Book picks similar to
Jodie's First Dig by Anna Levine


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Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail


Lesléa Newman - 2020
    Outside, a cat wonders, hungry and alone. When it's time for the symbolic Passover custom of opening the family's front door for the prophet Elijah, both the boy and the cat are in for a remarkable surprise.

The Parakeet Named Dreidel


Isaac Bashevis Singer - 2015
    He lets the parakeet in and everyone is delighted to find that it speaks Yiddish. They name it Dreidel and it becomes part of their family. Many years later, when David is in college, he is at a party one night and tells Dreidel's story—only to discover that Zelda, a young woman at the party, owned the bird herself as a child. Papa and Mama are worried that they will have to give their beloved pet back, but then David and Zelda decide to get married after college, and everyone agrees that they should take Dreidel with them as they start their own family.

Something from Nothing


Phoebe Gilman - 1989
    Gilman's modern adaptation and lively illustrations turn this favorite Jewish tale into a contemporary classic.

Candy Floss


Rumer Godden - 1959
    Originally published in 1959, Candy Floss will be as treasured today as it was a generation ago. Full color.

The Crocodile Who Swallowed The Sun


Bachar Karroum - 2020
    

The Language of Angels: The Reinvention of Hebrew


Richard Michelson - 2017
    Through the help of his father and a community of children, Ben modernized the ancient language, creating a lexicon of new, modern words to bring Hebrew back into common usage. Historically influenced dialogue, engaging characters, and colorful art offer a linguistic journey about how language develops and how one person's perseverance can make a real difference.Influenced by illuminated manuscripts, Karla Gudeon's illustrations bring Ben Zion--and the rebirth of Hebrew--to life.A compelling emotional journey -- Publisher's WeeklyA lively introduction to the work of a Hebrew language scholar and lover--and his family -- Kirkus Reviews A perfect resource for religious school collections and public library language shelves -- BooklistHebrew teachers and students in Jewish schools will welcome this gorgeous new picture book about how the language developed and the impact of one person's perseverance on an entire people -- School Library Journal

Passover Haggadah


Elie Wiesel - 1993
    Read each year at the Seder table, the Haggadah recounts the miraculous tale of the liberation of the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, with a celebration of prayer, ritual, and song. Wiesel and Podwal guide you through the Haggadah and share their understanding and faith in a special illustrated edition that will be treasured for years to come. Accompanying the traditional Haggadah text (which appears here in an accessible new translation) are Elie Wiesel's poetic interpretations, reminiscences, and instructive retellings of ancient legends. The Nobel laureate interweaves past and present as the symbolism of the Seder is explored. Wiesel's commentaries may be read aloud in their entirety or selected passages may be read each year to illuminate the timeless message of this beloved book of redemption. This volume is enhanced by more than fifty original drawings by Mark Podwal, the artist whom Cynthia Ozick has called a "genius of metaphor through line." Podwal's work not only complements the traditional Haggadah text, as well as Wiesel's poetic voice, but also serves as commentary unto itself. The drawings, with their fresh juxtapositions of insight and revelation, are an innovative contribution to the long tradition of Haggadah illustration.

Goodnight Bubbala: A Joyful Parody


Sheryl Haft - 2019
    Includes an exclusive latke recipe by Ina Garten, TV's Barefoot Contessa!In the small blue room there was a bubbala, and a little shmatta, and then--oy vey!--came the whole mishpacha! This zesty parody of one of America's favorite picture books offers a very different bedtime routine: one that is full of family exuberance and love. Instead of whispers of "hush," this bedtime includes dancing and kvelling, and of course, noshing--because this little bunny is a Jewish bunny, and this joyous book celebrates the Jewish values of cherishing your loved ones, expressing gratitude, and being generous.Filled with Yiddish words, the book includes a phonetic glossary and even an easy latke recipe by beloved cookbook author Ina Garten, who calls the book "brilliant, beautiful, important, and so much fun!"

