All About Sukkot »

Discusses the history and customs of the Jewish fall harvest holiday, Sukkot, and includes a retelling of "The Big Sukkah" by Peninah Schram.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-5-One of the major Jewish festivals, Sukkot gets short shrift when it comes to children's books. This offering helps to close that gap. Although the beginning is a bit confusing with three separate explanations as to why the holiday is celebrated, the rest of the book is an excellent guide. It includes information on the history of the holiday; how it is observed today; the connection between Sukkot and Thanksgiving; the rules for building a sukkah (hut); the symbolism of and rituals for the lulav ("the branch of a palm tree") and etrog ("the lemon-like fruit of a citron"); and the prayers (in English, Hebrew, and transliterations) for a home service. "The Big Sukkah," a story retold by Peninnah Schram, and songs round out this work. The brightly colored illustrations reinforce the joy of this fall harvest celebration. A must for all libraries serving large Jewish populations.-Yapha Nussbaum Mason, Brentwood Lower School, Los Angeles