(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg. Evie's newest neighbors have just arrived from another country, "in such a rush." At her parents' encouragement, Evie introduces herself to young Bimi while her family helps his family move in. Their neighbor, Mrs. Monroe, casts judgmental looks out her window--Mrs. Monroe immigrated, too, Evie's parents reveal, so why can't she be more sympathetic? Stylized, collage-like illustrations pair images of Evie and Bimi in everyday scenes--like dining with their families, waving from bedroom windows, and sharing treasured toys. When Evie's family brings over spare furniture, a diverse chain of welcoming neighbors follows suit; the resulting impromptu dinner party is enough to crack Mrs. Monroe's shell. This warm slice-of-life story is a gentle lesson in empathy.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. Brooklyn neighbors Moses (Moe) Feldman and Mohammad (Mo) Hassan meet while grocery shopping. One is Jewish and the other Muslim, but they look like twins and become great friends. Both text and illustrations mirror their similar experiences, emphasizing cultural and religious commonalities. Amini's multimedia collages combine photorealism, wild color combinations, and expressively stylized faces. Notes discuss Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan and include recipes for holiday treats.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam

(3) K-3 Museum-dwelling mouse Janson likes to explore at night. When she finds the modern wing, her creativity takes off as she emulates alluded-to artists (e.g., "she painted inside the lines" nods to Piet Mondrian), but her eventual "mousterpiece" is satisfyingly in her own unique style. Zalben nails the modern-art homages in her kid-friendly illustrations; the appended "Janson's Favorite Artists" guide reveals the inspirations.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(2) YA A student in the Pre-College Division of the Juilliard School, twelve-year-old pianist Allegra is expected to practice four hours a day, along with doing all the homework from her regular school. The story, involving and compassionate, encompasses a crucial year in Allegra's development as a musician and as a person. Throughout, Zalben is honest about music's demands and unapologetic about its rewards.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(4) K-3 Leading up to her aunt's baby shower, Zoe, desperate for a pet, dreams that it rains kittens, puppies, bunnies, and piglets. After the party, she finds a dog huddled outside her aunt's apartment--and gets to keep it. The story tries to do too much; Zalben's well-crafted, warm-hearted illustrations attempt to keep up.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Victoria Chess. This short chapter book depicts the trials, tribulations, and eventual triumphs of a girl slated to be a flower girl at her beloved Uncle Harry's wedding--until Harry and his fiancée elope. The humorous text is supported by plenty of droll and appealing illustrations of the tight-knit Jewish family. Tempting recipes for Mama's Famous Wedding Cake and Coconut-Vanilla-Raisin Frosting are appended.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) K-3 Mixed-media illustrations--which range from arresting to sentimental--accompany this Creation story inspired by a sixteenth-century Midrash. After God creates the world, he makes humans to collect the powerful pieces of light that have escaped from a jar. As people gather the light, they help unify the world. Like the art, the text is sometimes uninspired, sometimes moving.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Emilie Chollat. The old woman and her brood move out of the shoe into the house of the seven dwarfs, Snow White moves in with Rapunzel, Rapunzel moves in with Rumpelstiltskin, etc., and everyone is happy until the children from the shoe get homesick. Readers familiar with these characters will enjoy this irreverent departure from fairy-tale tradition. The book features retro-looking illustrations in candy colors.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Victoria Chess. Beryl and her little brother Sam are disappointed when their new baby brother isn't nearly as exciting as they expected. Feelings of jealousy and resentment commonly experienced by older siblings are addressed with a humorous but realistic touch as a large family of loving grownups helps the children gain acceptance. The small but detailed watercolors show a cozy family in this picture-book-like chapter book.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(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

(4) PS On Daniel the elephant's first day of preschool, his mother does all the right things to reassure him. The book then goes through his day step by step, explaining everything Daniel does, and an editor's note gives parents tips on handling separation anxiety. The detailed pen and watercolor illustrations and wordy text ask too much of toddlers' attention span, but as a teaching tool this is textbook clear.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Donna Diamond. When young Stanley rubs the dust from an old menorah, a Yiddish-spouting, wish-granting genie appears and introduces Stanley to the true meaning of fame, fortune, and happiness. Though sentimental, this early chapter book is pleasant enough and smoothly written. Realistic pencil illustrations enhance the text, and a glossary of Yiddish terms is appended.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) K-3 A family of sheep welcomes two cousins to their home for the entire festival of Chanukah. A different story about the visit is provided for each night of the holiday, and crafts, games, recipes, or songs accompany each story. Zalben's illustrations feature her familiar, anthropomorphized characters, and the book offers much for families to enjoy during the holiday. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(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