(4) K-3 Illustrated by Shirley Waisman. When space aliens crash-land behind the Abraham home, the family invites them in and makes them feel welcome, though differences in language and custom present some humorous obstacles. Illustrations in a pastel palette depict appealing mushroom-like creatures attempting to make themselves at home. The Abrahams are depicted as an ethnically diverse Jewish family; the (somewhat lengthy) text makes the value of welcoming guests clear to readers of any background, while an author’s note makes Jewish connections (the biblical name Abraham is no coincidence).

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Chava. Shavuos marks the receiving of Torah at Mount Sinai. A girl buys flowers for the occasion, then invites various people to share her bouquet and the holiday celebration with her family. Cheerful but stiff illustrations showing perpetually smiling people enliven the generally bland but also informative text. Further explanation about the holiday is appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman