Amazon.com

Lively and inspirational, Katie Couric's sophomore picture book, reunites Ellie McSnelly and Carriet O'Toole, friends from her successful first book, The Brand New Kid. Once again, Couric's tale deals with the aches and pains of growing up, and in The Blue Ribbon Day, she encourages kids to deal positively with disappointment. Carrie doesn't make the soccer team with Ellie, but with some reassuring words from mom, "We're all good at something, you'll have your time to shine," she makes a new start, and ends up placing first in the school science fair.

Told in fun, jazzy rhymes that help mitigate Carrie's disappointment and foretell a happy ending, Couric's snappy, upbeat text is perfectly matched by Caldecott winner Marjorie Priceman's vibrant illustrations. Charming, engaging, and brimming with positivity, parents and kids alike will enjoy this reassuring tale. Daphne Durham

Amazon.com's The Significant Seven
Katie Couric answers the seven questions we ask every author.

Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?

A: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers.

Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?

A: Encyclopedia Britannica
Any Motown compilation
To Kill a Mockingbird

Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?

A: I told my mom that I didn't break one of the bedposts of her four-post bed during a pillow fight with my brother, but I eventually fessed up because the guilt was killing me!!!.

Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.

A: In the morning, on a patio with lots of flowers and birds chirping. A comfortable wicker chair. Sunshine, low humidity and a great cup of coffee.

Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?

A: "Perky no more."

Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?

A: Thomas Jefferson or Eleanor Roosevelt

Q: If you could have one superpower what would it be?

A: The power to cure serious illnesses.

... Read more

Amazon.com

"The STRINGS all soar, the REEDS implore, / The BRASSES roar with notes galore. / It's music that we all adore. / It's what we go to concerts for." In this exuberant tribute to classical music and the passionate, eccentric musicians who play it, author Lloyd Moss begins with the mournful moan and silken tone of one trombone. A trumpet sings and stings along, forming a duo, then a fine French horn joins in, "TWO, now THREE-O, what a TRIO!" The mellow cello ups it to a quartet, then ZIN! ZIN! ZIN! a violin soars high and moves in to make a quintet. The flute that "sends our soul a-shiver" makes a sextet, and "with steely keys that softly click," a sleek, black, woody clarinet slips the group into a septet.We move on! A chamber group of ten!And the orchestra is ready to begin. Moss should be congratulated for creating a playful, musical stream of rhyming couplets that seamlessly, slyly teaches the names of myriad musical groups. Marjorie Priceman, the whimsical, masterful illustrator of Elsa Okon Rael's When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street and Jack Prelutsky's For Laughing Out Loud, won a Caldecott Honor Award for this swirling, twirling, colorful musical world worthy of thunderous applause and a standing ovation. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (23)

ENCHANTING
I first came across this book in one of my university classes (Music for the Child)and fell in love with it immediately. It is now is my son's (age 2 1/2) favorite book. Even my husband loves it. We can all recite it by heart. It's a great way to introduce musical instruments to young children. My son recently saw a harp in person for the first time and recognized it right away because of this story. The prose, the illustrations - all are wonderful!!! A must for any child's library!

Fresh, charming, artistic approach to counting and music
I wish I could give this book 6 stars, because it is a truly wonderful book for preschoolers. One by one, the instruments in a classic orchestra are introduced, combining simple counting with music education. The text is in elegant rhyme, perfectly complemented by the bright, original & whimsical illustrations (make sure you pay attention to the "dance" performed by the cats, dog and mouse). A top-notch addition to a young child's library.

Emergent readers' gem!
Being a cello player myself, I believe all children should be exposed to music as soon as possible. This is a great introduction to music, orchestras, and the sounds the instruments make. It's great for emergent readers because of the rhyming and the way the words seem to flow from page to page. The illustrations are beautiful and whimsical. I really like the way the author uses pretty advanced descriptive words for the sounds the instruments make, like 'mournful moan' for the trombone and 'the reeds implore'.

Students will also learn basic information about musical groups, such as what they're called, octet, quintet, etc. A great part of this book is that the musical terminology is not reduced to children's levels. The words are quite large and reflect what is really true about classical musical instruments and musical groups. I think children would enjoy seeing the illustrations and learning about these instruments, and perhaps picking their favorite one. It plants an early seed in their head about orchestral groups, makes music fun, and perhaps creates a new generation of orchestral students.

