I Say Shehechiyanu

February 23, 2015
Rocklin (Fleabrain Loves Franny) and Filipina (the Adventures of Alonzo the Chicken series) follow a girl as she expresses thanks for things big and small throughout the year. Her appreciation is conveyed through the blessing of Shehechiyanu ("Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion"). The girl uses the prayer to mark ceremonial events in Jewish tradition, such as saying a blessing upon eating a new fruit in the New Year or lighting the Hanukkah candles on the holiday's first night. Other times, the prayer is spontaneous, sweetly childlike, and from the heart, as when her baby brother takes his first step and when she hears a bird singing in the spring. Vibrant, playful watercolor drawings depict each Shehechiyanu occasion with humor and excitement, while the concise text communicates just what being thankful is all about. Children (and others) will appreciate both the message and the accompanying illustrations as they learn to recognize how many opportunities life presents for Shehechiyanu. Ages 4â8. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Illustrator's agency: Advocate Art.

December 15, 2014
A little girl experiences a year of joyous events and traditions. The Hebrew word "shehechiyanu" is a special blessing for a new experience or one that reoccurs after a long period of time. Beginning with the Jewish New Year in autumn, this happy child savors the special foods of Rosh Hashanah, as well as a new school year, a new baby brother and a meal in the sukkah. In winter, she blesses her baby brother's first tooth, a beautiful full moon and the cozy warmth of her home as she spins the dreidel, lights a Hanukkah candle and welcomes guests for Shabbat dinner. Spring and summer bring returning birds, flower buds, a Purim costume, matzo at Passover and new accomplishments. Her little brother's rites of passage as he says her name, takes his first step toward her and reaches his first birthday are even more deserving of blessings. This unnamed girl is warmhearted, generous and utterly charming as she embraces every moment and sees goodness and joy all around her, all expressed, with great enthusiasm, in simply stated declarative sentences. Filipina's lovely, warmly hued illustrations beautifully complement and greatly enhance the text with detailed depictions of all the happy events. Readers not familiar with the traditions may wish there were a glossary or parenthetical pronunciation guide, though. A sweet year for all. (Picture book. 3-8)

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March 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 2-As explained in an opening author's note, "Shehechiyanu" is a Jewish blessing for first occurrences, thanking God who has "enabled us to reach this occasion." Readers follow a little girl through the seasons to see the many events that cause her to use the blessing, beginning in autumn with the Jewish New Year. Readers see a nice mix of "firsts" from religious holidays (trying on a new Purim costume) to the natural world (first snow of the winter) to the growth of a baby brother (first tooth), and even to the protagonist's maturation, as when she hears thunder and realizes it no longer frightens her. The examples are relatable and show an appreciation for the small miracles of everyday life. The gentle illustrations are warm and cheerful. Dress style shows that the family is Jewish but not Orthodox, and the males cover their heads only during religious observances. The book is aimed at a Jewish readership, as customs and holidays are presented without explanation. VERDICT This unique story covers a topic unavailable elsewhere, and should be a first purchase for Judaic collections; general collections may consider it additional.-Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

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