Goldie's Purim - Hardcover

PreSchool-Grade 1-- This fourth title in a fictional series about the Jewish holidays maintains the high quality of illustration of the previous books. Goldie, one of three bear siblings, has the role of Esther in her synagogue's Purim play. Although she has a severe case of stagefright, she performs her part well, exhibiting courage--just like Queen Esther. The simple text is one with which children will empathize, but it is not exceptional. The pictures, however, are totally charming and accomplished, portraying an idealized, cozy, loving nuclear family. Zalben's use of watercolor and colored pencil in tiny, intricate patterns and with attention to detail are a joy to behold, and her depiction of a Purim scroll is elegant. The small format lends itself better to parent and child reading than to holiday story hours. --Marcia Posner, Federation of New York and the Jewish Book Council, New York City
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This is a welcome, lovingly interpreted entry in Zalben's ( Leo and Blossom's Sukkah ) holiday series. Here the whole family is busily preparing for Purim--baking hamantaschen (traditional triangle-shaped pastry), sewing costumes and practicing lines for the Purim play, giving shalach manot (little gifts of food) to neighbors and friends. Goldie is both excited and a bit nervous--she has the leading role of Queen Esther in the play. At synagogue the next day, the play is a success--especially Goldie. Papa reads the megillah (the biblical story of Esther) and the Purim party is great fun. Zalben's detailed drawings of cozy interior scenes and her sweetly anthropomorphized bears are appealingly childlike. An afterword includes information on the Purim play and a recipe for hamantaschen. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.