Obviously, this is a minority opinion
As the 20-plus reviews thus far have ALL been five stars! So, take what I say with a grain of salt...

and even I actually mostly like this book (though I know at least one person who actually dislikes the book and won't read it anymore -- she finds the art ugly and the text strained -- but I'm married to her, she can write her own review).

I don't particularly notice the art, I'm usually half-asleep when reading this book to my 4-year-old in bed. But the text does sometimes jar me -- my teeth practically break when I get to the lines that rhyme CELL-o with hell-O (clearly one is supposed to pronounce it HELL-o here, but I can't make myself do it) -- on the other hand, some of it's really quite nice: "with steely keys that softly click//its breezy notes so darkly slick,..." (that ought to give you a sense of it -- if you say that aloud and think "ooh, I like the way those words fit together", and you want to say them to your child, then get this book. If you think "a clarinet's notes are breezy? or slick?"
or you worry about the rhyme of clarinet and septet, then maybe it isn't for you.)

Still, I like the nice twist on counting books, with 1,2,3,
becoming solo, duo, trio, etc. -- and the mouse-cats-dog subplot in the pictures is cute, too.

Awesome!
My three year old loves this book. We've read it only a few times, but he can already correct me if I mess up. He is learning to count, about instruments, the orchestra. It is just a fabulous book. Not to mention the terrific artwork. This is definately one of my favorites!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "These nonsense verses combine the domestic and the gross, deadpan and slapstick, with a lilting rhythm and satisfying rhyme. The poets are well-known contemporaries including Prelutsky, Silverstein, Kuskin, Lobel, Viorst, and many more. The design is ebullient. Start or end story hour with these verses, and kids will know reading's a pleasure."--(starred) Booklist. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Froggie went a-courting, he did ride
A taxicab to the Upper West Side."

The 400-year-old Scottish folk song about the frowned-upon-yet-joyful marriage of a frog and a mouse is splashed with the lights of Times Square in Caldecott Honor artist Marjorie Priceman's clever take on "Froggie Went A-Courting." Where will the wedding party be? On top of the Statue of Liberty. Who will make the wedding gown? Ms. Dragonfly in Chinatown. Auntie Rat is against this amphibian-rodent marriage ("A slimy frog--he's not our kind!" she cried), but she can't stop the happy occasion. (The bold paintings explode with festive wedding-day color, bees, and jazzy melodies.) That's not to say that Ms. Rat herself can't be stopped, as a black-tailed feline guest shows up at the wedding and eats her. While this can't exactly be called a moral story ("Those who exhibit prejudice will be promptly eaten by a predator" just doesn't seem right), Priceman outdoes herself with these splashy, colorful, skewed-perspective glimpses of New York City. (Preschool to age 6) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Too cute for words!
As a music teacher who uses the traditional song "Frog Went A-Courtin'" in class, it was a delight to see this new book based on the old folk song. The story now takes place in New York City. Instead of Froggy going courting with a sword and pistol by his side, now he takes a taxi to the upper west side! All the verses are very cute, incorporating other parts of NYC (Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Broadway, Chinatown, etc). The story goes right along with the old folk song, just adds a modern twist. It's fun to sing the story with the traditional melody (adding the mm-hmm mm-hmm's) as well as reading it as-is. It's also fun to compare the traditional song to this new updated one. There's a book by John Langstaff that uses the traditional song. Great story, great illustrations, GREAT BUY! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Little Red Riding Hood. Ever heard of it? Retelling old stories isalways a little risky--you've either got to bring some worthwhile new twist tothe tale, or you've got to do such a great job telling it that we're all willingto forget for a minute just how everything's going to turn out. Fortunately forthe celebrated Ms. Hood, Marjorie Priceman (winner of a Caldecott Honor for thebuoyant Zin! Zin! Zin! AViolin) proves herself by doing both--this pop-up edition of an oldfavorite is energetic and original.

