Reviews (9)

The Grace of Picasso; The Sensibility of Chagall
I'm a big fan of author/illustrator Patricia Polacco, and this book is one of the best of her incredible catalogue: It contains all the essential ingredients that go into a "Polacco." She returns here to her Michigan childhood, and her loving memories of her grandmother "Babushka." Polacco's detailed reminiscence describes how Babushka helped her overcome a fear of thunderstorms.

We identify with the frightened young heroine partly because Polacco so convincingly describes the power and noise of a Midwest thunderstorm. Gradually, Polacco shows how Babushka's patient, strong doses of hugs, distraction, reassurance, and the promise of a special treat gave her the self-confidence to face and surmount her fear. Analyze this too deeply and you'll recognize some basic child-rearing techniques, but Polacco infuses these with so much warmth that they seem to spring, sui generis, from some old folk wisdom held by Babushkas everywhere. The result is a genuinely exciting and lovingly told story enlivened by the fact that it is true.

Polacco's illustrations are a treasure. She has a unique style that combines American influences (Rockwell, American primitives, early cartoons) with eastern European folk art, all drawn in her trademark loopy style. She paints brightly colored, organic looking objects, people, and animals that convey emotion and invite empathy. This is a visual equivalent of a great short story, it seems that every color and line adds to the value of the narrative; yet her achievement remains informal and friendly; it never feels studied or precious. Polacco's sense of fun and tradition, her celebration of family, loved ones, and reminiscence, and her bold imagination remind me of Chagall (though not nearly as abstract.) As usual, she includes her signature goat drawings, recalling as well Chagall's animal motifs.

There's a satisfying warm glow one gets after reading this book; her other books evoke similar feelings. Although praised by many for her outstanding talents, I still somehow feel that she deserves even more recognition as one of the best ever children's book writers/illustrators. Enthusiastically recommended!

The Sensibility of Chagall; the Grace of Picasso
I'm a big fan of author/illustrator Patricia Polacco, and this book is one of the best of her incredible catalogue: It contains all the essential ingredients that go into a "Polacco." She returns here to her Michigan childhood, and her loving memories of her grandmother "Babushka." Polacco's detailed reminiscence describes how Babushka helped her overcome a fear of thunderstorms.

We identify with the frightened young heroine partly because Polacco so convincingly describes the power and noise of a Midwest thunderstorm. Gradually, Polacco shows how Babushka's patient, strong doses of hugs, distraction, reassurance, and the promise of a special treat gave her the self-confidence to face and surmount her fear. Analyze this too deeply and you'll recognize some basic child-rearing techniques, but Polacco infuses these with so much warmth that they seem to spring, sui generis, from some old folk wisdom held by Babushkas everywhere. The result is a genuinely exciting and lovingly told story enlivened by the fact that it is true.

Polacco's illustrations are a treasure. She has a unique style that combines American influences (Rockwell, American primitives, early cartoons) with eastern European folk art, all drawn in her trademark loopy style. She paints brightly colored, organic looking objects, people, and animals that convey emotion and invite empathy. This is a visual equivalent of a great short story, it seems that every color and line adds to the value of the narrative; yet her achievement remains informal and friendly; it never feels studied or precious. Polacco's sense of fun and tradition, her celebration of family, loved ones, and reminiscence, and her bold imagination remind me of Chagall (though not nearly as abstract.) As usual, she includes her signature goat drawings, recalling as well Chagall's animal motifs.

There's a satisfying warm glow one gets after reading this book; her other books evoke similar feelings. Although praised by many for her outstanding talents, I still somehow feel that she deserves even more recognition as one of the best ever children's book writers/illustrators.
Enthusiastically recommended!

The cat is the star!
This book is adorable! My daughter's second-grade teacher read it to the class, and told me that my daughter loved it, so I went out and bought a copy. The relationship between the little girl and her grandmother is endearing. The recipe looks good. And I love all the farm animals. Perhaps, my favorite is Grandmother's cat. It twists and turns into different shapes like a pretzel --and not unlike a real cat. Another added attraction about this book. Recommended!

Travel thru Time with Patricia Polacco...
I am a 3rd grade teacher who finds Polacco's work to be exceptional, not only in its' written form, but with its' vibrant, eye-catching illustrations. Polacco has a remarkable way of taking the reader back in time with her, to her very own childhood, as in "Thundercake." "Thundercake" is a universal story of a little girl overcoming her fear of thunderstorms while baking a cake with her grandmother.It is a story that speaks to many children in showing them that they can overcome their fears. I highly recommend any of Polacco's books. She will take the reader to such simple places as her grandparent's farm in Michigan,as well as to such exotic places as Old World Russia, where her family is from. Polacco is a jewel that sparkles above the rest!

Thunder fear
The story takes place in the summer in Michigan on a farm. It is summer storm season and the grandmother has her grandaughter over. The grandaughter is afraid of thunder, so the grandmother bakes a cake to take away her fears. They quickly got all the ingredients and made the cake. If you make the cake before the storm hits, you made thunder cake. I highly recommend this book for children 4 and up. This is a humorous book by Patricia Polacco.
Eric C. ... Read more

Book Description

"We will make a quilt to help us always remember home," Anna's mother said. "It will be like heaving the family in backhome Russia dance around us at night.

And so it was. From a basket of old clothes, Anna's babushka, Uncle Vladimir's shirt, Aunt Havalah's nightdress and an apron of Aunt Natasha's become The Keeping Quilt, passed along from mother to daughter for almost a century. For four generations the quilt is a Sabbath tablecloth, a wedding canopy, and a blanket that welcomes babies warmly into the world.

In strongly moving pictures that are as heartwarming as they are real, patricia Polacco tells the story of her own family, and the quilt that remains a symbol of their enduring love and faith. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Heart-warming story of a quilt passed through generations
Patricia Polacco is one of the greatest storytellers of our generation. She has put down snippets of not only her life, but of her ancestors, into delightful stories that transcends all age groups. THE KEEPING QUILT is about Polacco's Great-Grandmother Anna, who immigrated to New York City. The only two things that she still owned from her native Russia were her dress and a babushka. Anna's mother eventually takes parts of her dress and babushka along with old clothes belonging to other relatives and makes a quilt that will remind everyone of their homeland. This quilt serves as a source of comfort and memories for future generations. This is another book that I bought my daughter for her birthday. She will read this book to her second graders perhaps inspiring a new generation to write down the memories of the past.

Ah, Patricia Polacco!
Who else but Patricia Polacco can create a story about a few pieces of fabric that will have you singing, dancing, crying? If I tell you that I become overwhelmed at the very thought of this little scrap of a book, will you think I am overreacting? Actually teary-eyed.

