(3) K-3 Illustrated by Margeaux Lucas. In 1930s Germany, women's roles were clearly defined and being a rabbi wasn't an option. But Regina Jonas charted her own path and became the first female rabbi. This powerful picture-book biography deftly addresses sexism, anti-Semitism, and changing societal attitudes. The muted illustrations depict Jonas as a powerful and inspiring figure. An afterword provides historical context.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Diana Bryer. When Jacobo visits his grandmother in Santa Fe, he's confused by her holiday traditions compared to those of his Catholic friends. After deflecting Jacobo's questions, she finally reveals the family's origins as Spanish Jews who were forced to convert. Although stiffly drawn, the iconographic illustrations include effectively symbolic borders. A glossary, but no pronunciation guide, and a recipe are provided.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Joani Keller Rothenberg. This Cain and Abel story strives for impartiality, mitigating Cain's act yet grieving Abel's death, and concludes somewhat simplistically that "when each person learns to reach out an open hand without the rock, without the sword, without the gun, the entire world can be saved." Vivid, rich illustrations with high-voltage rainbow hues envision a fruitful prelapsarian land as described in a thematic Midrash passage.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam