Lilah Tov Good Night - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A soothing Hebrew lullaby takes on added meaning for a refugee family in this visually stunning picture book.

As the moon rises, a family steps into the night on a journey toward a new beginning. Along the way, their little girl delights in the wonders of nature, saying lilah tov (good night in Hebrew) to the creatures and landscapes they pass. Wherever she looks--on land, in the sky above, and even, eventually, in the water below her boat--there are marvels to behold. Then, when their travels are finally over, her parents tuck her in tight, safe and ready for dreams in their new home.

Review Quotes

"As the sun sets and the moon rises, an unnamed young child says good night to everything in the natural landscape. . . . Simple, brief, descriptive text. . . . Lush, detailed, soft-edged landscapes provide another, deeper, and more nuanced level to the proceedings. . . . The protagonist is saying good night to the creatures and places spotted on what readers will see as a lengthy journey. . . . At the end of their travels there is a new home awaiting them. They travel quietly and surreptitiously. . . . Each young reader will interpret the work differently depending on individual understanding and knowledge of history, or perhaps with a wise adult to help. Haunting and beautiful."--Kirkus Reviews

"Lovely illustrations depicting a Jewish immigrant tale. The text is concise and simple. . . . The rhymes work well. . . . The luminous, digitally colored pencil illustrations tell a more expansive story. . . . This book can be read as a simple bedtime story, or discussed as an immigrant tale. Either way, it will likely find a receptive audience with Jewish families in search of bedtime books, or families looking for immigrant stories."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Ben Gundersheimer (BenGundersheimer.com & MisterGSongs.com) is a Latin Grammy Award-winning artist, author, playwright and educator. Hailed as "a bilingual rock star" by The Washington Post, he was originally dubbed "MISTER G" by his elementary school students while pursuing a Master of Education degree. His dynamic bilingual performances aim to dissolve borders and foster cross-cultural connections. Ben is also the author of Baby Ballena, Señorita Mariposa, How Many Squirrels Are in the World?, and We'll Make Things Better Together, all of which are based on his original songs. He lives in the woods of Western Massachusetts with his wife, Katherine; rescue mutt, Josie; and cat, Chloe Bird.

Noar Lee Naggan (NoarLeeNaggan.com) also illustrated The Storyteller (by Lindsay Bonilla). Originally from Israel, with a background in animation and graphic design, he is now a full-time illustrator in Edinburgh, Scotland.