holidays

"Dance, Sing, Remember: A Celebration of Jewish Holidays" is a book that is both enjoyable and educational. Although it is directed towards children, it is a good resource for all ages. Leslie Kimmelman's well-written text is effectively complemented by Ora Eitan's colorful, impressionistic illustrations.

The text covers the major Jewish observances: Rosh Hashahah, Yom Kippur, Yom Hashoah, etc. The name of each observance is given both in Hebrew characters and in English translation or transliteration. The text gives definitions of such relevant terms as shofar, sukkah, and latkes.

There is a lot of fun supplementary material: a recipe for harvest muffins, instructions on how to play the dreidel game, a retelling of the story of Jonah, and more. Eitan's illustrations are excellent: they range from the solemn to the whimsical. Overall, this is a good book for children of all religious and cultural backgrounds.

I bought this book for my five year old in order to help explain the significance of certain Jewish holidays. He thoroughly enjoyed it and it encouraged lots of great questions. The illustrations are wonderful and I learned a lot too! Highly recommended for any family as a great holiday book and reference book.