The rich patchwork of a family history, on top of, covered by and wrapped within a quilt made of Great Great Grandma Anna's blue dress and red babushka, Uncle Vladmir's shirt, Aunt Havalah's nightdress, and Aunt Natasha's apron. Through all of the events that mark a lifetime, birth, marriage, family meals, coming of age, deaths, we see the quilt binding generation to generation.

In simple black and white (and shades of gray!) illustrations which we have the feeling were actually photograhs, the quilt stands out again and again as the thing that gives each scene color. It is a symbol of all the things that a family hands down to each member.

Wonderfully uplifting, evoking strong emotions, and a pure joy to share.

A wonderful gift for passing through the generations.
Patricia Polacco does a wonderful job using a quilt as a symbol for a family's values of warmth, faith, and secuirity throughout several generations. It is a book to be given and passed on for weddings, brisses, christenings, or any other types of familal and friendly blessings and unions.

A classic in every sense of the word
Patricia Polacco's classic tale "The Keeping Quilt" manages to blend, in not all that many pages, family, love, tradition, the cycle of life, and the ebb and flow of events in one family which are anchored by just one thing: the family quilt.

Made by the immigrant great-grandmother and her quilting bee friends, the quilt is composed of scraps of fabric from little girls' dresses, the aprons of aunts, and so on. All come together to form a beautiful quilt which features dancing animals, swaying trees, and all manner of beautiful ornamentation.

The quilt serves variously as a quilt, a tent, a huppah at a wedding, a tablecloth, and so on. Polacco uses the same illustrative technique she employs in her wonderful "Betty Doll"--the quilt itself appears in multicolored beauty, while the rest of each picture is done in subtle and evocative pencil. Because of this simple visual choice, the quilt and its many permutations leap to the fore and become, essentially, the main character in a story filled with realistic and full-bodied people.

I have always liked the fact that Polacco doesn't draw pretty-pretty people. The little kids always look like regular little kids, with all the inherent awkwardness and realistic expressions (whether they be joyful or pouting or wondering), while the adults sometimes have worried or thoughtful expressions, bad posture, or wrinkles. Real life is going on here, and Polacco manages to capture it vividly.

I cried
I checked this book out for my 3 year old son. He has a pretty good attention span, but this book didn't hold his interest. I think it would be better for slightly older children. On the other hand, I loved this book. I actually read it to myself when he wasn't paying attention and cried! The story of the babushka quilt being passed down through the generations will touch your heart and perhaps bring a tear to your eye too. ... Read more

Book Description

Little Trisha is overjoyed at the thought of starting school and learning how to read. But when she looks at a book, all the letters and numbers just get jumbled up. Her classmates make matters worse by calling her dummy. Only Mr. Falker, a stylish, fun-loving new teacher, recognizes Trisha's incredible artistic ability--and her problem, and takes the time to lead her finally and happily to the magic of reading.This autobiographical story is close to author Patricia Polacco's heart. It is her personal song of thanks to teachers like Mr. Falker, who quietly but surely change the lives of the children they teach.Patricia Polacco lives in Union City, MI. ... Read more

Reviews (57)

Deeply personal story offers hope
This is perhaps the most important of Patricia Polacco's autobiographical books. What an overwhelming triumph for a bright and gifted child who was unable to read until late elementary school to have created this book! Polacco shares her feelings of ostracism and self-doubt so poignantly though the written word as well as through her sensitive illustrations. Mr. Falker is the kind of teacher all of us wish we could have had, and for those of us in education, aspire to become. His insight, patience and skill are truly inspiring, as is Patricia's courage in sharing this important story.

An Excellent Book
In the story Thank You Mr.Falker,a little girl named Trisha does not know how to read since kindergarten. At the end of the fourth grade Trisha and her family move to California. She starts fifth grade there and she still does not know how to read. Everybody calls her dumb. I liked this story because it felt like the characters were actually real. Another reason why I enjoyed the story is because Trisha has trouble reading and I do also; that makes us have something in common. The final reason why I liked this story is because it has an upbeat ending when Mr.Falker helps Trisha by bringing her to a reading teacher and she learns how to read better.

Teachers make the difference!
As an educator, I highly recommend "Thank You, Mr. Falker". This book helps to put into words why I and many others become teachers. Patricia Polacco shows that teachers can make a difference in a child's life. If I can reach and inspire just one student like Polacco's Mr. Falker, I will have fulfilled my calling!

Uniquely Touching
One of the most touching children's books I've read in recent memory, this autobiographical story by the great Patricia Polacco tells how "Tricia" overcame her reading problems with the help of a compassionate teacher. Polacco's story evokes the attendant feelings of inferiority and isolations, as well as her grateful joy upon finally reading an entire paragraph.

The story opens with a family ritual later expanded into a full story in Polacco's "The Bee Tree": Her grandfather drizzles some honey on a book cover and tells her "knowledge is like the bee that made that sweet honey, you have to chase it through the pages of a book."

Polacco draws in her trademark big loopy style; her palette and composition superbly capture emotion, particularly in the close-ups. She can convey a range of feelings simply by how she places color on a person's face. She's one of the most original and recognizable illustrators around. One of the most heartfelt and moving books you'll find in children's literature.

EXCELLENT STORY!!
This is one of that most excellent children books. Due to the different abilities of children, this book allows for students in a classroom and at home to see the effects that "name calling" and other inappropriate treatment can have on a child with a learning disability.I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially educators. This book is a must read for any classroom!! ... Read more

Reviews (28)

I love this fine book so much I read it to my grandparents .
I liked the idea of this book. The main idea of the book was to tell the story of two young boys , one white and one black who were complete strangers and how they became great friends during the American Civil War. The white boy's name was Sheldon Russell Curtis or Say and the black boy's name was Pinkus Aylee or Pink. Say was wounded and left for dead on a field, Pink had been separated from his company and found Say. Pink dragged Say to his mother's houser or Moe Moe Bay's house were she took care of them. She became attached to Say and cried when the boys packed to go back to the war. Right before they left marauders came and shot Moe Moe Bay, you'll have to read the book to hear the sad end.

Pinkus Aylee, I've said his name and will always remember
This is the first Polacco book that I ever read; I was instantly mesmerized. PINK and SAY is one of the six Patricia Polacco books I gave to my daughter for her birthday. She is a new second grade teacher and I wanted her to have books that have worked for me, a seasoned educator. This is another touching story written in memory of Pinkus Aylee, a former slave. During the Civil War, this young boy saved the life of Sheldon Russell Curtis (Say) who was Polacco's great, great grandfather. Although this book had a tragic ending, the story is a poignant tribute to an interracial friendship that has been kept alive through the generations of Polacco's family. I have used this book as a great multi-cultural lesson.
Polacco's family pays tribute to Pinkus Aylee by repeating his name. Through this lovely book, generations will now be able to hold his memory in their hearts.

