(2) 4-6 Milla and Honey are best friends who spend time together at synagogue but have always attended different Orthodox schools. When Honey and her siblings transfer to narrator Milla's school at the beginning of sixth grade, the colliding worlds take some adjustment and lead to comparisons between the two friends and between their families. A mostly light episodic novel with a number of strong through lines, the story follows the characters through the school year, with sections named for Jewish holidays and other observances. The honest narrative highlights the sorts of differences within communities that a sixth grader might notice: which families allow more independence, which are stricter about religious practices, and which can afford fancy bat mitzvah parties. And while much of the focus is on family, it's also on the maturing girls as individuals as they each figure out what matters to them. (Notably, Honey finds a way to chant publicly from the Megillah at her bat mitzvah, a solution that satisfies both herself and her traditionally Orthodox parents.) Back matter includes an extensive glossary, a guide to Jewish holidays, and an author's note about a wish to see herself in books like her childhood favorites.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2023

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. Siblings Sadie and Ori can't find any information about the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer; finally, with help from Grandpa, they learn the story behind the holiday and have a picnic to celebrate it. The book exists as a lesson only, but at least it's a cheerful one; brightly colored, slightly hazy illustrations complement the "mystery." An explanatory note is appended.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(2) K-3 Pearl and her brother help to prepare for the holiday. The story conveys the children's excitement and incorporates many traditions. Recipes and craft instructions are interspersed with the narrative; the projects range in complexity. The cozy watercolor depictions of the pink-cheeked sheep family are well suited to this affectionate gathering. Families may find a new project or dish to spice up their own Passover traditions.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2002

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jon Goodell. When two devils try to magically disrupt Hanukkah, the rabbi of the town outwits the tricksters and proves that there is good in all creatures, even devils. Scenes of antic chaos in the lively illustrations light up the pages of a sly, expertly paced holiday adventure.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Monique Passicot. This engaging collection moves through the Jewish calendar to encompass twelve holidays. Schwartz follows these brief, clear, and simply told tales with rich and highly readable notes about the history of the holiday, the importance of the rabbi, and the sources of the story. Stylized eastern European folk illustrations capture the miraculous spirit of the stories. Glos.

Reviewer: Susan P. Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2000

(3) 4-6 Festivals of the World series. Showing how a country's festivals reflect its culture, each volume begins by locating the country on a map and briefly describing its population. While the entries don't have much in-depth information, the accessible style and liberal use of color photographs make these books useful for quick, celebratory tours of each country. Instructions for traditional crafts and recipes are included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 Festivals of the World series. Showing how a country's festivals reflect its culture, each volume begins by locating the country on a map and briefly describing its population. While the entries don't have much in-depth information, the accessible style and liberal use of color photographs make these books useful for quick, celebratory tours of each country. Instructions for traditional crafts and recipes are included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 Festivals of the World series. Showing how a country's festivals reflect its culture, each volume begins by locating the country on a map and briefly describing its population. While the entries don't have much in-depth information, the accessible style and liberal use of color photographs make these books useful for quick, celebratory tours of each country. Instructions for traditional crafts and recipes are included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 Festivals of the World series. Showing how a country's festivals reflect its culture, each volume begins by locating the country on a map and briefly describing its population. While the entries don't have much in-depth information, the accessible style and liberal use of color photographs make these books useful for quick, celebratory tours of each country. Instructions for traditional crafts and recipes are included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 1-3 Beni's First Chanukah (1988), Happy Passover, Rosie (1990, review 3/90), Leo and Blossom's Sukkah (1990), Goldie's Purim (1991), and Happy New Year, Beni (1993) are collected here in one volume. Beni and his extended bear family celebrate five holidays in these stories. The folksy paintings have an old-fashioned feel, which lends itself to the traditions that form the backdrop for the text. Glos.

Reviewer: Suzy Schmidt