Sukkot

May 1, 2010
Gr 1-3-These titles profile two lesser-known Jewish holidays. Each one includes history, definitions, customs, and traditions. Unfortunately, both titles lack clarity and context. The more successful volume is "Sukkot", which follows a logical progression from history to holiday preparations to celebration customs. "Purim" meanders back and forth between traditions and the reasons behind them. The text of "Sukkot" is dry but serviceable, while "Purim" has the feel of a report written by a precocious child, containing ridiculous statements such as "Judaism is a religion that many Jewish people follow." Both titles, while technically accurate for the most part, are oversimplified to the point of being unclear or misleading. They are decorated with stock color photography depicting a mix of Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jews. Some photos are obvious filler, such as an image of two boys playing with leaves because Sukkot takes place in the fall. In "Purim", an image of challah baking accompanies text about the Purim treats hamantaschen (oddly described in the singular "Hamantasch"). "Did You Know?" sidebars offer random facts, often raising more questions than they answer. Highlighted words within the text are defined in a glossary, but these selections seem random as well; do readers need "sunset" defined for them? While the need for books on these holidays is great, these titles do more to confuse than to educate. Stick with Joel Lurie Grishaver's dated but accurate and heartfelt "Building Jewish Life" series (Torah Aura) instead."Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL"

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