Hard Hat Cat!; Judah Torah Didn’t Want to be Famous; and The Very Unhappy Visitor
SAN DIEGO — Two great books finish out the summer season of new picture book releases from Kar-Ben Publishing. A third book about an unhappy girl who changes her attitude is available via Amazon.
Hard Hat Cat! written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh and delightfully illustrated by Maxine Lee, follows a young boy and a special little cat. The boy lives across the street from a construction site. He is befriended by a kitten who lives near the site. But, as his mom tells im, Israel is filled with stray cats and they can’t take care of them all. Not to mention, they already own…a Woof! But Kitten returns day after day and finally the boy tries his best to find his friend a good home. Then one day, Kitten disappears, and the search is on. A happy surprise ends this fun story of caring and friendship.
Judah Touro Didn’t Want to be Famous, written by Audrey Ades and Illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger, is a biography written for a slightly older audience. It is the story of a Jewish philanthropist who donated enough money to build new hospitals, schools and housing for the people of his beloved city, New Orleans. It begins with Judah arriving in the city, after a perilous sea voyage. He was a friendly, hard-working young man and quickly built up a successful business. When injured in the War of 1812, Judah’s slow recovery allowed him plenty of time to re-evaluate his life. As he looked around at the suffering endured by his fellow townspeople, Judah realized God had a special plan for him. He had enough money to share. His only request: his donations were to be kept secret, for he knew that true tzedakah was a gift from the heart and needed no recognition.
Though not specifically Jewish in content, the Jewish author of this next book helps children get their emotional bearings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a world where it is easy to focus on the negative and to shift blame outward, JE Laufer’s new book, The Very Unhappy Visitor, shows children that happiness and positivity is under their control. Shrilly is a young girl who goes to visit Giggleyville. But all she takes with her is an extra frown. Gigglyville, like its name implies, is a very happy place. The residents try their best to cheer up Shrilly, but she’s in a very bad mood and refuses to change. The story turns around as her friends give her a special pair of magic glasses. Suddenly, Shrilly can see the beauty and joy surrounding her. She learns that it’s up to her to change the way she sees and responds to whatever happens. Filled with bright, colorful and very happy illustrations, The Very Unhappy Visitor provides a great lesson for today’s children. The power of happiness is in your control!
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Marcia Berneger is a retired elementary school teacher as well as a teacher at Torah school. She is the author of such children’s books as Buster the Little Garbage Truck, and A Dreidel in Time.