By
– May 14, 2012
Channah Lieberman has written two books, one for boys (illustrated in blue) and one for girls (illustrated in pink) about the universal experience of waiting for an exciting birthday celebration. She uses a singsong rhyme to tell the story of a young child hoping for presents and a party. The child is afraid that everyone has forgotten his or her birthday, so decides to plan his or her own celebration. Of course, the child discovers that everyone did remember the important day with a surprise party. Jewish values are shoveled into the story when the children sing brachas, give tzedaka, sing tehilim, and plan to do a mitzvah. The illustrations are light and reminiscent of early 1950’s stories like Dick and Jane in their wholesomeness. These two books are recommended as optional purchases for early childhood classes, especially in an Orthodox school. Ages 4 – 6.
Susan Dubin was the first librarian honored with a Milken Family Foundation Jewish Educator Award. She is the owner/director of Off-the-Shelf Library Services and library instructional consultant at Valley Beth Shalom Day School in Encino, CA.