Karen Rostoker-Gruber – författare

It’s Tu B’Shevat—Jewish Arbor Day—and a diverse group of children work together to plant a tree. After digging a hole, placing the tree, filling the hole with dirt, patting the ground, and spraying the garden hose, the children celebrate by wishing the tree a happy birthday, and then look forward to when it blossoms on Tu B’Shevat the following year.

National Jewish Book Award Finalist!"A worth addition to holiday shelves" --Kirkus ReviewsChurch and Synagogue Library Association Award For Children's Literature“an assured comic rhythm” –Publisher’s WeeklyFarmer Kobi's well-mannered animals try hard to charm a haughty Hanukkah guest. Farmer Kobi’s goats, donkey, and sheep know just how to play host, and they give Polly, Kobi’s Hanukkah guest, a gracious welcome. But when Polly isn’t sure animals belong in a house, what will happen next? Find out with laugh-out-loud pictures and puns that are sure to entertain all readers. As donkey says: Hee-Haw-Yahoo!

A different way to give back to the community (and help oneself), this cheery outing should not be confined to its Jewish context." -Kirkus Reviews"The sadness of shyness and the seriousness of mitzvot mix in a charming picture book” -Association of Jewish LibrariesJoin Maddie as she discovers her confidence when she decides to become a mitzvah clown to bring smiles to the faces of Grandma and Grandma s friends.When Maddie sees Giggles the mitzvah clown perform at her grandma’s senior home, she decides to join in! She puts on a big red nose and learns how to make balloon animals, sing songs, and most importantly, bring smiles and happiness to Grandma and Grandma s friends. Along the way, Maddie learns how to overcome her shyness, too, and become a more confident and happier mouse. A cheerful picture book, young readers will enjoy watching how the illustrations begin in black and white and evolve into full and exuberant color as Maddie gains her confidence. A family note at the end includes discussion starters and a description of the Jewish values found in the tale.

"An excellent book for library collections." —School Library Journal"A charmer about the special meanings of Hanukkah: joy, friendship, and inclusion." —Kirkus Reviews"An amusing tale, speckled with Hanukkah details, about making guests feel welcome."—Horn Book"What if a guest becomes difficult to bear? This book leads by example"—Foreword Reviews"Com­bines humor, fun, hol­i­day spir­it, and, most impor­tant­ly, Jew­ish val­ues."—Jewish Book CouncilA 2025 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Book Award Silver MedalistA rollicking Hanukkah romp about including friends, accommodating differences, and having FUN!Don’t invite a bear inside for Hanukkah! While he might try to be helpful with decorating and putting candles in the menorah, he will start to cause a mess soon enough, especially when latkes, gelt and other holiday food is served. But maybe if you think creatively, you can still celebrate the holiday together.In this energetic, lighthearted story readers will learn about the preparations and traditions of Hanukkah. It's a Hanukkah tale about meeting new friends where they are, accommodating differences, being flexible and learning to celebrate even if things don’t go exactly as planned. Leave your creature comforts behind and go outside into nature for a rollicking good time.

It’s Tu B’Shevat—Jewish Arbor Day—and a diverse group of children work together to plant a tree. After digging a hole, placing the tree, filling the hole with dirt, patting the ground, and spraying the garden hose, the children celebrate by wishing the tree a happy birthday, and then look forward to when it blossoms on Tu B’Shevat the following year.