Priceman's dignified but still playful style suits these old clothes well, witha very traditional Red peeking out from under her huge flowing hood and a wolfthat's all lithe and toothy. Each page achieves added oomph from the book'sclever format: a primary pop-up spread sets the stage, then an inset on theright for text opens up to reveal the next event. Red looks lovely and livelythroughout, but the wolf--of course--steals all the best scenes ("The better toEAT you with," etc.). Priceman shows similar storytelling skill in How to Make an Apple Pie and See theWorld. You'll find that same offhand humor here, from the very dismayedcrew of gingerbread people in the oven to the copies of the HeraldTribune strategically strewn about ("Peep's Sheep Found," "3 Pigs: 'We WillRebuild'"). (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THE BEST OF THE BEST!
MY NEICE INSTANTLY FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS AS DID I!
IT HAS BEEN 5 MONTHS SINCE I GOT IT AND IT'S STILL ARE FAVORITE!
YOU WILL LOVE NOT LIKE LOVE THE POP- UPS! ... Read more

Book Description

"Oliver Toliver has one of everything in his home: one table, one chair, one plum, one pear.To him, it's perfect.But one day he realizes that there's no way for anyone else to enjoy it with him.How can Oliver make room for two in his one-of-each house? Illustrated with wit and whimsy by Caldecott Honor winner Marjorie Priceman, Mary Ann Hoberman's lively tale offers a gentle message about the importance of sharing that every child can appreciate." ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Absolutely one of my favorite books for children.
There's not a single syllable too many in the entire book, and if you've tried to write poetry yourself, you know how difficult this is to achieve. I love books written in rhyme, and this charming book flows beautifully and easily, telling the story of a dog named Oliver Tolliver and his little "one-of-each" house and lifestyle. Oliver reminds me of my confirmed-bachelor/hermit husband when he and I first met: living quietly alone in his own neatly-ordered space and discovering the empty spots in his heart and house that could be pleasantly filled by the companionship of others. At first Oliver is quite surprised to hear Peggoty's opinion of his 'bachelor-pad':

"A guest in your one-of-each house does not fit. It's made for one person and you, sir, are it! It's perfect for one, sir, if he's on his own, And so, sir, I'll go, sir, and leave you alone."

but then he realizes Peggoty's assessment is true, so he quickly outfits his house to accommodate guests. Then Peggoty sees the improvements:

"And when she arrived, she cavorted with glee And she said with delight, 'Why, you did this for ME!'"

Oliver becomes friends with an entire group of animals who come over to socialize, and he is quite happy to have learned that sharing is the key to happiness:

"And he found as he nibbled the peach, pear, and plum That they all tasted better when each one had some And that even though each person's piece might be small, Eating with friends was the best thing of all."

This book is filled cover-to-cover with incredibly bright (what I call "color-block") illustrations. This is a favorite book of mine--and of my children. It's a book that I enjoy reading aloud every time they ask for it, even when they want to hear it three times in a row.

My only disappointment with this book is that in our second copy of it (which I purchased through a school book club) the illustrations are not nearly as bright. I wonder if this is standard for paperbooks printed for mass-distribution.

Treat your kids to a fun book with cute illustrations, and treat yourself to a book that you'll love to re-read for years!

Wonderful to read aloud!
This is a wonderful book with captivating pictures and excellent text. The rhymes are intelligent, making it a pleasure to read out loud. The words roll of the page. My children, 2 and 3 years old, love the pictures of Oliver Tolliver and his house. I will definitaly purchase other books by Mary Ann Hoberman. A Delight!

Really sweet story with wonderful illustrations
The illustrations are what really sold me on this book and the story is wonderful too. It is one of those rare kids books (much like Maria Kalmans) that combines beautiful art with a sweet story. It is quirky and dear.

One Of Each ~ MAry Ann Hoberman
This is a great book for children. It teaches sharing and how to make friends. I like this book becuase Oliver learns about how to treat others. He doesn't know what life is like, becuase he has always lived by himself and never talks to any of the people in his town. He has one of everything in his house. He doesn't know that his house was only made for one person until he makes a friend and invites her to his home. Peggoty Small tells Oliver that his home was made for one person and she couldn't live with him.
My favorite character was Peggoty Small. I like her becuase she told Oliver Toliver what she tought. She wasn't afriad to tell him about her feelings, she just told him flat out what she thought. Even though she hurt Oliver's feelings, she old him anyways because she thought he should know the truth. This book teaches kids how to make friends, and how to share what you have with others.

a new favorite
I really love this sweet and charming story-- with 3 children that love books, I have become both a fan and avid collector of children's literature. My 5 year old son is particularly drawn to a rhyming story, and loves to listen to this one. We have read it so often in the last few weeks that he can recite many of the lines along with me. There is a particularly catchy cadence to the verse, and the story itself, promoting sharing and companionship, is priceless. I highly recommend this book to anyone with small children, and it would make a great Christmas gift for any child in your life. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. An apple pie is easy to make...if the market is open.

