Here Is the World - by Lesléa Newman (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Lesléa Newman's picture book Here Is the World is a joyous celebration of the Jewish holidays throughout the year for young children that's "both lovely and eminently useful" (Kirkus Reviews)--illustrated by Susan Gal.

Here is the world, ever changing and new,
Spinning with joy at the wonder of you!

Beginning with the weekly observance of Shabbat, readers join a family through the holidays and the corresponding seasons. From sounding the shofar on Rosh Hashanah to lighting the menorah for Chanukah to rattling a grogger for Purim, and on through the Jewish year, the joy and significance of each holiday beautifully come to life.

In addition to the narrative text, there is a description of each holiday in the back matter along with an easy craft or recipe. This is a book to introduce young ones to a year's worth of celebrations of the Jewish holidays.

"Illustrating the change of seasons, Gal's charcoal and digital collage images effervesce with cheery colors, moving from the radiant gold, yellows, and reds of autumn to the greens and blues of spring--with a stop in snowy winter for Chanukah, of course." --Publishers Weekly

Review Quotes

"A distinctive and welcome addition."--Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library "School Library Journal" (11/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"These warm illustrations and cheery verses will likely build anticipation all year long."--Sarah Hunter "Booklist" (11/15/2014 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Lesléa Newman is the author of more than 50 books for adults and children, including Abrams' The Eight Nights of Chanukah and A Sweet Passover, which were PJ Library selections. She lives in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Susan Gal's children's books have received starred reviews and other accolades, including a Kirkus Reviews Best of Children's Books and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. She lives in Berkeley, California.