Beautiful for young and old alike!
The first time I read this book, I cried. What a wonderfully heartwrenching and personal account of a topic (the Civil War) that most elementary- and middle-grades students only read about in dry textbooks. While younger students may not fully understand or appreciate the story and/or its underlying themes of racism and war, the basic idea of friendship will resonate with all readers.

Absolutely Fabulous
Polacco, P. (1994). Pink and Say. New York: Philomel Books.
Synopsis: This is a heart-wrenching story that brings the horror of war to life. Patricia Polacco's father told her the story when she was a young girl. Pink and Say are young men fighting in the Civil War in Georgia. Pink an African-American Union soldier happens upon Say a Caucasian soldier who has been wounded. Rather than leave Say, Pink carries him back to his home where he and his mother, Moe Moe Bay, nurse Say back to health. Marauders eventually kill Pink's mother. After this, the boys are captured by the Confederate Army. Pink meets a horrible fate while Say lives on to tell their story.

Evaluation: What makes this story so appealing is that it is based on a true story. The author does an amazing job of showing how friendship can cross color lines. She deals with such character traits as compassion and selflessness. This book would move the most emotionless person to tears. Even though this is a picture book, it is most appropriate for students 5th grade and older. The subject matter may be a bit much for younger children. This would be a wonderful book to use in a Social Studies unit on the Civil War. This book is appropriate for both boys and girls because of its universal theme of friendship. This is truly a remarkable tale for someone of any age.

Pink and Say, a great Book
This is a very good book. ... Read more

Book Description

Goats say "Maa-Maa-Maa." Birds say "Cheep-Cheep-Cheep." Horses say"Neigh-Neigh-Neigh." Rabbits say nothing at all! But when all of theseanimals get together and raise a honking, braying, neighing ruckus,what do mommies say? "Shhhhhh!"

With the simplest of texts and a variety of fun animal noises, PatriciaPolacco has created another read-aloud winner for the preschool crowd. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful for ages 3-5
Our family loves Patricia Polacco books- especially me.This book is no exception in that the illustrations are enchanting, colorful, and absolutely signature Polacco. However, I was surprised and somewhat shocked that this book is geared toward a much younger audience than the author usually targets.There is no wonderful, tear-inspiring story or characters.Instead, it's an extremely simplistic book using farm animal sounds.I'm delighted for the little ones in the audience but disappointed for others who expect a more complex book.In totem it's an exceptional gift for the eyes and ears of those ages 3-5. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lying in bed one moonlit night, Monique awakens to see what she thinksis a little ghost sitting at the foot of her bed, petting her cat. In the timethat her French village has been occupied by Nazi troops, Monique has come tobelieve that nothing can surprise her anymore. But when she discovers that thelittle ghost is in fact a Jewish girl named Sevrine, who is living in a hiddenroom in Monique's own basement, she is very surprised indeed! The two becomesecret friends, whispering and giggling late at night after their families havegone to bed. An unfortunate and alarming moment of discovery by a neighborforces the girls to reveal their friendship to Monique's mother, who has beenharboring Sevrine's family and others throughout the Nazi occupation.

Based on the true experiences of the author's great aunt, Marcel Solliliage,this poignant story is a good introduction to the terrors of Nazism, racism, andWorld War II. The emphasis is on simple friendship and quiet heroism, with anoccasional lapse into clichéd metaphor (butterfly as symbol of freedom).Any child can relate to the bewilderment the two friends experience in the faceof prejudice. Patricia Polacco has written and illustrated many other picturebooks, including ChickenSunday and Pink andSay. (Ages 6 to 9) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A Beautifully Historic Children's Book
This story is about Monique, a little girl living in Nazi occupied France. One night she discovers what she believes to be a ghost sitting on her bed. Later Monique discovers that the figure she saw was not a ghost, but a little Jewish girl named Sevrine who was hiding from the Nazis in Monique's basement.

Monique and Sevrine become close night-time friends. They play in the shadows of the night as Sevrine hides from the Nazis. Then one day Sevrine is discovered. Sevrine and her family are forced to flee from this little French town.

I was tremendously moved by this story, and my nine-year old daughter loved it as well. Patricia Polaco does a wonderful job of putting such a trying and horrible situation in words that a child can understand. I highly recommend this book.

The best book ever!
Acquainting readers with holocaust history, The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco successfully maintains virtuosity to a war tale of sadness and tragedy while still exploring a delicate balance between the horrors of war and the childish innocence of two little girls cheerfully building a friendship. Based on the life experience of the author/illustrator's aunt Monique, the girl protagonist discovers that her family is hiding a Jewish family in her home.
Secretly meeting and playing together each night after the other members of the families sleep, Monique and Sevrine build a poetic friendship full of hope, happiness, and a childish energy that defies the boundaries between war cultures. After a neighbor catches sight of the girls playing too close to the window, the girls realize that the secret hiding place might be suspected. The plot races onward to an exciting climax as Monique and Sevrine must divulge not only their secret friendship but also the new danger to their parents. Escaping to a new hiding place, Sevrine's family is whisked away into the dark night of the unknown, while Monique hopes for her friend's safety. A symbolic butterfly fluttering through the French family's garden later assures Monique that her friend must be alive and safe. An author's note in the end pages assures readers that Sevrine did survive the holocaust-although her parents were not as fortunate.
The characters, while handled lightly in words, convey roundness in the authentic sense of emotions as they run the gamut of fear, comfort, hate, and love. Convincing as a memoir, The Butterfly successfully conveys the quiet strength of individuals amidst trial.
Perfect as a delicate and sophisticated handling of a cruel time in history, The Butterfly provides an appropriate way to dialogue with children about the uglier side of humanity-without crossing into the gruesome or blatantly shocking (although also true) stories of war that sometimes make war books inappropriate for younger children. The Butterfly provides allusions to war crimes that will be understood by older children while still providing an eye-opening tale of friendship to younger children. Targeting the age range of 6-9, The Butterfly adeptly provides insight into the beauty of life while describing life's fragility.
Known as the author/illustrator of numerous books including Pink and Say, Patricia Polacco's pencil and watercolor illustrations highlight the contrast between the cruel and the innocent. The dust jacket of the book is a perfect symbol of the juxtaposition between innocence and cruelty since the front side of the cover depicts irises, a butterfly, and a young girl with warm watercolor tones and delicate chiaroscuro while flipping the book over reveals a Nazi officer with a hard-set jaw and unseen eyes with a swastika banner depicted in harsh black, gray, and browns. Polacco's story is an important history while her illustrations make that history palatable and vivid to child and adult viewers. Experiencing The Butterfly means contemplating unsettling human history while savoring the security of friendship.

