The Midnight Mitzvah

by Ruth Horowitz, Jenny Meilihove (Illustrator)

Overview

"A wise, thought-provoking tale about the true meaning of charity."- Kirkus Reviews

"I know it's a mitzvah to help others," Hanina said. "And it's also a mitzvah to make sure you don't embarrass someone."

Hanina Chipmunk's favorite thing to do is gather nuts and share them with her hungry friends. But not everyone is thankful for her good deed. When Hanina realizes Mathilda Squirrel is embarrassed to admit she needs help, she hatches a plan to deliver nuts in secret under the midnight hour. As a daytime animal venturing out at night, Hanina will need all the wits and bravery she has to complete her mitzvah.

• Based on the retelling of a 2,000-year-old story from the Talmud (Jewish book of law)
• Educational endnotes include more information about the original tale in the Talmud, the Jewish value of tzedakah (helping those in need) and other similar traditions across different religtions.
• Teaches kids about generosity, empathy and the power of anonymous charity

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798888592359
Publisher:	Barefoot Books
Publication date:	10/01/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.75(h) x 0.14(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Ruth Horowitz is the award-winning author of children's books about bats, giant cockroaches, horseshoe crabs, family, friends, and community. She has also worked as a school librarian and a newspaper editor. Ruth lives in Rhode Island, USA, with her husband.

Jenny Meilihove, an Israeli children’s book writer and illustrator, paints dreamy scenes with gouache, pencils, and crayons. Her work delves into magical moments, evoking warm feelings and exploring beautiful themes. Passionate about crafting children’s books, Jenny finds joy in the naive and vibrant world they create, where anything is possible.

Editorial Reviews

This sweet, simply told story is based on a tale from the Talmud, one of Judaism’s central texts. It will resonate with children who are generally altruistic by nature....A wise, thought-provoking tale about the true meaning of charity” – Kirkus Reviews
 

“Horowitz’s gentle story (based on an ancient Talmudic tale) explains the concept of a mitzvah (doing a good deed for someone) and the importance of doing it secretly so that the recipient is not embarrassed.” - Booklist

“The Midnight Mitzvah is a meaningful tale about Jewish traditions of giving. Readers will cheer for Hanina Chipmunk's bravery as she pursues a kind deed” – Alison Goldberg, author of Eighteen Flowers for Grandma
 

“A heartfelt, touching story imparting the important wisdom of giving to others in need without causing any embarrassment to the receiver” – Liza Wiemer, author of The Assignment
 

“No secret here: like the kindest mitzvot, this story is a blessing! Ruth Horowitz and Jeni Melihove have created a charming book that shows young readers how to give and receive with dignity, heart, and a dash of humor!” – Sarah Aronson, author of Just Like Rube Goldberg

“Hanina chipmunk is an endearing character with a strong desire to spread kindness despite the challenges. A true hero, she uses gumption and creativity to accomplish her goal. Caring and determined, she's sure to win the hearts of young readers” – Linda Glaser, author of Emma’s Poem

 “The Midnight Mitzvah is an absolutely charming story! Beautifully written, it carries an important message without being didactic at all. Young readers will love Hanina Chipmunk and learn from her the importance of being kind” – Lesléa Newman, author of Joyful Song: A Naming Story

"This selection should be in every public and school library" – IBPA Book Award Judge

From the Publisher

2024-07-04
Helping others is a very fine thing to do.

Hanina Chipmunk loves gathering nuts; she also enjoys the praise she receives for sharing them with others. But not everyone appreciates her thoughtfulness. Mathilda Squirrel gruffly rebuffs Hanina’s offerings. Leon Mouse explains that Mathilda, once a champion nut gatherer, isn’t so mobile anymore and feels self-conscious about requiring assistance. While helping is a mitzvah (or a good deed), so is not embarrassing someone while doing so. Hanina wonders how to accomplish both missions, finally deciding to work at night. Diurnal Hanina knows she’s violating forest rules by venturing out under cover of darkness, but contemplating hungry Mathilda emboldens her to work through startling nighttime forest noises. Even scarier is Hanina’s terrifying confrontation with the nocturnal Great Horned Owl—a chipmunk predator—who ultimately sympathizes with her explanation for the evening escapade. Released by the owl, Hanina delivers her bounty to Mathilda’s door at dawn. She hides when a delighted Mathilda, none the wiser, finds them. Heading home, Hanina concludes that helping someone secretly is best. This sweet, simply told story is based on a tale from the Talmud, one of Judaism’s central texts. It will resonate with children who are generally altruistic by nature; adults may want to encourage a pro-con discussion of clandestine generosity. Stylized illustrations, rendered in gouache, pencil, and crayon and featuring an all-animal cast, make wonderful use of color to depict day and night.

A wise, thought-provoking tale about the true meaning of charity. (information about the Talmud and giving, definitions of diurnal and nocturnal animals)(Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews