Ripped Away transports readers to another time, when Jack the Ripper roamed the streets of London leaving community members frightened and suspicious of each other. And with those suspicions, antisemitic actions and accusations grew. We experience the story through the eyes of Abe and Mitzy, reluctant friends who find themselves transported from their middle schoolContinue reading “Ripped Away by Shirley Reva Vernick”
Tag Archives: kids
No Vacancy by Tziporah Cohen
NO VACANCY (Groundwood Books, 2020), a middle grade novel by Tziporah Cohen, takes us through a budding friendship, a seemingly innocent ruse that fools a community, and an emotional journey that leads to a young girl’s realization of people’s differences and her first real connection to her Jewish identity. Miriam’s family moves from Manhattan toContinue reading “No Vacancy by Tziporah Cohen”
Miriam at the River by Jane Yolen and Khoa Le
Jane Yolen, who notably published her 400th book this month, earned Sydney Taylor accolades for one more in 2021: MIRIAM AT THE RIVER, illustrated by Khoa Le. In this picture book, Yolen tells the earliest part of the Passover story from Miriam’s point of view, in first person. The protagonist expresses her thoughts, hopes, andContinue reading “Miriam at the River by Jane Yolen and Khoa Le”
The Polio Pioneer – Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine
This biographical narrative of Dr. Jonas Salk, written by Linda Elovitz Marshall and illustrated by Lisa Anchin, was a delight to get on my doorstep; even after I ordered it, several colleagues recommended it as a must-read. The story of THE POLIO PIONEER is approachable and engaging, letting kids see themselves in the character ofContinue reading “The Polio Pioneer – Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine”
Anya and the Nightingale, by Sofiya Pasternack
Wondering how Jewish a middle grade fantasy book could possibly be, I turned to page one of Anya and the Nightingale. The first line read, “Anya’s sukkah was suspiciously lopsided,” referring to the temporary hut many Jews build for the fall holiday of Sukkot. Okay then! Jewish it is. (Turns out that Anya’s goat isContinue reading “Anya and the Nightingale, by Sofiya Pasternack”
Make a Custom Haggadah Online
Passover is coming soon! Are you ready?? This resource lets you customize a haggadah that’s just right for your family traditions. I went on there hoping to capture the conservative familiarity of our good old Maxwell House haggadah but make it easier to navigate now that our family has grown so large. I could playContinue reading “Make a Custom Haggadah Online”
Bedtime Stories for Young Brains
So reading picture books with young children may mean that they hear more words, while at the same time, their brains practice creating the images associated with those words ā and with the more complex sentences and rhymes that make up even simple stories
Libby the Library Hound is Back Home Safe!
Libby the stuffed doggy had to go to the hospital for an operation on her ear, but she is back in action and ready to play! Visit her in the children’s area around the campfire rug this summer š
Carrots, Parrots, and the Merits of Garden Reading
What happens when you mix reading, plants and animals? Magic. Really. These three ingredients, when stirredĀ in a cauldron with care, prove to be the key to a fun and intriguing learning environment. Acting as children’s activity librarian at Churchill’s Garden Center has let me play with this idea, integrating the beautiful grounds into toddler storyContinue reading “Carrots, Parrots, and the Merits of Garden Reading”
Toddler story time in the Garden!
Garden story time is coming and we’re starting off the series by reading alongsideĀ Oliver the parrot in the beautiful tropical greenhouse! Join us April 9th and every other Thursday by registering hereĀ – free event! I am very excited to be starting this new adventure with the kids of Exeter! Can’t wait to see you allContinue reading “Toddler story time in the Garden!”
Sara Lesley Arnold 