Alef-Bet: A Hebrew Alphabet Book

From Publishers Weekly A creative, messy and somewhat quirky family of five fills these pages with the peculiar paraphernalia of a simplehearted existence: a feather-flying pillow fight with a sibling monster; a confettied, make-believe bridal procession; an all-out frolic in the bathtub. Although Edwards's oil pastel illustrations evoke the joie de vivre of a loving family life, no theme connects her succession of 22 unrelated Hebrew words--leaving the reader feeling uncentered. In the unexpectedly dense introductory pages, the author attempts to introduce her fictitious family with names, characters and histories. But this is misplaced in a book that tells no story but merely labels pictures with Hebrew words and first letters along with their pronunciations. The book falls short in its reach toward youngsters with no prior links to the Hebrew language. However, in families where Hebrew is consistently taught, children will relish the animated artwork that lights up the graceful and vigorous forms of the Hebrew alphabet. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 3-- In this introduction to modern Hebrew, readers are presented with the letters of the alphabet, words beginning with each, and their English translations. Brightly colored illustrations place the vocabulary in a pictorial context and provide visual reinforcement. Double-page spreads link the words on both pages in a manner that is often creative and fanciful. All is placed within the framework of a family engaging in everyday seasonal activities; a sense of love, unity, and enjoyment is felt throughout. Uri, the oldest child, is most often shown in a wheelchair. This is a useful language primer that captures universal concepts and provides the opportunity for individual and group discussion. --Susan Kaminow, Arlington County Pub. Lib., VACopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.