3 Falafels in My Pita

July 1, 2015
A very basic introduction to Israel. It's certainly well-meaning, but the board-book format does not serve its purpose. Yes, everything included in this book can be found in Israel, but with no context or background information to hold it together, it doesn't really work, especially for the intended audience-babies and toddlers. Several of the items are not unique to Israel. "2 friends playing paddle-ball on the beach" could as easily be found in Chicago or Alabama. Likewise, oranges grow in Florida and California. There is no glossary; it is assumed that adult readers will be able to explain where Masada, Tel Aviv, or Eilat are located-and that a child of board-book age will care. The bright, stylized illustrations do not extend the text with additional Jewish content except for a sign in Hebrew on the page about watermelons for sale at the shuk, though a stereotypical Bedouin tends four camels. Jewish families wanting their children to hear references to the Jewish homeland at a very young age may find something of value in this offering, but few others will. (Board book. 1-4)

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