The Keeping Quilt

January 22, 2009 at 10:00 am (ages 10-12, ages 7-9, Judaism, picture books, religious)

The Keeping QuiltTitle:  The Keeping Quilt
Author/ Illustrator:  Patricia Polacco
Publisher:  Simon and Schuster, Inc.
ISBN:  0-671-64963-9

Summary:  Patricia tells the history of her own family’s immigration to the United States from Russia by following a beutiful quilt as it is passed from generation to generation.
Butterfly’s notes:  I love watching family custom change with the times in this book.  The story of the Keeping Quilt always makes me think of my own ancestors and what their stories might have been like.  It is particularly nice that the illustrations are all in black and white, but the quilt is alive with colors.

Categories:  ages 7-9, ages 10-12, Judaism, picture books, religious

Leave a Comment

Mrs. Katz and Tush

January 21, 2009 at 3:26 pm (ages 10-12, ages 7-9, animal stories, Judaism, picture books, religious)

Mrs. Katz and TushTitle:  Mrs. Katz and Tush
Author/ Illustrator:  Patricia Polacco
Publisher:  Bantam Books
ISBN:  0-553-08122-5

Summary:  Larnel makes friends with the neighborhood widow, Mrs. Katz, by bringing her a kitten to keep her company.  They name the kitten Tush, and soon Larnel is visiting often.  Mrs. Katz tells him stories of her own personal history, a history of immigration, opression, and Jewish tradition.  This is a unique Passover story.
Butterfly’s notes:  A good book for learning about immigration and for introducing children to Judiasm.  I love the character of Mrs. Katz, she is a lovely old lady!

Categories:  ages 7-9, ages 10-12, animal stories, Judaism, picture books, religious

Leave a Comment

Noah’s Ark

January 8, 2009 at 8:33 pm (ages 4-6, ages 7-9, animal stories, Bible, Christianity, Judaism, mythology and legends, Old Testament, picture books, religious)

Noah's ArkTitle:  Noah’s Ark
Author:  (Retold by) Lawrence T. Lorimer
Illustrator: Charles E. Martin
Publisher:  Random House
ISBN:  0-394-83697-9 (B.C.)
0-394-83861-0 (trade)
0-394-93861-5 (lib. bdg.)

Summary:  A re-telling of the story of Noah and the Ark
Butterfly’s notes:  Lovingly written, this book has been put together with adorable cartoon-style drawings which make it very enjoyable.

Categories:  ages 4-6, ages 7-9, animal stories, Bible, Christianity, Judaism, mythology and legends, Old Testament, picture books, religious

Leave a Comment

Esther’s Story

January 3, 2009 at 4:59 pm (ages 10-12, Bible, Christianity, Judaism, mythology and legends, Old Testament, picture books, religious)

Esther's StoryTitle:  Esther’s Story
Author:  Diane Wolkstein
Illustrator:  Juan Wijngaard
Publisher:  Morrow Junior Books
ISBN:  0-688-12127-6 (trade)
0-688-12128-4 (library)

Summary:  A re-telling of the story of Esther, the Jewish princess who saved her people from execution.
Butterfly’s notes:  Beautiful, emotion-filled drawings fill this book, a detailed and complete version of Esther’s story.  Esther herself narrates the story, which gives the reader a strong connection to her plight.

Categories:  ages 10-12, mythology and legends, picture books, religious, Judaism, Christianity, Old Testament, Bible

Leave a Comment

To Every Thing There Is A Season: Verses from Ecclesiastes

January 2, 2009 at 7:17 pm (ages 10-12, ages 7-9, Bible, Butterfly's favorites, Christianity, Judaism, Old Testament, picture books, poetry, profound messages, religious)

To Every Thing There Is A SeasonTitle:  To Every Thing There Is A Season:  Verses from Ecclesiastes

Illustrator:  Leo and Diane Dillon

Publisher:  Blue Sky Press

ISBN:  0-590-47887-7

Summary:  From the King James Version of the Bible- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 1:4

Butterfly’s notes:  To Every Thing There Is A Season couples the universal and poetic words from Ecclesiastes with truly inspired illustrations in various artistic styles from around the world.  This book is a great way to remember that all people around the world share a few fundamental rituals and emotions.
It’s easy to enjoy this book, even if you aren’t Christian or Jewish.  It can be a wonderful resource for dealing with hard times or for portraying a sober message during happy times.  I particularly like what it says about ancient world cultures.

Categories:  ages 7-9, ages 10-12, picture books, profound messages, poetry, Christianity, religious, Bible, Old Testament, religious, Judaism, Butterfly’s favorites

Leave a Comment

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.