The Littlest Levine

February 17, 2014
Hannah hates the feeling of dependency that comes from being the smallest and youngest member of her family: she can’t decorate the sukkah, light the Hanukkah candles, or even put the Purim hamentashen in the oven without help from an adult. But Grandpa knows that there’s one part of the seder that no one else can do (“Don’t worry,” he tells her. “Soon you’ll be glad to be the littlest Levine”). With nightly tutoring, which becomes a beloved ritual for Hannah, Grandpa makes sure that his granddaughter shines when it comes to the most important job for the youngest seder participant: singing the Four Questions. Sunny cartooning from Keay (I Love You All Year Long) and Lanton’s (Lots of Latkes) light narrative touch make this story of diligence, identity (both familial and religious), and intergenerational love stand out. Ages 3–8. Illustrator’s agent: Advocate Art.

May 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-This warm story depicts a sweet intergenerational relationship in a modern Jewish family. Hannah Levine is too little to reach the sink or tie her own shoes, and she resents her lack of independence. "I hate being the littlest" is her refrain, but Grandpa reassures her that her day is coming. Around Purim, they start studying together, and by Passover, Hannah is ready to do the important job of asking the Four Questions at the seder, a job traditionally given to the youngest child. The watercolor illustrations are simple, bright, and accessible. The only disappointing factor is how little attention is paid to the Four Questions themselves. Hannah recites the beginning of the first question only. Readers learn nothing of the other questions or their answers. A brief note about Passover is included at the end of the book, but it provides no detail about the Four Questions, either. While the story's theme is universal, familiarity with the holiday and its customs is assumed, making this book most appropriate for Jewish collections.-Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2014
For little Hannah, being the youngest in the family is a vexing issue--until it is time for the Passover Seder, and one special honor is given only to her. Hannah continually laments that she is too small to reach the sink, join brother and sister on the school bus, and even light Hanukkah candles by herself. Grandpa tells her to be patient, as soon her holiday will come. Together, they spend many evenings after dinner in the study, learning something special that will be revealed to the whole family at the upcoming Seder. On the first night of Passover, Hannah takes much pride in reciting the traditional four questions as required by the youngest family member, finally delighted to be the littlest Levine. Generic watercolor drawings in pale spring hues place this intergenerational, observant family in a middle-class, suburban setting. The well-developed storyline provides enough intrigue to engage the littlest listeners and culminates pleasingly. This should be inspirational to little tykes who are expected to carry on with the tradition and need to understand their larger role in the Seder ceremony. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-6)

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