Yael's Great Big Family
Yael’s Great Big Family
Author: Malky Weinstock
Illustrator: Steve Pileggi
Publisher:Lite Girl, Inc (Distributed by Judaica Press)
Author’s Website: www.bealitegirl.com
So if you know me or have been reading my reviews of children’s books, you know I have a few basic requirements: kid-friendly in both the written and illustrated elements, plus clear and concise take-aways.
The Yael series has been taking center stage in my house for a while now. We find the Yael character to be warm, lovable and kid friendly. The messages are simply understood and yet so special. The audio CD with each book is an added bonus (and that’s the gift those of us who go hoarse from reading appreciate most!)
In a week or so I’ll be reviewing a newer Yael book that just hit the shelves but I couldn’t skip this one that came out just a few short months ago.
The book begins with Yael wondering who her mother is giving away clothes to. Her mother tells of a family that had a flood in their home and so she decided to find out sizes and some new clothes for them.
Yael asks for the names and if she knows them. Mommy tells her she has no clue who they are and so Yael wonders throughout the book why her family is doing favors for people they don’t even know….
Example after example follows where Yael encounters many more doing the same. Her father gives money to someone he doesn’t know...Bubby cooks for people she doesn’t know….
Thank you, Malky Weinstock. Thank you!
(Stepping on soap box!) No, we don’t have to know the family or details of the situation to give. We can do it just because….(gracefully steps down)
Bubby explains to Yael that Klal Yisroel is one great big family….
Yael watches this in action as the “Klal Yisroel Family” comes to help each other over and over again.
She learns that she has a family she can lean on and that she has a family to give to.
Indeed, Mi Ke’amcha Yisroel! This book is one of those feel good stories that our kids need more and more of.