"The Henna Helper is a heartwarming picture book that highlights the rich tradition of the Henna ceremony within the Yemenite Jewish community. Young Gali, who lives in Tel Aviv’s Yemenite quarter, is annoyed that her grandmother is busy making headcoverings and beads for her cousin Yael’s upcoming henna ceremony instead of sewing a modern flower girl dress for Gali to wear at the wedding. As she learns to participate in the wedding preparations, Gali’s initial disdain transforms into an appreciation for the beauty of the henna ceremony and the joy in crafting the magnificent items that celebrate her Yemenite heritage.Through the eyes of young Gali, The Henna Helper explores the importance of cultural heritage in a modern setting. Tami Lehman-Wilzig is a veteran children’s author who excels at translating Jewish culture and practices from around the world into formats accessible to young children. Illustrator Yinon Ptahia’s clean but detailed illustrations allow for exploration and discovery on every page. The book’s soft, colorful, and earthy palate is reminiscent of Israel’s Yemenite quarter and of the natural colors used in henna design.Gali’s journey of understanding, coupled with the inclusion of an endnote explaining the customs, makes this an excellent resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce children to Yemenite wedding practices. Its cultural representation makes it a first pick for school, public, or synagogue libraries that cater to preschool or early elementary-aged children. The Henna Helper celebrates Yemenite heritage, artisan culture, intergenerational connection, and the enduring power of tradition, all while engaging young readers with a relatable story."—Association of Jewish Libraries"Gali, a young girl excited to participate in her older cousin’s upcoming wedding, has asked her Savta (grandmother) to design and sew a flower girl dress that will stand out for its beauty. When she learns that, even in Israel, Yemenite women take great care to preserve the special henna ceremony held in the week before the wedding, she is momentarily frustrated. Her dress should be ready first! Her grandmother’s patient dedication helps Gali to understand why both venerable and modern customs form the fabric of their community’s life.Young readers will identify with Gali’s need to feel important to her Savta, and the older woman accepts her granddaughter’s emotions without criticism. They go together to the local market to buy silver beads from a skillful artisan; Gali later notices the stunning headdress that Savta has created for the bride. Gradually, the singularity of the event, where the bride is dressed with elaborate beauty, dawns on Gali, who views it through the lens of a fairy tale. “Wow, you look like someone from a fantasy kingdom,” she tells her cousin without a trace of resentment.Yinon Ptahia’s illustrations convey warmth and excitement. Music, dancing, and unique decorations precede the preparation of a henna paste, used to draw intricate designs on the bride’s hand as a visual symbol of good luck. Gali appears intent as she pours tea essence into a bowl of henna paste. She is in the center of the image, with her grandmother’s hand helping to form the mixture. Scenes in Savta’s workshop reflect the hard work and creativity that culminate in this essential observance. When Gali sees the “glimmering gold dress with Yemenite embroidery” that Savta has sewn for her, she recognizes the depth of her grandmother’s love, as well as the importance of her Yemenite inheritance. Strong women are links in the chain of cultural continuity.The Henna Helper is highly recommended and an included author’s note provides more information about the Yemenite henna ceremony.—Jewish Book Council