The Other Hand


Andrew Kane - 2019
    As a prominent rabbi in the Orthodox Jewish enclave of Lawrence, NY, he and his wife had raised three wonderful children, and his congregation was thriving. If anything, his 30 years of success had found him growing a little restless. That, of course, was before. Before his son came out as gay. Before he and the community learned his daughter was dating a man named Raj, who was rumored to be a Muslim. Before his good friend and strongest ally, real estate mogul Benjamin Marcus, was indicted for fraud. Before his position was on the line. His family now in crisis, his congregation in revolt, Jonathan is forced to square his suddenly chaotic reality with the traditions and beliefs he has practiced and preached his entire life. Facing daunting questions about the true meanings of once-simpler notions—love, family, and faith—he must embark on a path he could never have imagined to encounter a man he might never have known. From Andrew Kane, author of Joshua: A Brooklyn Tale, Rabbi, Rabbi, and The Night, the Day, this latest offering is an emotionally stirring novel that takes the reader on a journey of devotion, discord, despair and discovery.

The Owl and the Pussycat: And Other Nonsense


Edward Lear - 1970
    Now the adventure of these two unlikely sweethearts has been paired with vibrant paper-collage illustrations by Anne Wilson. Her colorful art creates a whimsical backdrop for Owl's romantic pursuit of Pussycat. "The Owl and the Pussycat" will delight children and adults and show a new generation of readers the magic of true love. Awards and honors for "The Owl and the Pussycat": "Publishers Weekly" starred review

Who Owns the Sun?


Stacy Chbosky - 1988
    On a warm spring day, a young boy asks his beloved father a simple question. "Who owns the sun?" His father wisely explains that no one can own the sun… nor can they own the wind or the stars. But when the boy overhears a shocking conversation, he must ask his father the most difficult question of all, "Can one human being own another?"Since it was first published 30 years ago, Who Owns the Sun? has touched generations of readers with its enduring message of freedom and the power of the human spirit.

Hola! Jalapeno


Amy Wilson Sanger - 2002
    With pages full of tummy-tempting foods, the books in the World Snacks series are a delicious way to introduce even the littlest eaters to cuisines from all around the globe.

Bagels from Benny


Aubrey Davis - 2003
    When Grandpa explains to Benny that God, not him, should be thanked for the wonderful bagels, Benny sets out to do just that. He decides to leave God a bagful of bagels in the synagogue at the end of each week. And each week God eats the bagels --- or so Benny thinks ... Lovingly told, Bagels from Benny explores the values of caring and sharing, building a strong sense of community and finding joy in giving thanks.

Epic Zero #4-6


R.L. Ullman - 2019
     Elliott Harkness thinks he has it all figured out. He’s (sort of) in control of his powers and finally living the superhero life. But after a not-so-heroic encounter with a time-traveling crook, Elliott wakes up one morning to discover everyone in his life is gone... and he might be next! But that’s just the beginning of Elliott’s problems as he’s thrust into a series of epic adventures with the fate of the Earth and the entire multiverse at stake! Will he find the power to be the epic hero he's always wanted to be—or will he always be just an Epic Zero? Follow Elliott's hilarious journey to prove himself to his superhero family, save the universe, and make it home for dinner. For a limited time, get all 3 books in one Epic 500+ page volume at a reduced price! The Epic Zero Series Collection includes: - Epic Zero 4: Tales of a Total Waste of Time - Epic Zero 5: Tales of an Unlikely Kid Outlaw - Epic Zero 6: Tales of a Major Meta Disaster Epic Zero is the laugh-out-loud, action-packed series that will entertain kids, middle grade students, and adults. The Epic Zero Collection includes 48 illustrated character profiles and a full glossary of superpowers.

The Opposite of Normal


Judy Mollen Walters - 2014
    What he gets instead is just the opposite. His daughter, Hannah, twelve, struggles with grief, loneliness, and what it means to be Jewish as a Chinese adoptee. She wants to fit in, but that's difficult in their new mostly white and Christian town--so she decides to secretly convert. His son, Aaron, a senior in high school, is applying to Ivy League schools and counting down to when he can leave the small town--until he discovers a shocking secret that threatens his entire future. Lurking in the shadows is a pastor who says he just wants to support the kids in his congregation, but is that all he really wants? The Opposite of Normal is about what it means to love and accept, what it means to do the right thing, and what it means to heal after loss.