It's Tu B'Shevat

School Library Journal

PreS-Kropf's simple text compares a child's typical birthday celebration with the rituals of Rosh Hashanah. Instead of eating a birthday cake, apples are dipped in honey; instead of party horns, the shofar is blown; and instead of getting presents, tzedakah, or charity, is given to people in need. Each spread shows a small image of the birthday ritual and a much larger image of a contemporary family observing Rosh Hashanah. The soft-focus art is bright and cheerful. The second book begins, "Grab a shovel./Pick a spot./Plant a tree,/It's Tu B'Shevat!" and continues as a boy and his family plant a tree; say a blessing; enjoy the shade, the fruit, and the birds; and watch the sapling grow. The delightful, sophisticated illustrations aptly depict the beauty of nature. Jewish nursery schools and synagogue libraries will want to add these titles, as will other libraries in which there is a demand for Jewish holiday board books.-Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.