But if the market is closed, the world becomes your grocery store. This

deliciously silly recipe for apple pie takes readers around the globe to gather

ingredients. First hop a steamboat to Italy for the finest semolina wheat. Then

hitch a ride to England and hijack a cow for the freshest possible milk. And,

oh yes! Don't forget to go apple picking in Vermont! A simple recipe for apple

pie is included. "Libraries should consider purchasing multiple copies since

every preschool and primary-grade teacher in town will want a copy to

read."--(starred) Booklist.




... Read more

Reviews (8)

Wonderful illustrations and story!
This book is really delightful, to be enjoyed by young and old alike! The story takes you in, and gives the feel that one is on the journey with the cook as she searches the world for her ingredients. My kids and I liked this book very much, especially the recipe for apple pie inside the back cover, yumm!
We are glad however that our store was open, and we found all of our ingredients there!

Delightful story about the World and Food!
"How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World" is a truly delightful book. A young lady attempts to make an apple pie only to discover that her neighborhood grocery store is closed. She then goes home packs a bag and takes her readers on a globe trotting journey to gather the necessary ingredients. She takes her readers to far corners of the globe to gather fresh spices, seawater to make salt, and always-fresh apples.

This is a wonderful story to share with a young child. It will help to expose young children to global interest and how food arrives in their own homes. The book also includes a map to help readers find where they have been taken on their journey. A wonderful story for adults and children!

Hmmm Hmmm Good
My five year old, my wife, and I loved the story. The plot was zany enough to catch my child's attention. Good wholesome reading and eating. If you read it, make sure you have apple pie (and ice cream if you wish) ready.

or How To Inspire and Enlighten Children About the World!
A beautifully illustrated book that will provide entertainment as well as many learning opportunities as you travel the world in search of the ingredients necessary to bake an apple pie. Children learn that food does not come from the grocery store - it has to be grown, harvested, milled, and prepared before it arrives magically on the dinner table. Your children may come to a new appreciation for the things normally taken for granted, and learn valuable geography lessons in the process. Maps and suggestions for an apple tasting party are included. I love this book!

A fun way to learn and be entertained
This fun book teaches children that food doesn't just magically come from the grocery store - it has to be grown, gathered, or made by someone. As the girl in the story learns, food we use daily comes from all over the world. She learns a valuable geography lesson as well as she travels the world to gather the ingredients for making apple pie. With beautiful color illustrations, maps, and ideas for an apple tasting party, this book is a treasure. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The strangest thing happened. The owner of a cat named Clio found ajournal under an old couch--a diary that was clearly created by the clever feline herself, now in the joyous throes of her ninth life. The cat's owner knew this unusual historical document must be published! The journal, rough and enticing as a cave painting, begins in Mesopotamia, in 3000 B.C. "Alive! I yawn. I look around. I am in Mespotamia, the 'land between two rivers.' I see fields of wheat and rivers full of fish. I am getting hungry." That night, this valuable cat names the constellations! Life number two begins inChina, in 1500 B.C., where Clio serves as the first sundial in the world--except when it's cloudy or when she's off chasing butterflies. She invents the alphabet in Rome in 600 B.C., and twists, flips, and travels through the year 1500, where she lives in Italy with Leonardo Da Vinci, eats cheese, and tests out his flying machine: "The experiment is a flop. But Oh! The views!" Life number nine begins in 1995, in Wisconsin, where nine kittens areborn into their first, hugely historic lives. Is any of this conjecture, however delightful, based in fact? An appended section in the back tackles the validity of Clio's journals and unearths some astonishing facts and fictions. For example, "It has been pointed out that if the alphabet wasn't invented until life number three, then how were lives number one and number twowritten?" Harumph. Marjorie Priceman--illustrator of Lloyd Moss's Caldecott Honor Book Zin! Zin! Zin! AViolin!--tickles our fancy again with her offbeat sense of humor andever-artful style. A fun, tongue-in-cheek tribute to cats and their unquenchable sense of self-importance. (Ages 6 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Amazon.com

