What a Way to Start a New Year!

August 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 2-The New Year is a busy time for Jewish families, but things are especially chaotic for Harry and Dina this year. They have moved to a new community, and a series of minor mishaps (lost keys, spilled juice, a flat tire) leads to canceled plans and leftover pizza for dinner instead of brisket and honey cake. Fortunately, their dad's new coworker, Mr. Levine, invites them to services, where the songs are familiar even if the faces are not. At the Levine house for the holiday meal, Harry and Dina make new friends and learn that apple cake is just as delicious as honey cake. New things are different, but not necessarily bad. The exasperated refrain, "What a way to start a new year!" turns positive as Dina exults, "What a wonderful way to start a new year!" The mixed-media illustrations depict the family with clear facial expressions that transform from frustrated, to doubtful, to cheerful as the mood of the story changes. While somewhat limited in scope, this title will be a fine addition to Judaic collections as curriculum support around the Rosh Hashanah principle of hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests and sharing a meal.-Martha Link Yesowitch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2013
Starting the Jewish New Year in a new city without friends or extended relatives is tough for Harry and his family, until the generous welcome by their new community known as the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim makes a significant difference. Not yet unpacked and with no plans for Rosh Hashana, the family remembers that their old neighbors, the Kaplans, only two hours away, invited them. The transplanted family piles into the car for the trip, but before the ride even begins, unexpected events lead to delays and alter their plans. Baby's diaper needs changing, then Mom locks herself out of the house. Dad comes with keys, but one flat tire and tow-truck rescue later, it is too late to travel, and the family returns to their moving boxes and thoroughly un-holiday-ready new home. "What a way to start a new year!" Through the disappointment, Dad works on a new plan: to join his officemate at Temple Shalom for the evening service, which leads to a family dinner invitation and an opportunity to meet and make new friends. "What a WONDERFUL way to start a new year!" It's a situation many contemporary families can relate to, and Stead's bright, multimedia illustrations track the emotional arc. A useful addition to the Rosh Hashana shelf. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-7)

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