The Butterfly
I found "The Butterfly" a very interesting book because it not only shows how Jews, but how non-Jews lived in fear in World War II. It tells how the little girl, Monique, is afraid of the "tall black boots" in her small French village. The "tall black boots" refer to the Nazi officers. It is not until Monique's friend, Monsieur Marc, is beaten and taken away by the officers when Monique finds out why the Nazis are in her village. One night Monique encounters a little "ghost girl" in her room that teaches Monique that she is not the only one afraid of the War. The little "ghost girl" turns out to be a Jewish girl named Severine hiding with her parents in Monique's unknown basement. It turns out that Monique's mother was hiding this secret from her. One night when Monique and Severine are playing in Monique's room when a neighbor sees them. The girls tell Monique's mother that someone had saw Severine and that Monique and her mother will be in trouble if they continue to harbor Severine and her family. That night, Monique and her mother take Severine and her parents to safety and Monique ends up in trouble. Will she ever be safe?

The Butterfly By Patricia Polacco
The book The Butterfly By patricia polacco is a story about a little girl during the 1940's, but her mom was hiding people in the basement.When all the people have to leave, even her best friend.But they will always have a gift from eachother to remember them.
I would recommend this book to whoever picks up this book.It has a little bit of everything a memior,a little bit of went on in history,it also has a lot of friendship.
In this book you will have a lot of vizualization,question,and a lot of craft. These will help you understand.

The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco
I am a college student who wants to become an elementary school teacher. This book was read to us in one of my education classes and I fell in love with it. It will fit in with any unit on the Holocaust. ... Read more

Book Description

After being initiated into a neighbor's family by a solemn backyard ceremony, a young Russian American girl and her African American brothers determine to buy their gramma Eula a beautiful Easter hat. But their good intentions are misunderstood, until they discover just the right way to pay for the hat that Eula's had her eye on. A loving family story woven from the author's childhood.Polacco has outdone herself with these joyful, energetic illustrations, her vibrant colors even richer and more intense than usual, while authentic details enhance the interest. A unique piece of Americana.--Kirkus Reviews, pointer review In this moving picture book, the hatred sometimes engendered by racial and religious differences is overpowered by the love of people who recognize their common humanity. --Booklist, starred, boxed review The text conveys a tremendous pride of heritage as it brims with rich images from her characters' African American and Russian Jewish culturesA tribute to the strength of all family bonds. --Publishers Weekly, starred review ... Read more

Book Description

When Mary Ellen gets bored with her reading, Grandpa knows a hunt for a bee tree is just what she needs. Half the town joins the exciting chase, but it's not until everyone returns home that Mary Ellen makes a discovery of her own: Sometimes, even the sweetest of things must be worked for.Polacco has created another charming picture book featuring a child learning from a grandparent in an idyllic pastoral settingBoth the writing and artwork are fresh and inviting. -- School Library Journal, starred reviewThe newest gem from Polacco's treasure chest of family stories extols the virtue of reading--and of taking a study break.Like Mary Ellen, readers will emerge refreshed from this respite, ready to seek out new adventures. -- Publishers WeeklyYoung readers will savor this. -- The Horn BookPatricia Polacco lives in Union City, MI. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Pure honey
This story opens with Mary Ellen reading to her Grampa--and bored. "Feel like running, do you?" he asks, suggesting that they instead find a bee tree.

The story transforms into "he went that-a-way." As in A Fly Went By, lots of people and animals chase an insect (well, in this case, several bees) through pages of glorious illustrations to find their quarry deep in Dunks Woods. They smoke the bees to calm them, retrieve honey combs and go home. Everyone gets tea, biscuits and honey.

When the crowds leave, Grampa takes Mary Ellen inside and spoons some honey onto the cover of a book.

"Taste," he whispers. "There is such sweetness inside that book too! Adventure, knowledge, wisdom. But these things do not come easily. You have to pursue them.... You must chase these things through the pages of a book!"

Little under the sun is as sweet as a thing that teaches a child to love books. Alyssa A. Lappen

The Bee Tree
Patricia Polacco, in her story The Bee Tree, tells a tale that emphasizes the important value of learning for its own sake. In this story, a young girl, Mary Ellen, tells her grandfather that she is tired of reading, that she would rather be outdoors running and playing.

"In that case," responds her grandfather, " it must be time to find a bee tree."

The grandfather goes outside with Mary Ellen, takes a sealed glass jar with him and leads his granddaughter to a garden full of bees pollinating flowers. The grandfather uses the jar to capture a number of buzzing creatures. He informs Mary Ellen that the insects will lead them to a hive full of the sweetest honey she will ever taste. As the grandfather lets the first bee escape, the chase begins.

Some of the most intriguing characters join in on the chase when they see what the grandfather and the granddaughter are doing. They see some of the most interesting landmarks as they run after the bees that lead to the tree that holds the sweet reward. When they finally reach their destination, the grandfather knows just the right procedures that enable him to pull the honey safely out of the hive. After he acquires the honey, he invites everyone back to his house for a celebration.

During the party, the grandfather takes Mary Ellen away from the crowd. He says quietly to her, "Now child, I am going to show you something what my father showed me, and his father before him."

He spoons a dab of honey onto the cover of a book. "Taste," he says, almost in a whisper.

"There is such sweetness inside of that book, too. Such things ... adventure, knowledge, wisdom. But these things do not come easily. You have to pursue them. Just like we ran after the bees to find their tree, so you must also chase these things through the pages of a book."

Then he smiles and hugs her. From that day on, Mary Ellen never again complained about her reading. She found it to be every bit as exciting as a wild chase through the countryside and as sweet as honey from a bee tree.

Polacco stresses a number of positive images in her depiction of the grandfather. With a flowing beard and his head always covered with a yalmulke, he is a traditional Jewish figure who is a true source of wisdom and vitality. He is the kind of person whom children today unfortunately do not always experience, particularly when old people live in segregated neighborhoods and nursing homes and retirement complexes, and when parents and grandparents can live thousands of miles apart.

This book is a true gift .

A Sweet and Savory Story by One of the Very Best
"The Bee Tree" is another of Patricia Polacco's superb explorations of intergenerational friendship, and the significance of culture and tradition. Her expressive, folksy, slightly loopy style are all her own, and she has long been one of my favorite illustrators. Here, the warm, homey pictures just draw you into the story, and suffuse it with the familiarity of a family heirloom. That's part of the magic here: Polacco's stories and colors are so vivid and personal that they seem like par t of your own history, when really she is merely honoring everyone's personal history in general. The colors are vibrant and soft at the same time, the narration has action and unique characterizations, and the obliquely offered message is even more powerful for it's brevity. Very definitely recommended, and I encourage you to discover more of her work!

