winner. Ages 10-14

Published by HarperCollins in 2011

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Maggie loves horses, but her parents always say they cost too much.  When the family sees Mrs. Blenkinsop’s sign, they decide to take a look.  Maggie (even though she knows better) falls in love with Bramble at first sight, and the little horse–while resolving to be as picky as ever–finds herself returning the girl’s affection.  An excited Maggie returns home to prepare for her new companion.

When Bramble arrives, Maggie introduces her to her wonderful new home.  But there are many strange things here.  What is that tall animal with long legs?  When Maggie calls it a swingset, Bramble is reassured–until she sees the snake.  Even when she snorts and stamps her foot, it does not move!  Maggie shows her what a garden hose does; but after Bramble takes a drink, she still bites it to remind it not to become a snake again.  As day turns into evening, Maggie and Bramble share the closeness of a girl who finally has a horse of her own and a horse who finally has a person of her own.  As Maggie drifts off to sleep in her sleeping bag outside Bramble’s stall, she thinks, “I have a horse…And she has me.”

Jessie Haas tells her warm story in four short chapters, making this a perfect choice for kids ready to move beyond picture books. Horse lovers will enjoy this delightful book, but it will appeal to any child who likes pleasant friendship stories.  Alison Friend’s bright, expressive illustrations portray human and equine emotions and body language perfectly.  Bramble and Maggie are sure to become favorites for both storytime and reading alone.  52 pages.  Ages 7-9

Published by Candlewick Press in 2012

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So begins the marvelous pictorial correspondence between Elliott, an American boy, and Kailash, who lives in India. The youngsters compare many details of their lives–families, favorite classes, alphabets, and more. With each new picture and message from his friend, Kailash comments (using a common expression) that their worlds are “same, same, but different.” The boys conclude that “We’re best friends…even though we live in two different worlds. Or do we?”

Stunning, brilliantly hued art work by author Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw vividly portrays the environments in which Elliott and Kailash live. Illustrations on following and facing pages detailing aspects of life in their respective communities bring home the message of this magnificent book. It all ties together with a double-page spread featuring each boy’s drawings surrounding an image of his sleeping friend. With a winning combination of lovely art, simple yet eloquent language, and timely (and timeless) lesson, this book is a marvel. Ages 7-9

Published by Henry Holt and Company in 2009

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Once upon a time (naturally), a beautiful princess lived in a castle with her royal parents and fairy godmother and NO BEARS.  Not only were there no bears in the castle, there were none anywhere in the kingdom, or the next one, or the one after that.  However, in a land far away, there was a monster who wanted to capture the princess.  So the creature traveled to the castle, sneaked in, and snatched her away.  When the princess cried for help, she was rescued–and the king and queen threw a party for the fairy godmother, “because everyone knew she was the one who had saved the princess with her fantastical magic powers.”  Or was she?

As Ella concludes her story, she believes this is the best book ever: “Because there were NO BEARS in it.  NOT ONE!”  However, readers and listeners will delightedly point out the presence of a bear clad in a green honeybee-decorated dress, who makes her appearance at the beginning of the book–and, unknown to either the narrator or (at first) any of the characters, becomes an integral part of the plot.  Her request for secrecy by a finger on the snout and other subtle actions add to the giggle quality of this story.  Appearances by Little Red Riding Hood and other storybook characters increase the fun.  Leila Rudge’s bright, humorous illustrations are spot-on.  This gem is sure to become a read-aloud and read-alone favorite, and might spark interest in young writers creating their own literary masterpieces.  Ages 4-7

Published by Candlewick Press in 2012

Read more reviews and buy No Bears on Amazon: No Bears