Second-grade teacher Ms. Splinter takes going to the circus very seriously. After all, there is important circus-related information that she must communicate to her class. And that means no fidgeting. Ms. Splinter's mini-dissertations on various circus animals and performers make up the text of this lively picture book: "According to the dictionary, clown comes from the Old Norse word klonne, meaning 'clumsy fellow.' Now, sit still, class, hands on laps. Let's leave the clowning to the clowns." What Ms. Splinter doesn't know (but readers do know from the pictures), is that young Emeline slips away from the class to feed peanuts to the elephant, is swooped up by the elephant's trunk, isplunked down in front of a klonne, and becomes part of the circus herself! Caldecott Honor winner Marjorie Priceman's breathtakingly gorgeous, color-soaked illustrations tell their own story as Emeline swings from a tightrope, nearly falls into a hippo's mouth, is saved by a strongman, faces off with a tiger, and kisses a monkey. Only when Emeline starts performing on the flying trapeze does Ms. Splinter catch on. "What an expert aerialist!" she cries. "What a brave little..." "EMELINE!?!" Needless to say, kids will relish the fact that Ms. Splinter is left in the dark as Emeline has her day in the sun. (Click to see a sample spread. Copyright 1999 by Marjorie Priceman. Reproduced with permission of Alfred A. Knopf.) (Ages 5 and older, best for reading aloud) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Frenetic Illustrations
I found the quality of the illustrations very uneven. It can be difficult to follow Emeline from page to page, which is the comic premise. I enjoyed the book and recommend it, but counsel modest expectations on the illustration. Some are fabulous. All are delightfully bright and intense.

Marjorie Price meets Raoul Dufy
The artwork is exceptional. Elephants, giraffes, tigers, clowns and of course Emeline move through the pages with unequaled grace and cheerfulness. What appears to be a blotch of primary colours at firstglance is almost magically transformed into subtle and tender characterswho might justly be called the sophisticated french painter Raoul Dufysgreat-grand-children. Two-year-old readers already take delight infollowing the hidden plot which the adult reader is likely to miss at firstreading. A wonderful surprise and sweet lesson for the rereading parent.However, dont overwhelm little ones with the text. Miss Splinterscommentary is more likely to find an interested and laughing audience in5-7 year-old children. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Cute, funny, empowering
OK, the subject is didactic: child won't eat vegatables.But the solution is unique, and although she eventually makes the choice the parents want, the __choice__ is her own.

Great illustrations, quirky humor, fun book! ... Read more

Book Description

With all the vitality of a jump-rope rhyme, the whole community pours in with remedies for Rachel's blister, and all romp across the page in lively illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

delightful, lyrical silliness
The text and illustrations are both great, and it holds my 8 month old daughter's attention despite its length. It will be even more fun to read to her as she gets older and can find Rachel's cat on each page, laugh at the silly blister remedies, and eventually read the great rhymes along with me.

I know I'll have this terrific book memorized soon, and won't mind endless repetitions over the years.

Anonymous ... from North Bend
I would recomend this book for people who like poetry. But for me poetry just isn't my type of writing. This book was a little too long for me. What I mean is that it is sort of a rhyming tounge twister.

A Wrap Your Tongue Around It Ton Of Imagination Kind Of Book
Oh what a true delight it is to read this book! It has to be one of my favorites. It never fails to delight both the reader and the listener. Chaos, calamity, consideration and correction. This book is pure fun! Thank you Amy MacDonald! ... Read more

Book Description

The first "manned" hot-air balloon is about to take off! But what are those noises coming from the basket?

Based on the (POSSIBLY) true report of a day in 1783, this si the story of (PERHAPS) the bravest collection of flyers the world has ever seen, as (SORT OF) told to Marjorie Priceman. ... Read more

Book Description

Cousin Ruth's tooth is missing and no one can find it—even after looking everywhere imaginable. The Queen and little Ruth herself finally solve the rollicking mystery in a fittingly funny conclusion to this galloping ride in rhyme. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

not as good as their first book
I probably would have liked this book much more if I didn't already own "Rachel Fister's Blister", which is excellent."Cousin Ruth's Tooth" is cute and zippy, with cats which my 1 year old daughter likes, and funny details which adults will appreciate.But if you can only buy one book by these authors, get "Rachel Fister's Blister" instead - it is fabulous. ... Read more

Book Description

In a splendidly silly sequel to their 1991 collaboration, For Laughing

Out Loud, Jack Prelutsky and Marjorie Priceman return with 72 hilarious

short verses guaranteed to leave kids weak with laughter.There are poems

about food, school, sibling rivalry, and hungry beasts, plus a wonderful

potpourri of nonsense verse, tongue twisters, and limericks by nearly 40 of the

best contemporary poets for children, including Shel Silverstein, John Ciardi,

Mary Ann Hoberman, and of course, Prelutsky himself.Marjorie Priceman's

ebullient illustrations perfectly capture the sidesplitting humor of these

rollicking read-aloud--or read-alone--gems.




