Two More Wonderful Children's Books From Kar-Ben Publishing

enjoying The Topsy-Turvy Bus 

I really value the education children get from Kar-Ben books. This young man definitely agrees. Here he's looking at The Topsy-Turvy Bus by Anita Fitch Pazner, Illustrated by Carolina Farías.

The Topsy-Turvy Bus teaches young children about alternative energy for powering buses, cars and more. Anita Fitch Pazner connects it to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, Fixing the World, making the world a better place. AKA ecology for youngsters.

Carolina Farías' illustrations are gorgeous adding to the attractiveness of The Topsy-Turvy Bus, which isn't at all preachy. When I first read the book I thought the basis of the story seemed familiar. I must have read about the bus it's based on which was built by Hazon, the largest Jewish environmental organization in North America.

listening to Frank, Who Liked to Build:
The Architecture of Frank Gehry 

Frank, Who Liked to Build: The Architecture of Frank Gehry by Deborah Blumenthal, Illustrated by Maria Brzozowska is another fascinating  children's book by Kar-Ben. 

As made clear in the title, it's about the famous architect Frank Gehry. Written for young children, Frank, Who Liked to Build: The Architecture of Frank Gehry tells about Gehry as a child and the problems his imagination and creativity caused him. It even mentions that he's Jewish and had changed his last name from Goldberg to Gehry.

Frank, Who Liked to Build: The Architecture of Frank Gehry encourages children to be creative. Many of Gehry's buildings don't look anything like conventional building, but they are gorgeous and function. Apparently Gehry showed signs of creativity and a love of building things from the time he was a young child.

If you want some really great educational books for children of all ages, which are a joy to read and don't sound at all like textbooks, then check out what Kar-Ben books has to offer.

Great KAR-BEN Publishing Books for Young Readers

I received a box of goodies recently from KAR-BEN Publishing. It included children's books on all levels, from toddlers to young readers. 

This first review will be of two books written for young readers. Both books begin with the main characters being bullied at school. Apparently, it's a big issue in the United States and including the problem and how to deal with it makes the books more popular and marketable. Another thing they have in common is that a parent of a main character in both books has passed away, which is a reason why their grandparents are helping to raise them.

The books are well-written chapter books, printed clearly with the added bonus of Jewish history, which don't feel like school work. Actually, the topic, Sephardic Jewish History, isn't very well-known. 

Let's start with The Button Box by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams. Ava and Nadeem are first cousins who share a Ladino speaking grandmother, who's their after school caregiver. Ava is Jewish, and Nadeem is Moslem, as the children's religions follow their mothers'. 

Within the family, the intermarriage of Nadeem's parents is ignored as an issue; it's just accepted, non-judgmental. But in school, which apparently has mostly Christian and Jewish students, there is prejudice against Nadeem, and Ava is encouraged by some of the Jewish kids not to hang out with him, a Muslim.

Ava and Nadeem are both exposed to their mutual Jewish Sephardic heritage by their Jewish grandmother, and that's how a magic button brings them to meet their ancestors and learn a fascinating story based on history. 

The Button Box is full of surprises. The success of Harry Potter has shown book publishers how much children, and adults, love fantasy. I'd also recommend reading the book out loud, chapter by chapter and discussing it.

There's a very helpful Glossary at the end, plus additional information about Sephardic Jews, Muslims and relevant historical background.

When Lightnin' Struck by Betsy R. Rosenthal is another amazing book that kept me in suspense. It's set about a hundred years ago in Odessa, Texas.  James, called Butch by his grandfather, has a lot to deal with. In school a bully keeps attacking him, and he only has one real friend, Paul, a recent immigrant from Odessa, Russia. 

A few years before the story begins, James's father had been struck by lightning and died. Later on his alcoholic mother was jailed, so he began living with his grandparents. And then his beloved grandmother, a healer from Mexico with many secrets, passed away. Minutes before her death, she gave James a strange, secret and special coin.

When not in school, James keeps himself busy by helping his grandfather in their diner and spending time with Paul's family. Paul's family is different from the rest of the town in two big ways. They are recent immigrants and seem to be the only Jewish family in Odessa, Texas. That's how they end up helping James decipher his grandmother's secrets.