This book is great
We think that this is a great book. You should read this book because the pictures are colorful and detailed. The story was interesting, funny, and a little sad. The grandpa is our favorite character - he is sweet. Our favorite part was when the grandpa caught the honeycomb and wrapped it in the diaper.

The Bee Tree
Patricia Polacco does an excellent job in creating the masterpiece, The Bee Tree. She goes into bubbly detail of the adventurous journey that the characters take to find...the bee tree!

Mary Ellen is tired of reading books indoors. Her Grandfather offers to go on a "bee tree hunt". They capture a few bees in a jar, and set one free. -That is when the hunt begins. As they run after the bee, others follow along to enjoy the tradition. After setting all of the bees free and loosing them, they actually find the tree.

The adventure was told in great detail and kept me reading on. The story had a good, united town of people that had fun together. In this book, my favorite character would have to be Grampa. Grampa told Mary Ellen that books can be exciting also. Grandpa also liked to have fun and enjoy life. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Gift of reading
In the town of Triple Creek, television is the only source of entertainment and information. In fact, the teachers have even been replaced with educational programming. The library was torn down to make way for a television transmitter. For fifty years, the town has not read a book, but has instead used them to prop up buildings and fill in potholes. So long they have been without books, that they have actually forgotten to read.

When Eli begins visiting his Aunt Chip, she teaches him to read. The most wonderful gift in the world. His enthusiasm spreads and soon all the children are begging to have Aunt Chip teach them to get stories from a book. When the adults learn of what is happening they respond at first in fear and anger, but eventually want their children to teach them to read.

Why 5 stars?:
Polacco has a wonderful way of making her characters a little zany, but still real enough to be believable. The watercolor illustrations give the soft feeling of her words. Most importantly, the message of the importance of books and reading is something that purveys through most of Polacco's works. This book deserves to be a part of your home, school or classroom library. Read it to, and with your child. Let him or her know that you value reading and they will too.

A good book for reading
In Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam affair, Patricia Polacco teaches you that you shouldn't watch more t.v. than read. I thought this book was excellet. I recommend this book to people that like t.v. because maybe this will teach them a leason to STOP WATCHING T.V.! My favorite part of this book is when they destroyed the t.v. tower.

A great book on the importance of reading!
This book is a wonderful story about what happens when people no longer read. It has great imagery--books being used for table legs and to prop open doors, even as a dam. I used it in my seventh grade language arts class, following it up with a discussion of why reading is important. Even though it's a picture book, my seventh graders really got into it.

A book on the power of reading
THEMES and/or Bibliotherapeutic Potential

Fictional parable for young readers ages five and up

The Power of Reading

Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair is a humorous parable by Patricia Polacco on the dangers of too much television watching. Aunt Chip took to her bed fifty years ago when the big television tower came to town and the library closed. She knew the consequences would be great. Everyone stopped reading and then did not remember how. Books were used, but not for reading. When Aunt Chip finally got out of bed to teach the children to read, they were reading so much they were taking books out of potholes and sagging buildings. Eventually they took books out of the dam and an ensuing flood caused the television tower to fall down, angering adults and inducing them to learn to read. Reading again reigned and Aunt Chip again was the town librarian.

The author tackles the issue of too much TV with her trademark humor and charm. Although not the very best of Patricia Polacco's books, Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair is an enjoyable read that opens many important questions dealing with literacy. Readers will enjoy her drawings and youngsters will be attracted to the lively Aunt Chip who has the strength and courage to stand up and bring the miracle of literacy to the townsfolk.

Teachers can use this book with its all-important theme to discuss both the value of reading, and think about how TV can take over a person's life. It is a great title to read during Say No to TV Week. Students can keep track of their TV watching and reading as they discuss what happened in Triple Creek and the effect reading can have on their lives.

Great for Say No to TV week!
This is a great book for talking to children about the importance of books and ties in perfectly with Say No to TV week! Our other favorites for Say No to TV include Library 'Lil and Shel Silverstein's poem, Jimmy Jet and the TV Set. ... Read more

Book Description

There's nothing worse than a rotten redheaded older brother who can do everything you can do better! Patricia's brother Richard could run the fastest, climb the highest, and spit the farthest and still smile his extra-rotten, greeny-toothed, weasel-eyed grin. But when little Patricia wishes on a shooting star that she could do something -- anything -- to show him up, she finds out just what wishes -- and rotten redheaded older brothers -- can really do. Patricia Polacco's boldly and exuberantly painted pictures tell a lively and warmhearted tale of comic one-upsmanship and brotherly love. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Brother's aren't so bad after all
This story, based on Polacco's on experiences as a child, tells how Tricia's older brother does everything faster and better than she can, but soon she discovers that brothers aren't so bad after all, at least sometimes. The pencil and marker cut-out illustrations show Polacco's expertise with the media, highlighting the expressions on the characters' faces and giving a glimpse as to the lengths young Tricia will go to try and best her brother. This autobiographical story looks at one facet of Polacco's life, one that most children can relate to and understand, that is, if they have rotten older siblings like Tricia's.

Brilliant story of sibling rivalry !
A great book that shows the relationships between brothers and sisters, both good and bad. The author Patricia Polacco writes about her and her own brother and how she had always wanted to beat him at some thing. Trying as hard as she can, she fails every time, until one day she wishes upon a star, and her relationship with her brother changes forever.
This book has unique and colorful illustrations that help to show the sibling rivalry between Patricia and her brother. A must read for sibling of any age, and even adults who haven't spoken to their brothers or sisters in a long time.
by Jordan Miller

One of the best books Patricia ever wrote
Patrca Polacco's My rotten redheaded older brother is a book on Patricia's childhood. It tells how rotten her brother Richie really is . Babushka doesnt seem to know how rotten her brother is. He can spit farther, climb the hihest, throw the farthest, sit the longest , get the dirtyest, and burp the loudest. Ithink this is a very good book. I liked the part when Richie said that he doesn't like rhbarb and he really does. Now he can eat more rhubarb than her.

One of Patricia Polacco's best books
My daughter is a Patricia Polacco fan. She has read almost all the books Patricia Polacco has ever written. Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother is one of her favorites. Everyone can relate to a mean older sibling. Best of all, the book is based on the author's real brother.

My Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother
I love this book! I think it is really good at the very end of the book when there are only black & white photographs. And I also like when the older brother says he doesn't like rhubarb but he really does. I like it when the older brother is nice to his sister in the end. ... Read more

Book Description

Mr. Lincoln is the coolest principal ever! He knows how to do everything, from jumping rope to leading nature walks. Everyone loves him . . . except for Eugene Esterhause. "Mean Gene" hates everyone who's different. He's a bully, a bad student, and he calls people awful, racist names. But Mr. Lincoln knows that Eugene isn't really bad-he's just repeating things he's heard at home. Can the principal find a way to get through to "Mean Gene" and show him that the differences between people are what make them special?

