A Whale of a Tale - Large Print by Kerry M Olitzky (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A Whale of a Tale: A Sabbath Summer Solstice Story is a picture book created to help children learn how to determine Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, in countries where the summer sun remains high in the sky. Tova travels with her mother to Alaska during the summer solstice. In the Land of the Midnight Sun, she is uncertain how to tell time, because the sun never rises or sets. Tova wonders how she will know when Sabbath begins or ends. Eventually, she talks to a wise orca. The whale shares her secret to understanding time with a circular sun and reminds Tova of the magic of Shabbat.

Review Quotes

"When does the summer sun go down in Alaska? A sweet STEM story about Shabbat." -Naomi Danis, author of It's Tot Shabbat and While Grandpa Naps

"This very wonderfully written and illustrated children's story highlights the beauty both of the Sabbath and the natural setting of Alaska. Though children can learn much about the laws of the Sabbath, what the book captures is even more basic - the essence of its meaning. Set at the time of the summer solstice, the Shabbat experience is both extended and enhanced in a way which will touch every parent and child who reads A Whale of a Tale." -Rabbi Norman J. Cohen, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion

"What a unique approach to Shabbat! Capturing the beauty of Alaska and introducing a menagerie of Alaskan animals, A Whale of a Tale will surely appeal to young adventurers. The book poses an intriguing question, combining Jewish and STEM learning: What happens to Shabbat if the sun never sets? Young readers will delight in solving this puzzle along with the main character and her new animal friends." -Deborah Bodin Cohen, author of the Engineer Ari series and Nachshon who was Afraid to Swim

"An enchanting story that calls us to value this precious Gift of Life we all share. All we need is Shabbat - time out to fully engage with those we love and the magical world around us. Simply told and beautifully illustrated, 'A Whale of a Tale' is a book for the whole family." -Moyra Irving, author of Amelie Trott & The Earth Watchers

"One of the greatest gifts Judaism offers is the ability to observe and celebrate Shabbat anywhere in the world. In A Whale of a Tale, Dr. Olitzky reminds us to appreciate the gift of Shabbat and to relish the opportunity to spend time with those we love, acknowledge the beauty of our Earth, and to understand our place in it. Whether we light Shabbat candles in Jerusalem or in Alaska, let us constantly be reminded of the magic of Shabbat." -Sharon Rockman, Sababa Travel