Here Is the World: A Year of Jewish Holidays

by Lesléa Newman, Susan Gal (Illustrator)

Overview

Lesléa Newman’s picture book Here Is the World is a joyous celebration of the Jewish holidays throughout the year for young children that’s “both lovely and eminently useful” (Kirkus Reviews)—illustrated by Susan Gal.

Here is the world, ever changing and new,
Spinning with joy at the wonder of you!

Beginning with the weekly observance of Shabbat, readers join a family through the holidays and the corresponding seasons. From sounding the shofar on Rosh Hashanah to lighting the menorah for Chanukah to rattling a grogger for Purim, and on through the Jewish year, the joy and significance of each holiday beautifully come to life.

In addition to the narrative text, there is a description of each holiday in the back matter along with an easy craft or recipe.

“Illustrating the change of seasons, Gal’s charcoal and digital collage images effervesce with cheery colors, moving from the radiant gold, yellows, and reds of autumn to the greens and blues of spring—with a stop in snowy winter for Chanukah, of course.” —Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419711855
Publisher:	Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	09/02/2014
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	661,106
Product dimensions:	9.90(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Lesléa Newman is the author of over 80 books for children and adults. She has received many awards, including two Stonewall Book Awards honors, the National Jewish Book Award (Gittel’s Journey), fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Book Award, a Sydney Taylor Book Award and Honor, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, and the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement, among many others. Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists. She is also a popular guest lecturer at college campuses across the country, and currently she is a faculty mentor at Spalding University’s School of Creative and Professional Writing.


Susan Gal has illustrated numerous children's books. Her accolades include the Sydney Taylor Book Award and National Jewish Book Award. She began her illustration career as a poster and calendar artist, then worked as an "actor with a pencil" for Disney Animation before returning to her native California to create fun and whimsical illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

07/28/2014
For an observant Jewish family, a year continually offers cause for celebration—especially when a newly arrived baby sister kicks off the cycle with a naming ceremony: “Here is the rabbi, with blessing to share./ Here is a wish and a hope and a prayer.” The simple couplets, which begin with the repeating phrase “Here is/are,” for a dash of liturgical rhythm, chronicle a year of togetherness in the home, in the synagogue (“open to all”), and in the outdoors: “Here is the shofar, its sound pure and sweet,” she writes about Rosh Hashanah, “Here are some apples and honey to eat.” (In keeping with the lighthearted mood, Yom Kippur is represented by a delicious “break-fast.”) Illustrating the change of seasons, Gal’s charcoal and digital collage images effervesce with cheery colors, moving from the radiant gold, yellows, and reds of autumn to the greens and blues of spring—with a stop in snowy winter for Chanukah, of course. A glossary, crafts ideas, and recipes conclude the book. Ages 4-7. Author’s agent: Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown. Illustrator’s agent: Morgan Gaynin. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

"These warm illustrations and cheery verses will likely build anticipation all year long."

Booklist - Sarah Hunter

11/01/2014
PreS-K—With a warm, sing-song patter and exquisite illustrations, this lovely picture book introduces young children to a joyous year of Jewish holidays and celebrations. Highlighting the essence of each season's offerings, the rhyming text moves smoothly from a summer baby naming to autumn's Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, and so on through the Jewish year ("Here is the sukkah, its roof made of twigs. Here are some grapes, pomegranates, and figs."). Yet the true stars here are the richly hued, digitally collaged illustrations, which add depth and whimsy. These pictures contain such warmth and life that readers will want to jump in and join the festivities. Each spread displays an abundance of colors and textures that work perfectly to create distinctive moods for the various holidays, whether it's a gregarious Simchat Torah parade, the warm glow of a Chanukah menorah, or the freshness of an early spring day planting trees for Tu B'Shevat. Back matter includes a more detailed description of each holiday, crafts, and recipes. A distinctive and welcome addition.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

School Library Journal

2014-07-29
The year's range of Jewish holidays and celebrations are presented in this repeating, rhyming chant that features key succinct elements for each. "Here are your parents, with arms open wide. / Here are your siblings, to stand by your side." Beginning in early fall, Newman carefully chooses a new baby girl's naming ceremony, not usually represented in other literature, followed by a Shabbat candle lighting, dinner and visit to the synagogue. She then launches into the high holy days of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simhat Torah. Winter leads with Hanukkah, followed by Tu B'Shevat and Purim before the traditional spring celebrations of Passover and Shavuot. An early summer Shabbat picnic brings the year full circle. Bookending this annual list with Shabbat observances reflects the significance the Sabbath holds in Judaism. Gal's illustrations provide a visual narrative, ending with a first birthday party for the baby named at the outset; the story culminates with her family marveling at the "ever-changing world" and wonder of their child. Charcoal drawings enhanced with digital collage create textured, festive scenes for each of the ceremonial traditions. Backmatter explanations fill out the basics (including the bris, or boys' welcome ceremony) with a specific craft or activity for each holiday. Both lovely and eminently useful. (Picture book/religion. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews