Sylvia A. RoussBesprekingen

Sukkah is a great way to introduce kids to global religious holidays, as it is one that really captures their imagination, and they can easily wrap their head around it.

This is a nice book to introduce the holiday of Purim. Fun and bold graphics and interesting details in a fun story about a curious spider.

A class of preschool students wonders how to hang a watermelon in the sukkah.

Spring is in the air and Sammy Spider watches as Josh Shapiro lowers the roots of a small tree into the ground. As spring turns to summer and summer to fall, Sammy watches Josh nurture the small tree as it sprouts tiny buds, then full blossoms, then colorful autumn leaves. Birds and squirrels come to visit the tree, and as autumn turns to winter, the leaves drop and the birds leave. Sammy worries as the tree shivers in the cold winter air. And then, as he practices weaving a new web, he gets an idea...When Tu B'Shevat arrives, Sammy spins a special birthday gift for his favorite tree.

When the villagers come to the forest and choose some of the finest trees for different items in the new synagogue, the littlest tree hopes he can be useful as well.

That curious little arachnid, Sammy Spider, returns in this Simchat Torah story, observing the human Shapiro family once again, and asking his mother about the meaning of their actions. Watching Josh listen to his favorite story, about the creation of the world, Sammy too becomes caught up in the tale, and is fascinated by the little Torah the human boy brings home. He watches as Mrs. Shapiro makes candy apples, and inadvertently tags along as the whole family head to the synagogue, where they mark the joyous occasion in the Jewish calendar, when the year-long reading of the Torah comes to an end, only to begin again...

Not being Jewish, I did not grow up aware of the significance of Simchat Torah, which begins tonight (October 10th, 2020) at sundown, and lasts until tomorrow night. I first encountered it in Elsa Okon Rael's lovely picture-book, When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street, although I have not since encountered many children's stories devoted to the subject. I was glad therefore, to stumble across Sammy Spider's First Simchat Torah, which is the third story about this little arachnid that I have read and enjoyed. Like the others, it pairs a simple story, one in which a Jewish holiday is explained to the curious Sammy, with colorful cut-paper illustrations. There is even a recipe here for candy apples! Recommended to picture-book readers looking for stories about Simchat Torah, as well as to fans of Sammy Spider and his boundless curiosity. If only his mother would stop calling him 'silly,' for wanting to learn more!

Sammy Spider, that curious little arachnid who lived with his mother in the home of the human Shapiro family, and whose adventures began in 1993 with Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah, returns in this engaging Sukkot picture-book. Once again observing the Shapiros, Sammy learns about the Jewish harvest festival, watching as the humans build and use their sukkah, a temporary outdoor hut meant to represent the structures used by ancient farmers at this time of year. Charmed by this lovely building, Sammy convinces his mother to spend the night under the stars, hanging from a web they have woven from the sukkah's roof...

The second story about Sammy Spider I have read, following upon Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah, Sammy Spider's First Sukkot offers an engaging look at how the eponymous festival is observed. It pairs a simple but engaging story from author Sylvia A. Rouss with appealing collage-style artwork from illustrator Katherine Janus Kahn. Although this is not a book to use to explain the meaning and history of Sukkot, but rather one which celebrates the practices associated with the festival, it does describe the shaking of the lulav, and how this indicates that the presence of God is all around us, in every direction. I appreciated that fact, and I also enjoyed the bright, autumnal colors of the artwork. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for Sukkot stories, and to fans of Sammy Spider. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for Sukkot stories, and to fans of Sammy Spider.

Sammy Spider questions his mother about the curious actions of the Shapiros, the human family whose house also provides him a home, in this holiday picture-book. She explains that the Shapiros are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and the two arachnids observe the humans putting out cards they have received, making challah, slicing apples, setting out honey, and going off to synagogue for services...

In 1993 author Sylvia A. Rouss and illustrator Katherine Janus Kahn published Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah, the first of many picture-book devoted to the curious spider's discovery of various Jewish holidays. Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah is the third in that series, but the first I have picked up. It featured a simple but engaging look at the customs of this time in the Jewish calendar, and appealing collage-style artwork. I had encountered Kahn's work before, in Carol Levin's A Rosh Hashanah Walk, where I was not at all impressed, but her style here is quite different to that in the other book. I enjoyed the use of color here, and the folk-art sensibility, and will definitely track down more books in this series. Recommended to picture-book readers interested in Rosh Hashanah.

Uh oh! Curious Sammy Spider slips from his web and accidentally accompanies the Shapiro family to a wedding. Sammy watches the Jewish ceremony as the bride and groom stand under the beautiful chuppah, hears the seven wedding blessings, and—phew!—narrowly escapes as the groom's foot breaks the wedding glass. What an adventure!

Sammy leads young children through the steps of the Passover seder, telling the story of the Exodus, asking and answering the Four Questions, and sampling the traditional foods. Includes creative readings and songs, as well as colorful paper collage art by Katherine Janus Kahn.

Sammy Spider wants to help Josh get ready for Purim. Instead, he gets stuck inside a grogger. How will he escape?

. Rouss’s account provides a simple story about how even a well-intentioned little boy might cause the kind of turmoil he would want his parents, and the spiders who live with them, to forgive him for.

