October 1, 2008
Gr 1-3-In this wonderfully different Hanukkah book, an Israeli family harvests olives to be processed into the oil. The daughter provides a simple narrative, which is clearly written and accompanied by full-color photographs depicting each step in the process from gathering and sorting the olives to pressing them and using the oil to light the menorah. Resonating with familial warmth and a shared purpose, this is a fine offering."Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library"
Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
October 15, 2008
Grades 1-3 A young girl living near Safed, Israel, describes how her family grows and harvests olives to make the oil they use each year in their Hanukkah menorah. In the spring the trees bloom and tiny green olives form; in early fall the familypicks and preserves a few green olives for eating; and in late fall they pick, sort, and press ripe black olives for oil. The story is simply told from the young girls point of view, makes use of Hebrew terms (Ima and Abba for mother and father), and references Jewish holidays (Sukkot and Hanukkah) to describe the maturational stages of the olives. Alperns clear color photographs follow each step of the cycle, emphasizing how the family works together in these efforts and how they appreciate the beauty of these trees in addition to their bounty. This is a natural choice for religious collections, but it will also be useful for classes studying life in contemporary Israel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2009
An Israeli girl describes her family's olive harvest. Beginning in springtime, the story moves through autumn as the olives mature and are pressed. The tale culminates with the family lighting the Hanukkah menorah with oil from their harvest. The warm-hearted narrative is enhanced by its many photographs of the olive grove and machinery and more intimate images of a contemporary Israeli family.
(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
November 1, 2008
A little girl in Israel describes her family's olive harvest. Beginning in springtime when "tiny white flowers blossom on the olive trees," the story moves through autumn as the green olives mature; they turn purple, then black, and are finally ready to be pressed for olive oil. The tale culminates with the loving family's Hanukkah celebration in which, gratifyingly, the girl's Abba (father) lights the menorah using oil from the harvest, reminding her that "it is the same kind of oil that was used to light the Temple menorah in Jerusalem long ago." The warm-hearted narrative is enhanced by its many photographs. Those that focus on the olive grove and oil-harvesting machinery help clarify the process. Other quieter and more intimate images depict a contemporary Israeli family enjoying their time together, busily at work and peacefully at home.
(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)