There's lots more to When Lightnin' Struck, because James is an interesting and complex character. He's an excellent student and had learned a lot of his grandmother's healing techniques before she passed away. All of this helps him with other issues, besides giving him a direction, a purpose in life. 

I highly recommend both The Button Box and When Lightnin' Struck and have already promised them to one of my grandchildren and told her she should pass them on to her cousins from her Sephardic side.

The Button Box- Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kar-Ben Publishing ® (April 1, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 152 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 172842397X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728423975
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 13 years
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 770
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7

When Lightnin' Struck- Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kar-Ben Publishing ® (February 1, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728420539
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728420530
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 13 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7

CHELM for the HOLIDAYS, Brilliant! A Book Review

Titling this book review "CHELM for the HOLIDAYS, Brilliant!" isn't an oxymoron. The classic Jewish "wise men of Chelm" stories aren't about stupid people; they are lessons in life and siyata d'Shmaya, the hand/power of Gd.

Valerie Estelle Frankel did a wonderful job writing CHELM for the HOLIDAYS; I enjoyed reading it. Allegories, such as stories about Chelm, are actually theological books written simplistically with humor, rather than heavy-handed preachiness. 

CHELM for the HOLIDAYS is written for very young readers in short, clear chapters sans illustrations, but you can read it to younger children, even preschoolers. The advantage of reading it to children is that you can discuss the issues and laugh together about the characters' "foolishness." 

For example, the Chanukah story, "The Oiliest Miracle" can be used to teach children how many candles or portions of oil would be needed to light the Chanukiyah, Chanukah Menorah all eight nights. Teaching via humor is very effective.

A very important concept is found in all of the stories, community. The people of Chelm aren't isolated individuals. Whether intended or not, they end up helping each other. We see this especially in the Shavuot Blintzes story and The Disappearing Challah.

CHELM for the HOLIDAYS is highly recommended. Buy it for young readers or to read to children of all ages.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kar-Ben Publishing ®; Illustrated edition (August 1, 2019)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 72 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1541554620
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1541554627
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 15 years
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 740
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 9

The Lonely Ayil, A Book Review

I was overjoyed to be offered a review copy of The Lonely Ayil by Rochell Weisfogel. It's a wonderful story for children about community and caring. 

To borrow a phrase "You don't have to be Jewish..." to enjoy the story, its messages and read it to your kids, grandkids, students etc. There's a glossary in the end of the book which explains all the terms. 

The values taught within the narrative are universal. 

Nowadays, when people are donating kidneys, even to total strangers, you can read The Lonely Ayil to explain to your children that there are parts of the body that can be shared, donated to others more in need. 

There's also the siyate d'Shmaya, hand of Gd aspect, when the ayil, a ram, finds itself in the perfect place and perfect time to help others. 

Today when we're all "locked down" or more restricted than we'd like to be, it's very easy to identify with the lonely ayil. 

The Lonely Ayil is not a nonsense fairy tale. Once you buy it and read it to your young, and not so young children, I'm sure that you, too will find a lovely story and the perfect vehicle for discussions.

The Lonely Ayil can be ordered in various formats from Amazon.

Product details

• Publisher : Page Publishing, Inc. (October 31, 2017)
• Language : English
  
• Hardcover : 34 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1641382694
• ISBN-13 : 978-1641382694

STORY TIME Continues on My Facebook Live

Months ago, at the beginning of these corona/COVID restrictions I began reading a children's book on my facebook live every weekday afternoon. 

https://www.facebook.com/shilohmuse/videos/10224577905097884

Sometimes I'm amazed at the people tuning in to watch. Some are total strangers, and some are close family. Generally I read at 4pm Israeli time which is 9am New York time. I must admit that I'm rereading books, a suggestion of my sister.

If you're on facebook, you're welcome to join.

Corona COVID-19, Lock-down, Stories Continue

More of my life in the corona lock-down.

Sunday-Thursday most weeks

Now it's post-Pesach, so we're back to a "new normal." Whatever that means. I've resumed my daily story reading on Facebook Live, 4pm Israel time, which is 9am New York time. If you're in a different time zone, I trust you can calculate it. Also, I save the readings on facebook, so just scroll down on my page. 

Everyone seems to be coping differently. it's not all a matter of better or worse. It's more that our needs are all different, and we're making great efforts to stay cheerful, healthy and productive. That's really the best we can do.

I still get out with one of my regular walking partners, but now we're masked and stay 2 meters or 6 and a half feet apart.

My favorite special lock-down activity is reading children's books on Facebook live. But I'm running out of books. That's a problem. I'll have to start borrowing books. You can click the link on the bottom if you have a facebook account and watch one of my readings.

Nobody has a clue as to when life will really go back to normal. Am I repeating myself? Sorry.

https://www.facebook.com/shilohmuse/videos/10222552385141151/?__tn__=%2CdlC-R&eid=ARBtOMVDnEjhZ9C9UGzCstxr2P-iPha9Kvh3ch3HassVs4WC0tyvFfxbOIVCdc_UMCxnc6UcYviulgfW&hc_ref=ARRhVhaYti4QsleeSbA8kHHQ9zPVIrnIjTes8xU30t3tZSujDRYgMnv0KKLicLgrw6g

Book Review: Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies by Jonathan Rosen

I must let you know in advance that Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies by Jonathan Rosen isn't a Jewish book, though the author certainly is. It was written for the general young English reading public. It is set during the Christmas season, but there is nothing religious in the story. It is culturally American, and the story would be much more difficult to tell without the American winter holiday customs. Remember that many of the classic English Literature is set during Christmas season.

Now, if you're still reading this review, I'm going to tell you that the book is totally fantastic. I really had fun reading it and would offer it to my grandchildren, who are totally Israeli, to read.

As I was reading Jonathan Rosen's debut fantasy for children, Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies, I kept envisioning it as an animated movie. Or maybe that's too 20th century; today they have movies that realistically combine animated and human actors.

Twelve-year-old Devin Dexter has problems. His sister, Abby, is annoying. His cousin, Tommy, sees conspiracies everywhere. And his new neighbor, Herb, might be a warlock. When strange things start happening, like the hot new Christmas toy, the Cuddle-Bunny, coming to life and turning evil, Devin and Tommy set out to stop them and prove Herb is a warlock. Will they have enough time before the town of Gravesend is overrun by the cutest little murderers ever?

Even though this is a totally, or I should hope so,  make believe adventure story, the characters were amazingly well-written and realistictic. Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies should be found enjoyable by both boys and girls. There were lots of surprises in the plot, even for me who reads lots of suspense and detective novels. I understand that Rosen has more books in the works. I hope that he'll send me all of them when they are published.

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Grade Level: 2 - 7
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sky Pony Press (August 29, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1510715231
• ISBN-13: 978-1510715233
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

ELISHA DAVIDSON and the Ispaklaria--In Suspense!!

I just finished the middle (2nd) of the  series, ELISHA  DAVIDSON  and the  Ispaklaria, and as expected, I'm in suspense and anxiously awaiting the third and final book of the trilogy. M. R. (Rhonda) Attar (nee Antelman) has me mesmerized and hoping that I won't have to wait too long to read the final instalment. It took a few pages to get me back into the narrative, and I wished I hadn't sent the first one away to a young reader abroad. So, my advice is not to give any of the trilogy away, because you will want to reread them all!!

The strangest summer of Elisha Davidson’s life turns into a reality-shattering adventure when Elisha figures out how to access an Ispaklaria’s powerful ancient secrets without ever leaving his own bedroom. Now Elisha is the only person in the world with the know-how to face the most cataclysmic day on earth and that’s only because he’s being mentored by the wisest man who ever lived. And while Elisha’s training sessions are more amazing than his wildest dreams, why has Elisha been hand-picked to ‘receive’ so many mysterious gifts of wisdom while the greatest masterminds of his generation are clueless, going insane or fighting for their lives? 
Elisha Davidson and the Letters of Fire isn’t based on fantasy. It draws only on non-fiction manuscripts, dating as far back as 5,775 years ago, and exposes the most extraordinary and cryptic teachings of the human race.

Yes, although I'm not a fantasy fan and have never ever read a Harry Potter nor seen the movies, and I'm well above the targeted age for the Elisha Davidson series, I've been enjoying myself reading the books. I recommend the series wholeheartedly. Either give it as a gift, or if you are looking for a book to read to your children, this is it. Enjoy!