With Patricia Polacco's trademark illustrations and gentle text, Mr. Lincoln's Way celebrates the unforgettable school principal who touches the lives of his students and truly empowers them. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Again, Polacco shows how an educator can change a life
Ironically, it was my daughter who told me about this book. A lab student from the University read it to her 2nd grade class and Ingrid was immediately besotted. I am the one who usually recommends books to this first year teacher! When she began her year of teaching back in August, the first gift I gave her was my beloved THANK YOU, MR. FALKER, my favorite Polacco book. I wanted her to know how important a teacher is in the life of her students. I still think of Eleanor Mills, my sixth grade teacher many, many decades ago!
Anyway, MR. LINCOLN'S WAY is one of six Polacco books that I gave to my daughter for her birthday. It is the touching story of an African American Principal and how he cares so much for his students that he goes out of his way to reach 'the problem child.' "Mean Gene" (who is white) is the school bully; he terrorizes the children, especially those who are different because of their race or nationality. Mr. Lincoln discovers that Gene is passionate about birds and gives him a project--filling the school atrium with birds. Gene ends up having a complete personality change which is even noticed by his teachers. The key to this story is Principal Lincoln who takes the time to discover why Gene acts out--a cruel, racist father. As teachers, we sometimes have students who are 'unlovable' and we never take the time to think why: Did this child have breakfast? Is he even loved? Is he beaten at home? I think if we spent more time learning about our student's backgrounds, we could touch more lives.

Mr. Lincoln's Way
I liked the book because it was showing people that it doesn't matter what color you are or what heritage you came from, everyone is the same.

A powerful lesson for kids, teachers and administrators
In Patricia Polacco's "Mr. Lincoln's Way," she shows the power of teachers and administrators to reach even the most unreachable kids. Typically for Polacco, she weaves magic with her illustrations and makes the story intriguing as well.

"Mean Gene" is the bully of the school, the one who has been taught to hate anyone different from himself. But Gene has also been taught, by his grandfather, to identify and love birds. He knows everything about birds, from the types of trees they like to nest in to the kind of food they need to eat. Mr. Lincoln latches onto this talent and nurtures it, asking Gene to be in charge of figuring out what should go into the school's atrium. As Gene eventually blossoms, so do the ducks who live in the atrium--and as he helps herd the ducklings towards the pond, so is he led by Mr. Lincoln towards greater understanding and tolerance.

This is a lovely book for just about any age. Younger kids can just enjoy the pictures, while older kids may want to discuss the idea of prejudice and consequences for actions. It's a treat to see a black principal with a whole culturally diverse student body, too. Highly recommended.

A Great and Touching Story
Have you ever been hurt by a bully? This book could help you understand why a kid in your class might be a bully. This book is also great for teachers and principals by showing them how to help kids who bully others. Mr. Lincoln is the kind of principal that all students would love to have--he's the coolest and he is very kind! He helps a bully in this story by being kind to him. He teaches this boy many things.

We are Mrs. Moore's fourth graders from Murphy Elementary School and the illustrations from this book are based on our school. We see the ducklings in our atrium every year. This book is so good that we think it deserves the Caldecott award. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Tikvah Means Hope
A sukkah is not a permanent structure but a temporary dwelling. A wind can easily blow a sukkah down, a rain can wash it away. Patricia Polacco tells an ironic tale in Tikvah Means Hope about how a natural disaster destroyed material possessions that people felt were permanent while a sukkah, something built only for a short time, persevered.

It is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Roth of Oakland, who build a sukkah in the backyard of their house. While they put up their ritual hut, two neighborhood children, Justine and Duane decide to help them in their task. In the process, Justine and Duane learn the meaning of the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, a precursor to the American holiday of Thanksgiving.

"You see, we Jews have always had to move a lot," says Mr. Roth to the children. "We wandered in the desert for many years. Then at long last we found the promised Land and settled into real homes. Now we build these little huts to remind us of all the days we had no place to live, and also to give thanks for our new homes and rich harvest that our new land gave us."

For their efforts, the Roths invite Justine and Duane to sleep in their sukah and celebrate a festive meal in it. Before the children can take advantage of the hospitality, they are evacuated from their homes. A fire ravages their neighborhood burning their houses to the ground.

The Roths are devastated by the event. After the fire is put out,they search frantically among the ashes to find something that would prove they had a life here.

Just when the older man is about to lose all hope, Justine and Duane shout for him to come to the backyard. When Mr. Roth arrives, he sees one object still standing among the ashes: the sukkah. Mr. Roth can not believe his eyes. How could the sukkah not be damaged? How could the fire not consume it? His wife proclaims the occurrence a miracle.

The fact that the sukkah survives, however, is not the only miracle. When the Roths gather with their neighbors in the sukkah to celebrate the blessing of life, they hear a noise from the barbecue pit. Mr. Roth reaches down into it and pulls out their pet cat, Tikvah. The feline creature is hungry, tired and little singed but still alive.

TikvahMmeans Hope is based on a true story. In the fall of 1991, Patricia Polacco's home and those of 3,400 of her neighbors were ravaged by fire in her home of Oakland.

Tragedy happens on a random basis. Tikvah Means Hope emphasizes that despite the obstacles one may encounter, there is till signs of hope, there are still signs that can impress upon us the importance of keeping a positive outlook on life.

Polacco, in the end of the story, trumpets this message loud and clear. When he holds up his cat and sees that she is still alive, Mr. Roth proclaims the meaning of his pet's Hebrew name, that Tikvah Means Hope!

Elliot Fein teaches Jewish religious studies at the Tarbut V'Torah School in Irvine, California.

Tikva Means Hope
I was very impressed that the author was able to take a subject that was terrifying to adults and retell it for children in a way that was gripping and real, but not sensationalistic or horrific.
The illustrations and story moved me to tears.

Smoky Night
This is a good book. It is about a boy who watches a riot on his street. I like when the firefighter returns the two cats. I recammend this book to people who would like to know whats right and wrong.

Tikvah Means Hope
The book is about a family who has a cat named Tikvah. Tikvah is very small so she could get lost very easily. Then Tikvah gets lost when something bad happens to the family. Read this book to find out if the family finds Tikvah. I recomend this book to kids who like cats.

Sukkot and natural disasters
As the review states, good stories for Succoth are rare. Patricia Polacco's story illustates how grateful the holiday of Sukkot reminds us to be for the shelter over our heads. Like Polacco in the Oakland firestorm, we were in our Sukkah when the SF Bay earthquake hit in 1989...another remindeer of how ephemeral our material world can be. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

wonderful, colordul read-aloud book
This is a terrific book for reading aloud to one child or many. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is lovely. An old lady lives in the Russian countryside and works all year to enter her painted eggs in the easter contest in Moscow. One day she saves an injured goose. When an accident destroys the woman's painted eggs, the goose lays a beautifully decorated egg each morning until it's time for her to fly away once more -- but not before leaving one more miraculous gift.

