Sylvia Rouss – författare

When a young shepherd boy aims a stone at a spider’s web, he never imagines that this small creature will one day save his life. This simply written but moving tale of young King David - not without its humorous moments - takes a well-known midrash and shows us that one should not only be thankful for all of creation but also that by using one’s own wits and very special talents anything becomes possible.It’s a lesson for each one of us; a lesson for a king, and one that the future King of Israel never forgets.

National Jewish Book Award, Children's LiteratureThe animals on Noah’s Ark watch a pair of termites - the "littlest pair“- come aboard with absolute dismay.None of them want the wood-eating ants to stay, afraid that they will munch their Ark to pieces. But Noah insists, and as the rains begin, panic ensues for quite a different reason: the animals start to slip and slide all over the place! The little termites save the day, and Noah reminds the animals that no matter how different we are, we must all learn to get along, and each of us has something to contribute to others.

“A dream to return to their Jewish homeland becomes a reality for Ethiopian Jews. Modern Jewish history lives through the moving voice of one participant.” – Kirkus ReviewsA beautiful picture book set against the backdrop of the airlift of Ethiopian Jews to Israel.A young Jewish boy in Ethiopia has a dream of flying on Eagle's wings to a new home. In this story of dreams, choices, and what it means to belong, Yosef and his family choose to fly to Israel, the land of their ancestors — fulfilling their long-held dream.An author's note provides background about the Jews of Ethiopia and the 1991 rescue mission, called Operation Solomon.

“A nice addition to the holiday shelves.” – Kirkus ReviewsWhen a group of young children learn about the holiday of Lag B'Omer, Ari the playground ant wants to join in too. But the eager little ant ends up biting into a plastic cookie, being covered in sand, and stepping in a puddle of glue! Finally, he gets to enjoy the best of what the holiday offers--Torah stories, picnics, and a campfire with friends.An author’s note at the end explains the origins of Lag B’Omer. Amidst a period of mourning, it is a day of joy, celebrating the values of Torah learning and perseverance in the face of obstacles.