MENORAH BOOKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Product Details- Amazon

• File Size: 1345 KB
• Print Length: 234 pages
• Publisher: Menorah Books Limited (August 17, 2015)
• Publication Date: August 17, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B01438TE3I
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled 
• X-Ray:
  Not Enabled 
• Word Wise: Not Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled 
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,189,104 Paid in Kindle Store

Every Picture Tells a Story... Book Review

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY, VOLUME TWO: SHMOS by Chaim Natan Firszt, Menorah Books, is a bilingual, Hebrew (Ashkenaz pronunciation)- English Bible teaching book for children.

As  you can see from the pictures, my grandchildren were fascinated by it. My grandson immediately began telling us the Biblical stories from the pictures. It's a wonderful book for families which use both Hebrew and English. I would recommend it for grandparents or aunts and uncles who speak and read only one of the languages, while the grandchildren or nieces and nephews only speak the other one.

No doubt that everyone will enjoy this great way to learn and teach Parshat Shavua, the Weekly Torah Portion. There is just enough information for children to handle. This is especially helpful for those who don't have the right background and want to teach the children more Torah. It also comes with a companion coloring book to give the children a more kinesthetic learning experience.

Every Picture Tells a Story can be ordered either from Amazon or from Menorah.

Product Code: EPTSV2S

ISBN: 978-1-940516-10-3

Binding: Hardcover / 113 pages

Dimensions: 8.75” H x 11” W

Weight: 0.7 kg / 1.5 lbs

Global Shipping Available

Ezra's Aliyah, a Book Review

No doubt many of you know the writer of Ezra's Aliyah, because she's,  Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod, a well-known prolific blogger and blog carnival host. Read her latest Havel Havelim.

Tzivia's blogs are Adventures in BreadLand, Adventures in AliyahLand, and Adventures in Mama-Land. If I left one out, I'll add it. So, you'd think she'd call her book Ezra's Aliyah Adventure...

Now about the book. I loved it. It's just the right length for young kids and brings up the subjects parents must speak to their children about.  Ezra's Aliyah is short enough so that young children won't get bored, and it has enough information plus topics for discussion which will certainly be invaluable for older children. I'm going to be perfectly honest. When I was 13 my family moved to a different city, different school system, which although was just a ten minute drive away was a different world, culture, norms. I wish that my parents had made the effort to prepare me the way this book can help a child adjust to aliyah, the move to Israel.

I brought the book to my grandchildren to see their reactions. They were curious, and my eldest granddaughter even tried to read it by herself. Everyone loved the illustrations which were via a WFH arrangement.

One thing for sure. Ezra's Aliyah should be the first in a series of adventures and discoveries living in Israel. I'm sure there would be enthusiastic readers. Not only is the book highly recommended for potential olim, those who move to Israel, I'd say that it would be helpful to prepare children before a visit to Israel. And by reading and discussing it to their children, the parents, too, will be better prepared for the differences between Israel and wherever.  That should encourage them to leave the bubble of hotels, touristy restaurants and the crutch of a guide.

Ezra's Aliyah is not Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod's first book. Click here to see her Amazon page; it's very impressive. She's an excellent writer, and her books make great gifts. Buy it on Amazon (http://tinyurl.com/ezrasaliyah) or directly from Tzivia in Israel for only $9 (including mailing).

"Book Cleaning?"

The "Jewish Erma Bombeck" is Judy Gruen, the lady with the hat. I loved her "cleaning for Pesach" article. It really spoke to me.

Here's my comment:

:-) One day, my elder son (4th out of 5 kids) packed up all the childrens' books and hoisted them into the netherworld of the attic, never to be seen again. As high school graduates, he and his younger brother weren't interested in the "Complete works of Sesame street," "Tiny Pin," nor his sisters' "Madeline's Rescue." I haven't succeeded in rescuing them for the grandchildren! Luckily my mother, sister and a cousin have been buying new soft-cover copies of the classics, like "Caps for Sale" and more!

A Purim spin and story

The kids were over for Purim, and it was fun.


The girls finally saw the new book I had gotten for them at the International Book Fair. It's called Carla's Sandwich, Flashlight Press. It has a lovely story and great illustrations. And it's definitely imaginative and encourages creative cooking. Of course, it helps to insist that the kids can prepare anything they want for a sandwich, as long as they eat it.