(4) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. Despite wintry weather, Sadie searches for a way to plant a tree on Tu B'Shevat, the "birthday of the trees." The problem is a relatable one for many Jewish readers not in warm-climate Israel (where the holiday was created), but the solutions from family members come a bit too easily. Sometimes-blurry illustrations effectively vary colors to distinguish between the present and Grandma's memories.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. Sadie's grandmother knits a baby blanket that becomes part of Sadie and Grandma's--and eventually little brother Ori's--adventures and Jewish holiday traditions. When Grandma begins to "remember less and less," Sadie and Ori use the "together blanket" to take care of her. In the sixth book about this observant family, the loving intergenerational relationship comes across warmly in both text and illustrations.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. Siblings Sadie and Ori can't find any information about the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer; finally, with help from Grandpa, they learn the story behind the holiday and have a picnic to celebrate it. The book exists as a lesson only, but at least it's a cheerful one; brightly colored, slightly hazy illustrations complement the "mystery." An explanatory note is appended.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. Sadie loves her Jewish summer camp and is excited that her little brother is now old enough to go. But Ori is nervous about being the only one who sleeps with a stuffed animal. The sweet story includes themes of identity, sibling love, growing up, and wanting to fit in. The illustrations are warm and inviting and include images from Ori's imagination.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. Sadie has made her own menorah at school. She's thrilled to take home her pink and blue creation, but she trips, shattering the menorah into "a million, zillion pieces." Luckily, the shammash remains intact--a Hanukkah miracle!--and a new tradition begins. Illustrations capture both the bustling and the quiet times of Sadie's classroom; light-infused pictures of the family at home radiate warmth.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2013

(4) PS Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. To celebrate Shavuot, Sadie's class will go on a hike. But Sadie worries that she won't be able to "climb a mountain as big as the one Moses climbed." Unsurprisingly, the rabbi allays Sadie's fears, and she enjoys the day. The formulaic story lacks substance, though the pleasant illustrations suitably convey Sadie's anxiety. A brief explanation of the holiday is included.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. A boy who imagines himself sailing on a pirate ship wants to make sure Mom is standing by in case of trouble. The two have an amusing (and reassuring) discussion; for every problem the boy invents, the resourceful mom comes up with a solution, including a magic spray to shrink sea monsters. Childlike digital paintings echo the playful tone of the conversation.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. Excited for Sukkot, siblings Sadie and Ori wake up early and bring breakfast out to their sukkah. After some (very minor) mishaps, breakfast is ready, and a few stuffed-animal friends help share the special meal. The somewhat dull story is buoyed by peaceful, slightly blurred illustrations. An explanatory note about Sukkot is appended.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) PS Illustrated by Julie Fortenberry. "Pippa's toes tap, / feel the beat. / Music starting / down the street." Pippa and her parents spend the day viewing a parade, eating tasty treats, playing a ball-toss game, and watching the evening's fireworks. Rhythmic sounds and motion suggested by the festive celebration are sustained by the text's onomatopoeia, while serene digital illustrations convey a lazy, hazy summertime feel.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden