Review by Booklist Review
This handsomely designed treasury revisits Zalben's loveable anthropomorphized bear family who made their picture-book debut 35 years ago in Beni's First Chanukah. Beni, now an adult, observes 10 Jewish holidays with his own children. Throughout the Jewish calendar year, information on each holiday's history is presented, along with a sweetly humorous slice-of-life "tiny tale" that includes Beni's yesteryear reminiscences and his contemporary get-togethers. Ideal for family sharing, this inviting collection also includes many recipes ("Beni's Round Raisin Apple Challah"), songs (the dreidel song) crafts ("How to Make Purim Masks"), as well as a family-tree character guide and a glossary. Reminiscent of looking through a scrapbook, Zalben's warmhearted watercolor-and-pencil illustrations have a cozy, nostalgic feel. Some artwork from the original series appears, framed and captioned as a vintage photograph. From Rosh Hashanah to Shavuot, new (and old) generations of readers will enjoy celebrating the holidays with Beni and his extended family.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Zalben returns with a Jewish holiday compilation starring the children of the bear characters from her many earlier works on individual holidays. The book begins with Beni and Sarah's children and their cousins celebrating Chanukah. Each child receives a Jewish calendar, which prompts the rest of the book: descriptions of each holiday, vignettes starring the grandchildren, one or more recipes or crafts, and some songs and prayers. As in most compilations, the quality of the stories is uneven. Some work well, while others feel choppy, transitionless, or incomplete. Descriptions of the holidays are mostly concise and useful, while the crafts and recipes vary in difficulty. The book ends with an extensive glossary of Jewish terms. Illustrations include images of Zalben's iconic bears celebrating the holidays, as well as spot art of holiday-related items. Packed with content, the book contains a few missteps, including awkward phrasing and unclear amounts and items in the recipes. The author makes a point to modernize the feel of the stories by including one holiday celebrated virtually due to a storm. On the whole, this is a pleasant book that will be best used in Jewish preschools and day schools, as well as for family gifts. VERDICT Public libraries with Jewish populations will find this a useful overview of holidays, but it will not replace the many other picture books covering them individually.--Amy Lilien-Harper
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Join Beni the bear and his family as they celebrate a full year of Jewish holidays. On the first night of Hanukkah, Beni and his observant Jewish family share food, remembrances, and presents for all the young ones. Beni gives each cub a calendar highlighting the Jewish holidays. His plan is to introduce each holiday in turn and make up a "tiny tale" for each one, beginning with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, which usually occurs in September. Beni starts the discussion of every holiday with information about its meaning and origins and the manner in which it is observed. These facts are followed by the promised tiny tale describing an amusing holiday memory and emphasizing loving, multigenerational family dynamics involving everyone from great-grandparents down to babies; often, a gentle moral is included. Mouthwatering recipes, activities, and songs round out the chapters. The clear, simple, and accessible narration is peppered with Yiddish and Hebrew expressions that add zest to the proceedings. Softly hued, detailed artwork subtly depicts the bears' emotions and provides touches of humor as they take part in rituals and celebrations and interact at home, in the community, and in the synagogue. An illustrated holiday calendar, a family tree, and a portrait naming all the members of Beni's family add depth to the work. Young readers and their grown-ups will find much to savor here. Family, food, and festivities--what more could readers want? (glossary, index) (Activity book/religion. 5-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
