(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kathryn Mitter. When Abby and her parents move to Israel, her grandmother stays behind. Abby misses Grandma, but they keep in contact through letters, e-mail, and phone calls. This touching, if sentimental, story begins and ends with rain and tears--first sad and then happy. Mitter's cheerful acrylic illustrations showing Abby's new life and the happy family reunion bolster the Israel-travelogue-style story.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Dorrie's cousin, a Holocaust survivor, arrives in Chicago during Dorrie's fifth-grade year just as the class is hosting its annual Sweet Semester baking and essay contest fundraiser for WWII survivors. This nostalgic look at a 1940s Jewish American household mixes a child's innocence (not always convincing) with a dash of good humor and a sprinkle of bittersweet self-reflection.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ben F. Stahl & Ben F. Stahl. Wanting to help clear the Thanksgiving table, Katie accidentally breaks an antique gravy boat. Katie is horrified, but Grandma shows her a cupboard filled with old broken toys, clocks, and dishes, each with a "story to tell"--her memory cupboard. "Things are just things," she tells Katie. Realistic, though slightly stiff, paintings complement the story in which love matters more than objects.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Katya Krenina. A young boy accompanies his father for the first time to catch the fish that will be made into gefilte fish for the Sabbath meal. Sunrise, sunset, and candles provide different kinds of light in the illustrations of early morning fishing and festive family meals. The boy's pleasure and excitement and the strong family feeling add up to a Shabbos treat. A recipe is appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman