The warmth and love between grandfather – who can transform an outgrown garment into an instantly wearable like-new one – and grandson – who can outgrow a like-new garment at a rapid rate – is depicted in every facet of this beautiful book. The unusual illustrations call forth Eastern European shtetl life at its richest; the narrative and dialogue are as ingenious as the grandfather himself. Each of the characters can be portrayed in distinct voices: the quiet, confident grandfather; the emphatic, sometimes nagging mother; and the exuberant, young Joseph whose grandfather, he believes, can fix anything.

A beautifully poignant tale, based on a true story of the author's mother's love of her precious baby doll Elisabeth. In sparse prose Nivola recounts her mother's escape from Nazi Germany, her move to the United States, her nostalgia for the doll she had to leave behind, her chancing upon the doll in an antique store window, buying it for her daughter, and living to see her granddaughter love Elisabeth as she once did. A wonderful springboard for discussion of the role of metaphor in life and literature as Nivola deftly uses the loss of the doll as a metaphor for her mother's lost home, homeland, and childhood. The blank verse can be read as one would poetry: softly and surely.

Seven folktales, each about a Jewish festival, beg to be read aloud with much expressive dialogue interspersed with easy, flowing narrative. For example, "Hannah the Joyful," the excellent Hanukah story, provides the readalouder with the opportunity to portray a woman of great wit in an upbeat, optimistic tone of voice. Besides re-telling these legends with the ease of storytellers of old, Jaffe provides an extensive glossary helpful for both Jewish and non-Jewish readers ages 4 and older.

An outstanding Chanukah story for children ages 5 and older which uses the contemporary holiday setting as he backdrop for a story of faith triumphing over terrible loss. As in Shadow Children, Schnur brings the spirits of long gone children of the Holocaust into the lives of another generation, thereby dramatizing the Jewish belief that as long as one is remembered one is not really dead. The story affords the readalouder the chance to maximize the immediacy of the story by reading the old man's words in a deep, tired voice, the parents' dialogue in sensitive understanding tones, and the young narrator, impatiently.

Goldin's unique treatment of the Hanukkah holiday is one which other authors might do well to emulate. She chose eight stories – one for each night of the festival – reflecting the values and spirit of the holiday, yet only one story actually takes place during the festival. By focusing on the intrinsic themes of the celebration of freedom, redemption and miracles, Goldin adds great dimension to the holidays, and enables young listeners 5 and older of all backgrounds to both enjoy the stories and engage in fruitful discussions about them.

An excellent compilation of Jewish folktales and legends, with rich explanatory material accompanying them. The book exquisitely evokes images of the golden pink city through the variegated page colors, and delicate illustrations. Each tale provides ample opportunity for discussion of the timeless issues it raises.

Through the age's stories of the prophet Elijah have abounded with this messenger from heaven to earth depicted in various disguises – from beggar to peasant to king – and of various character – stern, kind, caring, a healer, a magic maker. In this compilation of some of the most diverse of the Elijah stories, Jaffe teams with illustrator Elvia Savadier to produce a beautiful volume. Though Elijah is a major character of Jewish folklore, these tales will appeal to children of all ages, religious and cultural backgrounds.

In this small book, Waldman manages to tell a quiet and beautiful story with a double message. He portrays the reforestation of Israel as the metaphor that it is for the regeneration of the Jewish people, nearly destroyed by the Holocaust. He also provides an important environmental message showing how more trees mean more birds, etc. An excellent book for discussion of the role of metaphor in literature, the establishment of the State of Israel and the greening of the land that was a part of it.

This book is not to be confused with Anne Frank's diary, but rather it is a retelling of Anne and her family's fleeing Germany, then hiding in Amsterdam, and finally being taken to the concentration camps where all but her father perished at the Nazi's hands. Though it lacks the sparkle and wisdom of Anne's voice and words of the authentic diary, it is a good introduction to the Nazi era, and further serves as a background for children too young to read the Diary themselves. It celebrates hope in the face of despair and provides a good springboard for discussion about the oppression and extermination of the group of human beings by another.

A beautifully crafted, complex, philosophical novella set in a French village haunted by the ghosts of Jewish children who sought shelter there during the Holocaust. To be read quietly to children 9 and older, a chapter or two at a sitting, with plenty of time for discussion of the many issues raised by the book: from when one chooses to risk – or not to risk – his or her life for another, to communicating with the souls of the departed. The readalouder will want to read this book thoroughly before reading it to others in order to effectively lead the discussion, which will surely ensue.