... Read more

Book Description

Here are a few things that sometimes happen:

HAPPY THINGS

An unpopular Black Crayon proves to a Little Girl how useful he really is.

SAD THINGS

On a very hot day, an Ice-Cream Cone waits...and waits...to be eaten.

EXCITING THINGS

A Papa catches cold, so his Little Boy gets to go to work instead!

These nine very short stories for very young readers -- culled from Newbery Honor author Avi's first book and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Marjorie Priceman -- ingeniously capture the funny, surprising spirit of a child's imagination. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

peculiar but fun
Nine very short stories that at first seem peculiar, but kids will understand them. There is the meaningful story of the boy and his father in role reversal. The boy goes to work for his father when his father stays home, ill in bed. The boy calls home and also buys his father a gift to help him feel better. There is a story about a design conscious hippo in search of a car. There is a boy and his cat with very active imaginations. The story about a thirst elephant and the equally giving glass of water is quite cute. And what about the tallest crayon in the box, the rarely used black crayon. One day it convinces a girl to use it in a drawing. A fun book that stimulates the imagination ... Read more

Amazon.com

Zeesie has a problem--she doesn't want to visit her grandparents on Eldridge Street. Her teeny-tiny grandmother, Bubbeh Ruchel, is nothing to worry about, but Zaydeh Avrum is another story. Zaydeh ("grandfather" in Yiddish) is stern and stooped-over, and complains that "children bring in dirt and make noise." But since her mother is having a baby, Zeesie has no choice but to make the trip. When she arrives, Zaydeh impatiently quizzes Zeesie about what holiday it is and why it is important to the Jewish religion. Zeesie becomes more intimidated than ever when she learns it's Simchas Torah, and that Zaydeh expects her to attend a celebration at the synagogue with him.

Although Zeesie arrives at the festivities reluctantly, she ends up having the time of her life amidst the beautiful stained glass, sweet foods, laughter, singing and ... dancing. And what's this? Even severe, stiff Zaydeh is dancing! During her stay on Eldridge Street, Zeesie learns about the history and traditions of Judaism, and she also sees that there's more to white-haired Zaydeh than she thought. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Absolutely charming story, rich in Jewish culture.
It's a wonderful book, heartfelt and fascinating. The illustrations, too, are delightful. Highly recommended!

An extraordinarily wise, tender and engrossing book
Elsa Okon Rael is making a true place for herself in young children's literature. Both this book and her earlier Zeesie story evoke a time in immigrant history, but more, bring to life a very real little girl amid her loving family. There is no better gift for a grandmother to give her grandchild or one that will be reread so often.

Delightful!
This book captures you quickly and holds you the length of the story. I found the story enlightening as it explained one of the Jewish holidays with reverence and warmth. A wonderful book for younger children of any religion!

Sydney Taylor Award Winner for Younger Children
This is a delicious Simchat Torah story based on the tension between a bright little girl and her fearsomely stern grandfather. Stylized illustrations capture New York's Lower East Side in the 1930's as a curious heroine provokes a joyous outcome. For younger children. ... Read more

Book Description

It is Zeesie's seventh birthday, and not only does she have an elegant new dress and her own dollar bill, but Papa has decided she is old enough to attend that evening's package party. The party is grand, with great towers of wrapped surprise packages to be auctioned to raise money for other new immigrants to the community. But, as Zeesie soon discovers, not everything and everyplace at the party is meant to be explored. And what she does see that night on Delancy Street leaves her with a new knowledge of what giving is all about. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Absolutely outstanding
This would be a fine book even if it were only a well-executed example of those "learn about a culture" books. But it is much more. The book teaches -- without the heavy-handed EXPLANATIONS that so often destroy the flow and writing and make the whole thing seem so artificial -- about Jewish values and the complexities of social responsibility, justice and dignity, without ever TELLING them to the reader. The author lets the story speak for itself, and the message comes through all the more clearly, not less, for her forbearance. Just terrific. Worth the price for the kids on your list (and I don't think it's only appropriate for under-eights).

Excellent!
This is an oustanding book for children. My daughter received it as a gift, and it is one of those rare books that adults feel delivers a powerful message, but children love anyway! The book gives an interesting look at an immigrant Jewish community without ever being pedagogical, and, even better, teaches a wonderful philosophy of social justice and "charity" without being in the least preachy and (even rarer) without stating in words the point the story has just made. You will love this one ... Read more