My First Jewish Word Book

In this Richard Scarry-style word book, Jewish readers will delight in the everyday antics of the familiar, humanized animals who cook, eat, play and celebrate--this time with a Judaic twist. Busy, double-page vignettes of Hebrew holidays and religious customs follow introductory overviews and cutaway illustrations of a Jewish home, synagogue and community. Youngsters can find the predictable TV, couch, dishes and bed, but also a kippah on the dresser, gefilte fish in the refrigerator and a box of Purim costumes in the attic. While the book attempts to immerse children in a particular culture, non-Jewish readers will require some bridge-building explanations and pronunciation help. (A brief dictionary of lesser-known words is included.) However, where children are taught the special traditions and symbols of Judaism, this book may reinforce and exhilarate learning. Ages 2-5. (Dec.)