(3) 1-3 Illustrated by William Owl. This third Sam and Charlie story finds the boy-girl pals at Jewish sleep-away camp; Charlie's little sister, Sam Too, has a couple of small adventures at home. Just as in the previous books, the eight brief chapters combine Jewish education ("Think of cabin clean-up as shmirat ha'adamah") and just-plain fun (fire-truck foam!). Cartoony illustrations make camp look like a blast.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by William Owl. In their second early chapter book, neighbor best friends Sam (boy) and Charlie (girl), along with Charlie's little sister (also named Sam), go through a year together, celebrating changing seasons, new friendships, and several Jewish holidays. The characters' quirky and offbeat personalities shine in their interactions and also through Owl's sunny, colorful illustrations. Subtle lessons about the holidays are apparent but not overpowering.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth