By
– December 16, 2011
This beautifully illustrated book of wellcrafted poems is not a “Jewish book” but rather a book of prayers of praise and gratitude to God — all based on psalms. Each poem is meant to lead the child gently through the week. The days of the week are divided into three time periods (“the divine hours”) when children should pray: “Waking Up,” “Resting,” and “Ending My Day.” The themes in each poem will appeal to young children. Nature poems about “clouds that drift and birds that fly” as well as about life in the city are spread out on generous pages with lots of white space. The issue Jews will have with this book is that the author has chosen to make Shabbat invisible. On the pages devoted to Friday night and Saturday, Shabbat is never mentioned. With its lovely pastel illustrations and attractive design and layout, this book might be used for very young children as an introduction to prayer, and even to God. But those looking for a Jewish book won’t find it. Ages 2 – 5.
Anne Dublin is the teacher-librarian at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, Canada and an award-winning author of books for children and young adults. Her latest book is June Callwood: A Life of Action (Second Story Press, 2006).