From School Library Journal
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PreS-Gr 2—As explained in an opening author's note,
"Shehechiyanu" is a Jewish blessing for first occurrences,
thanking God who has "enabled us to reach this occasion." Readers
follow a little girl through the seasons to see the many events
that cause her to use the blessing, beginning in autumn with the
Jewish New Year. Readers see a nice mix of "firsts" from
religious holidays (trying on a new Purim costume) to the natural
world (first snow of the winter) to the growth of a baby brother
(first tooth), and even to the protagonist's maturation, as when
she hears thunder and realizes it no longer frightens her. The
examples are relatable and show an appreciation for the small
miracles of everyday life. The gentle illustrations are warm and
cheerful. Dress style shows that the family is Jewish but not
Orthodox, and the males cover their heads only during religious
observances. The book is ed at a Jewish readership, as customs
and holidays are presented without explanation. VERDICT This
unique story covers a topic unavailable elsewhere, and should be
a first purchase for Judaic collections; general collections may
consider it additional.—Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel,
Boca Raton, FL
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Review
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"Rocklin (Fleabrain Loves Franny) and Filipina (the Adventures of
Alonzo the Chicken series) follow a girl as she expresses thanks
for things big and small throughout the year. Her appreciation is
conveyed through the blessing of Shehechiyanu ('Blessed are you,
Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has granted us life,
sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion'). The girl
uses the prayer to mark ceremonial events in Jewish tradition,
such as saying a blessing upon eating a new fruit in the New Year
or lighting the Hanukkah candles on the holiday's first night.
Other times, the prayer is spontaneous, sweetly childlike, and
from the heart, as when her baby brother takes his first step and
when she hears a bird singing in the spring. Vibrant, playful
watercolor drawings depict each Shehechiyanu occasion with humor
and excitement, while the concise text communicates just what
being thankful is all about. Children (and others) will
appreciate both the message and the accompanying illustrations as
they learn to recognize how many rtunities life presents for
Shehechiyanu." -- Publisher's Weekly
(Journal)
"Shehechiyanu is a Jewish blessing expressing thanks when
something happens for the first time or when it happens again
after a long time. Here a young girl considers the seasonal
occurrences she appreciates in her own life. In autumn, round
challah, new clothes, and eating in her family's sukkah are
causes for celebration. Winter brings Hanukkah candles, dreidels,
and snow; spring signals Purim costumes and Passover seders; and
summer suggests playing outside, birthdays, and plans for fall.
Rocklin's simple text will help religiously observant young
listeners recall their own family experiences, while Filipina's
colorful, cartoon-style artwork will trigger visual memories of
these events. An additional story element involves the narrator's
baby brother, who develops from an infant to a toddler during the
year, reminding listeners that this blessing can apply to secular
events as well. The words to this prayer are included in English
and Hebrew, making this a good choice for religious schools and
observant families with young children." -- Booklist Online
(Website)
"A little girl experiences a year of joyous events and
traditions. The Hebrew word 'shehechiyanu' is a special blessing
for a new experience or one that reoccurs after a long period of
time. Beginning with the Jewish New Year in autumn, this happy
child savors the special foods of Rosh Hashanah, as well as a new
school year, a new baby brother and a meal in the sukkah. In
winter, she blesses her baby brother's first tooth, a beautiful
full moon and the cozy warmth of her home as she spins the
dreidel, lights a Hanukkah candle and welcomes guests for Shabbat
dinner. Spring and summer bring returning birds, flower buds, a
Purim costume, matzo at Passover and new accomplishments. Her
little brother's rites of passage as he says her name, takes his
first step toward her and reaches his first birthday are even
more deserving of blessings. This unnamed girl is warmhearted,
generous and utterly charming as she embraces every moment and
sees goodness and joy all around her, all expressed, with great
enthusiasm, in simply stated declarative sentences. Filipina's
lovely, warmly hued illustrations beautifully complement and
greatly enhance the text with detailed depictions of all the
happy events. Readers not familiar with the traditions may wish
there were a glossary or parenthetical pronunciation guide,
though. A sweet year for all." -- Kirkus Reviews
(Journal)
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