The Mitzvah Fairy - by Danielle Joseph (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The Mitzvah Fairy wakes up early to spread joy. He fluffs his wings. Then he grabs his crown and wand. First stop: Bubbe and Zayde's house. Bubbe has the sniffles so the Mitzvah Fairy swoops in with chicken soup. "This will make you feel better, Bubbe," he says. Next, he zooms over to his neighbor's garden where he waters the plants and fills the birdfeeder. At the end of a busy day, the Mitzvah Fairy has one more thing to do―give his dad a great big hug. An author's note matches up the mitzvot in the story with Jewish values.

Review Quotes

"This book would be lovely for a Jewish preschool or kindergarten class or family story time leading easily into opportunities to incorporate mitzvot into daily life."--Association of Jewish Libraries

"In a world where anti-Semitism is on the rise this is a wonderful book to read to children demonstrating the humanity of Judaism."--Children's Literature

"will be relevant to all families who encourage the joy of performing good deeds." --Sydney Taylor Shmooze

"This is a full day for the young Mitzvah fairy as his actions exemplify Jewish values of visiting the sick doing good deeds, honoring the earth, donating to the poor being kind to creatures, and honoring one's parents." -Seattle Book Review

"With a crown, wings, and a star wand, a young Jewish boy transforms into the Mitzvah Fairy.
After breakfast, the boy loads supplies into his wagon and leaves with his father and small gray dog to do good deeds for relatives and neighbors in need of cheering up. His bubbe (grandmother in Yiddish) has a case of the sniffles; she proclaims his chicken soup "delicious!" Mr. Gordon's leg is in a cast, so the boy waters the plants and fills the bird feeder. The thoughtful child notices trash in the park and asks his dad, "Don't we need to treat the earth with kindness too?" When his dad agrees, the two pick up the garbage and recycle what they can. The boy spots lost coins and asks if he can add them to the blue tzedakah box (a charity box, adorned with Hebrew letters). He also moves a ladybug to a safer spot where it can't be harmed by pedestrians. Though many readers will appreciate this quiet, matter-of-fact tale of a young everyday hero doing his best, it'll have special resonance for those familiar with Judaism. Featuring characters with oversize heads and textured backgrounds with cozy details, Battuz's art sets a warm tone. Characters are light-skinned. The book concludes with a matching game and a list of Hebrew phrases for the Jewish values incorporated into the story." --Kirkus Review

"A little boy has styled himself The Mitzvah Fairy, and does six good deeds in a long, rewarding day. This charming book was written and illustrated for pre-kindergarteners through 3rd graders." --San Diego Jewish World

A sweet treasure of a read for the littles that will both delight and encourage good deeds." --Joy Preble