This is a lovely story that will excite children's imagination, and the beautiful illustrations will charm young and old alike.

Wonderful for Children of ALL AGES!!
I love Patricia Polacco's books and this one is no exception! This story is great to use both in and out of the classroom. It is great for reading outloud to children or for them to read to you. I have used it in my lesson plans as a teacher to introduce lessons on different ways people celebrate holidays around the world and in the US. I have students grades K-5 and it has been a favorite with all of them...then again all of Patricia Polacco's books seem to be favorites with any child!

Excellent for Easter-time or anytime
Set in Russia, this book tells the story of Babushka, a old grandma who is painting Easter eggs for the big contest in Moscow. She works all winter on her eggs, and also feeds the wild animals that live around her. One day, some hunters shoot a goose; she takes it in and nurses it back to health. She names the goose Rechenka. Quite by accident, Rechenka ruins all of Babuska's beautiful eggs, but she gives the woman magically painted goose eggs in their place. Babushka goes to the contest and wins first prize with Rechenka's fabulous eggs, and when she comes home, she discovers one more very special gift from Rechenka.

Told very simply with large, colorful illustrations, this story is enjoyed by 6-9 year olds. It stresses kindness and gratitude, as well as showing a little about Russian customs. The ending is quite poignant and heartwarming. It's a beautiful book!

A wonderful depiction of love and compassion
This delightful story touched my heart and made me smile . . . It is truly a tale of unfailing loyalty between an unlikely pair: Babushka, an elderly woman and a wounded goose she befriends. The kindness that both show for each other is an important lesson told in the simplicity of Ms. Polacco's writing. A sweet, sweet story that children and adults will both love. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

endearing story
As a maker of cloth dolls, I am always on the lookout for books with wonderful illustrations. Imagine my delight when I also found a book with a sweet, simple story. The best kind for small children and the children's heart within adults. I will definitely buy more of her books to add to my collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Illustrator-author Patricia Polacco returns to Norman Rockwell-eraMichigan for another autobiographical meditation, this time on the importance ofpassing "the lightning of our stories and our heritage into the jars of ourchildren's minds."

A fondly remembered family reunion provides the sweeter-than-sweet backdrop forthis picture book, as Polacco recalls how she and her cousins eagerlyanticipated her Gramma helping them "catch lightning in a jar." The "lightning,"of course, eventually comes thanks to some incarcerated insects, but is warmlypreceded by all sorts of metaphorical strikes and flashes: Auntie Bertha'strademark meatloaf cooked with a hard-boiled egg in the middle ("like a gianteye"), watermelon-seed-spitting and croquet games (interrupted by "friendlyquarrels about bent hoops, crooked wickets and wanting to take reshots"), and,most importantly, oh-so-many stories about an umbrella-loving rattlesnake, aseven-mile walk to a one-room schoolhouse, and a grandfather who "saved souls asa circuit preacher when he wasn't farming."

Polacco's nostalgic pencil and watercolor illustrations chronicle the day'sfrolics, all the way up to its buggy climax. She then leaves the GreatestGeneration behind for an instructive final act, about a new reunion and "a newcrop of children": "I'll send them home with full bellies, tired bones andflickering jars in their laps. Their hearts will be overflowing. Full oflightning, put there by folks who loved them even before they were born." (Ages4 to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Grandmother creates memories for her grandchildren
The theme of this moving story can be summed up in the last two paragraphs. "I'll send them home with full bellies, tired bones and flickering jars in their laps. Their hearts will be overflowing. Full of lightning, put there by folks who loved them even before they were born. Gramma knew this well.
She also knew that someday they would tell their children about all of us, and of the magic nights when we caught lightning in a jar."
Inspired by another of Polacco's real life memories, she writes about a family reunion, after a forty-one-year gap. Her grandmother organizes all the children, teaching them how to catch fireflies. The children put these fireflies in a jar and then there is magic! Childhood memories are the ones that sustain us through our adult life. And often, we will pass these memories on to our own children and grandchildren. This is a precious book that will leave all readers with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Family Traditions and Heartfelt Memories.....
"Today is the family reunion! I can hardly wait. My dad's side of the family will come soon. It's been ages since I've seen them all..." And as Trisha anxiously awaits the arrival of all her relatives, she remembers the last family reunion at Gramma's house, so many years ago. First all the wonderful food, including about a zillion meatloafs, each made by an auntie from a different recipe, and a gazillion different Jello salads shaking and shimmering on the table. Then there were the games, baseball, croquet, potato sack races, and watermelon spitting contests. Next, all the kids were carefully measured on the side of the milk shed, and Trisha remembers looking at the marks of her gramma and aunties when they were just girls. And last, out came the old photo albums and stories of walking seven miles to school and seeing "the first-ever flying machine in the state of Michigan." And as the day ended and night fell, "small bursts of starlight puffed up out of the grass", and all the children ran to catch lighning in a jar..... Inspired by her own childhood memories, and "the real-life experience of hosting a large reunion after a forty-one year gap between family gatherings", Patricia Polacco's evocative, heartfelt text is full of imagery and magic as she draws the reader into her large and boisterous family for an enchanting day of fun. But it's her expressive artwork that really brings the story to life, and each two-page, water-color and pencil spread is filled with nostalgic, joyous detail. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, When Lightning Comes In A Jar makes a marvelous read aloud the entire family can share and enjoy together, and is a treasured slice of history told with great insight, wisdom, humor, and love. "I'll send them home with full bellies, tired bones and flickering jars in their laps. Their hearts will be overflowing. Full of lighning, put there by folks who loved them even before they were born. Gramma knew this well. She also knew that someday they would tell their children about all of us, and of the magic nights when we caught lightning in a jar." ... Read more

Book Description

Edward loves his pet duck more than anything. He raised it from a baby, and now it follows him everywhere&150even to the big fancy hotel in Memphis where he works with his father. Everyone at the Peabody loves to watch that little duck do tricks; why, it can even waddle up and down in time to a John Philip Sousa march, which is why Edward decides to name it John Philip.

But one day the hotel owner finds John Philip in his lobby fountain and he is NOT amused. Until Edward has an idea. What if he can train a bevy of ducks to march along behind him, swim in the fountain all day, and then march out every evening? If Edward can do that, the owner tells him, he and John Philip will have a permanent place at the Peabody. But can it really be done?

