Two new kids’ books have received glowing reviews from the Jewish Book Council. What follows are excerpts from those reviews.
“The Girl with a Brave Heart,” written by Iranian-born Israeli pop singer Rita Jahanforuz (known simply as Rita) and illustrated by Bezalel-trained artist Vali Mintzi, is a simple, beautiful, lyrical folktale with a clear moral: Selflessly follow your heart and help those in need and, when you do, reward will follow.
In some respects, this story about a girl growing up in Tehran is a Cinderella-like tale, yet there’s no need for magical fairy godmothers or the like. In this story, a kind heart is all you need to do good.
Although there’s a lesson to be learned, the story isn’t didactic or heavy-handed. The tale is lightly and deftly told in flowing prose, accompanied by colorful illustrations that perfectly enhance the text.
Though recommended for ages 4-10, this tale filled with universal truth could be enjoyed by readers of any age.
“The Girl with a Brave Heart” by Rita Jahanforuz (40 pages, Barefoot Books, $16.99)
Fifteen years ago, “The Keeping Quilt” won the Sydney Taylor Award for young readers.
In “The Blessing Cup,” a prequel that moves through to the present, author Patricia Polacco centers the story on a china tea set that plays a role in her ancestors’ journey to America.
The handleless cups and tall, graceful teapot come with a note celebrating Anna’s mother’s wedding. It reads: “This tea set is magic. Anyone who drinks from it has a blessing from God …”
The blessing of the tea set is tested by Cossack attacks, the czar’s edict that forces the Jews of Roynovka from their homes, and by Papa’s collapse from pneumonia as he pulls their cart along the road. The compassionate doctor who offers assistance becomes a heartwarming hero in the story.
Polacco’s text is suffused with warmth and quotable lyricism, and provides age-appropriate depictions of life for Jews under the czar in the early 1900s. The book is recommended for children ages 7-10.
“The Blessing Cup” by Patricia Polacco (48 pages, Simon & Schuster, $17.99)