Ann D. Koffsky - Böcker

"Unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, and community library board book collections."—Midwest Book Review"Useful for home and collections serving Jewish populations." —Association of Jewish LibrariesA young rabbit jumps to try to touch the mezuzah on the doorpost in this board book about trying and trying again. Includes concepts Up and Down. A rotating layout encourages active engagement with the story.

"With overtones of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are (1963), this read-aloud brings a creative element to the holiday. . . . Marine fun and fantasy make for a magical Passover celebration." --Kirkus ReviewsMiri is having trouble focusing during her family's Passover seder. Her parents would like her to sit quietly and listen, but she just CAN'T. So Miri slips under the table where her spirited imagination can be free, and with her cat at her side imagines leading her own seder, under the sea, with some friendly, very colorful sea monsters as her guests. Miri sings the Four Questions and whirls and twirls in celebration with her new marine friends. And soon it is time to dance and sing above the table as well, so Miri returns to her parents to join in the fun.Neurodiversity-affirming. Includes a note for families about ways to add movement, games, and fun to keep children engaged during this yearly Passover ritual.

"Charming" --Jewish Book CouncilA kitten learns opposites such as light and heavy, empty and full while also finding out about helping others through the Jewish concept of giving tzedakah.Fun reading sessions! Young children will love helping turn the book to keep up with kitty's exploration.

"Joyful illustrations and vibrant ­backgrounds make this a delightful addition to holiday collections."–School Library Journal"Simple text and happy illustrations make this a winner for our youngest children." —Wisconsin Jewish ChronicleOn Rosh Hashanah, the shofar's loud sound can surprise us and help us pay attention. It makes us think about how we can do better in the coming year.Is it LOUD or is it QUIET? A young elephant wants to blow the shofar, the traditional horn played during the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah, but it comes out too quiet. Elephant must try again and again. This board book by prolific children's author Ann D. Koffsky is the fourth in the series about Jewish objects and basic concepts, following My Mezuzah, My Dreidel, and My Matzah.

Kayla and her mischievous dog Kugel are back to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and explain it to young children.In the fourth Kayla and Kugel book, Kayla helps her family build and decorate their sukkah in the backyard. As her puppy playfully interferes, Kayla energetically helps with the holiday preparations while explaining to her pup how and why they build and decorate this temporary house in their backyard as part of the holiday in simple, direct language that young children will find easy to grasp. Colorful Illustrations include a comparison of an ancient hut with a modern-day succah, as well as Kugel's puppy antics.An end note from the author further clarifies details of this harvest time celebration, with its emphasis on giving thanks and welcoming friends, and includes suggestions for creating decorations for a sukkah.

"An extremely important and well crafted book...solid piece of Jewish American history, with themes of friendship, using your voice, and making a choice." —Sydney Taylor ShmoozeThe true story of the lifelong friendship between President Harry Truman and salesman Eddie Jacobson and its impact on the founding of Israel. This 48-page early chapter book biography for ages 6-8 shows the importance of friendship even in the face of difficulties.Harry and Eddie were unlikely friends. Harry was 19. Eddie was 14. Harry lived on a farm with chickens, cows, and horses. Eddie never even had a pet! Harry was Christian. Eddie was Jewish. But they worked together very well. They operated an army shop in their hometown and later founded a hat shop together.Even when they didn't work together, they remained friends. They wrote letters all the time. Harry went into politics, eventually becoming the President of the United States! Eddie was a salesman in Kansas City. Harry would shop in Eddie's store, and Eddie would visit the White House. Even though people like Harry's wife, Bess, didn't think Jewish people should interact with the upper classes, Harry never left his friend.But after World War II, there was an international discussion about whether the Jewish people should establish a new country in their ancient homeland. A lot of people were asking Harry to support the idea. Harry's advisors in the White House wanted him to stay quiet. Eddie was conflicted. He was Harry's friend, and he was also Jewish. Eddie needed to have courage to speak about his beliefs, as well as trust in his friend to listen.

"Blending humor and rich illustrations, this picture book serves as a delightful introduction to the holiday for young children and a valuable addition to any Jewish library."—Association of Jewish LibrariesIn this fifth book of the popular Kayla & Kugel series, Kayla teaches Kugel about celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim. Together they bake triangular, jam-filled cookies called hamataschen, including some doggie-tashen for Kugel. Then they dress in costumes and go to synagogue to hear the story of Queen Esther saving the Jewish people from Haman and his plan to get rid of all the Jewish people. Filled with colorful illustrations, simple language, and Kugel's silly antics, this book is the perfect introduction to Purim.

"Bright, expressive...Fans of Kayla and Kugel, as well as libraries looking for basic Rosh Hashanah picture books for the youngest readers, may welcome this new addition." —School Library Journal"Just as perfect as the others...this series is great for home, school, or library collections." —Association of Jewish LibrariesIn this sixth book of the popular series, Kayla and her mischievous dog Kugel prepare for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. They gather the apples, honey, and challah needed for dinner. Oh no! Kugel is covered in honey! He makes a wet mess while splashing splashes in the pond that Kayla will throw breadcrumbs into later in a ritual called taschlich,and howls along as Kayla and her father practice blowing the shofar. It's all okay. Rosh Hashanah is a time to promise to try to do better in the year ahead.This series provides an accessible entrance for young children to learn about the Jewish holidays, with bright and fun illustrations and simple language.

STARRED REVIEW "A measured, resonant biography that frames writing as civic engagement." —School Library JournalWith its poetic message of welcome, the Statue of Liberty holds an important and beloved place in American history. In time for anniversary of our nation's founding, this biography of the woman who wrote the now-famous poem on its pedestal has deep relevance for readers today.Emma loved stories, loved writing poetry, and was curious about the world. When she met poor immigrants arriving in New York City, she knew she had to help. And when she was asked to write a poem about the Statue of Liberty, she imagined Lady Liberty as a mother, welcoming her children home. Her famous poem, “The New Colossus,” is still there on the statue’s pedestal, sharing its message of welcome with the world.

"A special shield provides courage on the battlefield and in the doctor’s office."—Kirkus Reviews"We all want to keep our children safe, and we sometimes struggle with how to do that. It is my hope that the story of Judah and his decision to trust his parents and pediatrician is meaningful for you as you navigate similar challenges." Blima Marcus, DNP, RN, MPH, from the Reader Note to Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor.A young boy who initially refuses to get a shot finds inspiration in the Hanukkah story of the Maccabees to summon the courage to get vaccinated in order to help protect his infant sister who is too young to be vaccinated herself. Revised edition includes an introduction by Blima Marcus, a nurse practitioner who has worked with many families and communities to help them understand the importance and the benefits of vaccinations. as well as the research behind the recommendations.More than anything, Judah wants to be a good big brother to his baby sister, Hannah. He even uses his new Maccabee shield to protect her from danger!On the last day of Hanukkah, during a visit to the doctor, Judah refuses to have his shot. Surely, his shield can protect him from germs, too! But, as his doctor explains, the shot will protect Hannah by making sure Judah is healthy. To be the best big brother, Judah will have to be brave and make a decision. Being the best and the bravest wasn't only an outside, shiny-shield thing. It was an on-the-inside thing too. And that's what Judah had to show his little sister, Hannah.