Based on the real-life tradition of the Hotel Peabody Ducks, Patricia Polacco's latest picture book is one of her most charming to date. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A child-like story about a real-life phenomenon
To get their family through the financial constraints of The Great Depression, Edward Pembroke and his father both hold jobs at the Peabody Hotel in town. Young Edward has two passions: keeping time with John Philip Sousa marches, and watching the wild ducks fly over his native Tennessee hills. When one duckling appears to be lost, Edward adopts him as his own and takes care of him ... even insisting upon taking the little guy to work. The hotel staff help Edward hide his pet from Mr. Schutt, the hotel manager. When the secret leaks out and Mr. Schutt demands an explanation, Edward demonstrates how he has trained the duck to march and maneuver to Sousa marches. Mr. Schutt is impressed but gives Edward a test project: just one month to train a whole flock of ducks to march to the hotel lobby fountain and to swim there all day. Of such stuff are legends born! Edward succeeds and becomes the Duckmaster of the Peabody Hotel, and the flock is led by his first adoptee, now dubbed John Philip Duck.

Patricia Polacco's illustrations are deceptively simple yet vibrantly rich. They look as if one of us has colored in someone else's freehand line drawings -- until you see the outlines of the glasses on the tablecloth and the shadows of the china on the wall. The hills around the Pembroke house look as wild as the high-class Peabody Hotel is distinguished. The pictures match the storyline.

This colorful and entertaining book should amuse both children and adults. And if you've never witnessed the twice-daily Peabody mallard march, you may have to schedule a trip to Memphis after reading this fictionalized explanation. Seeing is believing! ... Read more

Book Description

In this special Passover story, Larnel Moore, ayoung African-American boy, and Mrs. Katz, anelderly Jewish woman, develop an unusual friendshipthrough their mutual concern for an abandoned catnamed Tush. Together they explore the common themesof suffering and triumph in each of their cultures. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A wonderful story, even if the illos have some bloopers...
This is the story of a loving friendship between an elderly Jewish lady from Poland named Mrs. Katz, and an African-American child named Larnel. Mrs. Katz lives alone in her apartment and doesn't have anyone to visit her. (It's not stated in the book, but, since this appears to be a predominantly African-American inner city neighborhood, one wonders if she was left behind by the Jewish community when the more affluent members moved to the suburbs? In real life it has happened...) Larnel's mother stops by to visit her every other day or so, and brings Larnel with her.

One day, Larnel gets the idea to give Mrs. Katz a kitten from the litter that was born in the basement of his apartment building. (Get the pun -- Katz/cats? Actually, the name "Katz" has nothing to do with "cats," but it's cute anyway.) Mrs. Katz names the kitten Tush, which is Yiddish for "bottom," because it has no tail. Larnel agrees to help her care for Tush, and from this sharing, a lifelong friendship grows.

The story is well-written, the characters are well-developed and "real." The illustrations are vibrant, beautifully done, and ethnically accurate. Well, almost. There are a couple Jewish bloopers. For one thing, the menorah sitting by Mrs. Katz's window only has seven branches. A Hanukkah menorah has nine -- eight for the eight days plus an extra for the "servant" candle. The seven-branched menorah mentioned in the Bible was specifically for the Jerusalem Temple, and is not usually found in the home. Since Hanukkah was mentioned in the story, I have to assume that this was supposed to be a Hanukkah menorah.

The second blooper is the scene in the bakery. Mrs. Katz is shopping for PASSOVER -- a time when no leaven is to be found anywhere in a Jewish home. It is not just a matter of eating matzoh. The entire house is cleaned of anything even resembling leaven, and even owning leavened products is forbidden. That being the case, why is she shopping for her Passover feast in a bakery, of all places? She is clearly pointing at a cake or some rolls, and these would NOT be served on Passover! So nu, maybe she's a Reform Jew and not so strict? But in that case, why is that very Hasidic-looking gentleman in the corner shopping there? Surely HE would not serve bread for Passover! (...)

These are relatively minor quibbles, given the overall good quality of the book. But when it comes to children's books, I insist on total accuracy with regard to Judaism, because these are the images that will stick in the mind for years to come. Granted, this is not a "Jewish" book per se, it's a multicultural book -- which is all the more reason to pay more attention to the Jewish details, lest the reader(s) be misled. For the bloopers I'm docking it a star, but it's still a great story and I highly recommend it to both Jews and gentiles.

Diversity in its finest
Ms. Katz and Tush is an excellent choice for educators and parents to use when explaining diversity.
In the book, a young boy is introduced to an elderly jewish woman through his mother. The boy develops a bond with the elderly lady, and the two are friends forever.
This book enables children to develop an understanding about life in different cultures. It shows them that different is good and you can learn a lot from someone of a different culture.

How to be a mensch
I have read this schmaltzy tale of friendship bridging two cultures dozens of times. Not once have I finished it with dry eyes. This is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Mrs. Katz, a widowed old woman befriended Larnel Moore, a young boy. She gifted him with Yiddishisms-and good cooking. "Kugel! Such a kugel I baked for you today." She also gave a heart as warm as the sweater she knitted for him.

In turn, Larnel also performed many mitzvot (good deeds). Mrs. Katz needed a friend. He became that friend. He gave her a cat, too, for when he couldn't be there. Mrs. Katz took the kitty, who reminded her of her Myron, who was ugly as a child, too, "but such a person!" She named the kitty Tush, Yiddish for 'behind,' because she had no tail. When the cat escaped through an open window, Larnel did everything to find her. His everything included prayers.

Larnel became a grandchild to Mrs. Katz, and she his grandmother. Everything else is commentary.

Each child enriched by this joyous tale of sharing and kindness will come that much closer to being a mensch (a good person). Such a person! Alyssa A. Lappen

Perfect Polacco
As with many of Patricia Polacco's books, Mrs. Katz & Tush starts with a friendship, adds a simple story line, seasons it with an understanding look at a particular culture or two, adds a dash of humour, and ties it all together with illustrations that enrich the story (other examples, among many: Babushka Baba Yaga, Just Plain Fancy and Chicken Sunday).

In this story the lives of two very different neighbors are drawn together through a small, tail-less kitten named Tush (the name itself brings giggles to the 4 year old set). Larnel, dragged along by his mother to visit an elderly widowed neighbor (and the picture of him in his chair shows you all that you need to know about how he feels about being there!) surprises himself by feeling compassion for lonely Mrs. Katz. He brings her the runt of a litter of kittens, saying that nobody else wants it. Mrs. Katz reluctantly accepts the kitten, on the condition that Larnel will help her learn how to care for it. He agrees, and a life-long friendship is begun.

There are so many great parts to this book- the growing understanding about the things that we have in common, no matter how disparate our backgrounds, messages on ethnicity, on generational relationships, and so on- that you could get the idea that this is a 'good-for-you' book. But a