. Almost every child can identify with Michael’s complain that school would be the best place if there were no rules. Surprisingly, while studying the 10 Commandments, his teacher gives the class a day without rules. Michael learns an important lesson when “no rules” does not work very well for anyone including Michael. (ages 3-7)

Sammy Spider sneaks into Josh’s lunch box and accompanies him to school. When the teacher reads a book about Noah’s Ark the children learn about the important Jewish value of being kind to animals. (ages 3-6)

All of the students in Miss Sharon's class bring in their favorite fruits in order to decorate the Sukkah - a temporary outdoor structure built by Jews to celebrate the festival of Sukkot, which commemorates their wandering in the desert after fleeing Egypt - in this engaging holiday story. Unfortunately, Michael's favorite - a watermelon - proves rather difficult to hang. Will he and his classmates find a way around this difficulty...?

Fortunately for everyone, since Michael's second-favorite fruit proves even more cumbersome (a pumpkin!), the answer is a resounding yes. I appreciated A Watermelon in the Sukkah, which pairs a simple story about children working together to find a solution to a problem, with colorful, cartoon-style artwork. Published by the Kar-Ben imprint of the Lerner Publishing Group, which specializes in Jewish children's books, this title is really intended more for children who already know what Sukkot is, rather than as an introduction to the holiday for those who don't. Recommended to anyone looking for entertaining, lighthearted Sukkot stories for the picture-book set.

A good telling of the midrash in which the Biblical David saves the life of a spider, and then has his own life saved by the same spider years later. The story is a reminder that small deeds can have large consequences, and that small beings can make a very big difference -- a great message for young children. Perhaps the book deserves a rating of 5, but I was torn because it lacks some qualities of a good read-aloud picture book, such as rhythm and playful use of language. - Marla S.

A Holiday for Ari Ant

First, thing I saw in this book is the bit of suspense that I found very interesting in a children book, and with that I feel actual children will feel the same way as well. Second, thing like any book is the illustrations now her style was in a collaged art sort of way that added a cheery aspect to it, that I did enjoy plus with the suspense of it all. The book overall, was not just cheery, but also, suspense in with that readers should be sure to want to take an interest in this book.

I love the book "Sammy Spider's First Hannukkah". I especially love the characters, the setting and the illustrations. The characters are animals, but have similar relationships with each other as a son and mother. The mother tries to comfort her son when he is sad that he is different from the family. I also love the setting. The book takes place from the point of view of the spiders, above the table, over the candles, from the corner of the room. The book would not be the same if the characters were not spiders living in a Jewish family's house. Lastly, I love the illustrations. The technique looks similar Eric Carle's style. This style creates a whimsical atmosphere in the book. This book is a great introduction to talking about different cultures and religions. The big idea is that different people celebrate different holidays, but we can all be together during them.

I liked the book Sammy Spider’s First Passover because of the perspective and the humor. The book is from Sammy’s point of view, and he is very curious about the Shapiro family’s celebration of Passover, wondering if he will participate in the Passover. His mother keeps saying, “Spiders don’t celebrate Passover.” Sammy asks questions that a child would ask, and his mother gives him answers by explaining the preparations and traditions of Passover. Sammy’s excitement shows in much of the text; for example, when the Jewish boy was looking for the hidden matzah (afikomen), the author writes, “Sammy wished he could help, but he remembered his mother’s words.” I also enjoyed the book because of the interesting humor. Sammy’s mother teaches him how to spin a web using different shapes. At the end, Sammy spins a Jewish star right above the afikomen to help the boy find it. After all this occurred, Sammy tells his mother, “You make a square, a circle, and a triangle. Then you PASS OVER with another triangle. That’s how spiders celebrate Passover!” The main message of the story is what Passover is, describing the various customs and traditions involved; it also includes how Passover brings unity and warmth to a family.

Summary: Sammy the Spider has a series of books where he explores Israel, and the Jewish religion, customs and traditions. He lives with the Shapiro family, and manages to sneak into their luggage when they are going on a trip to Israel where he uses his five senses to experience Israel. Sammy learns the different meaning of the word, “shalom” and enjoys taking in the new sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings of this new and exotic land.

Personal connection: As another book used in my inquiry project teaching students about Israel, this would be very useful in teaching students about what they can experience during a visit to the country. I was always read Sammy the Spider books when I was kid, and loved the series!

Class use: Have the students describe the country with using their five senses. Have them include a taste, touch, sight, smell and something that they would hear.

I liked this book for many reasons. First I loved writing, the book told the story of Passover without including too much information, or making me feel overwhelmed as the reader. I also liked the text features. For example, on each page Sammy the spider always had something interesting to say in a thought bubble. The book also included songs, checklists, and even Hebrew text translations. The words were printed in various sizes, styles and colors which made each page very eye catching. The whole book included the story of Passover, while also explaining how it goes along with a Seder. I also enjoyed the illustrations because they were very bright and colorful, and some looked like they were made from tie dye water colors. The book’s overall theme is very meaningful since it talks about the Jewish holiday of Passover and its traditions. I feel that the story can help non-Jewish readers understand the different perspectives very easily. For instance, on each page there is a question and an answer, or interesting fact relating to a part of the Seder. One question asks, “Why do we only eat matzah on Passover?” and the answer says, “We only eat matzah because there wasn’t enough time to bake bread when we left Egypt.” This book shares the story of Passover, and its history in a fun and interesting way.
I feel that the overall idea of this book is too teach children about the history of Passover and why it is celebrated the way it is today. Since the Seder has so many different parts and sections, this book can help the reader understand each idea and why it is still important to talk about and celebrate it today.

"Sammy Spider’s First Simchat Torah," written by Sylvia A. Rouss and illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn, was great book that was very enjoyable to read. I liked this book for many different reasons. Although this is a modern fantasy story, it explores and explains the Jewish holiday, Simchat Torah, by providing informational text throughout the story. By using different literary tools and incorporating the Jewish holiday information, the author conveyed the main messages of what Simchat Torah is and the importance of knowing about and understanding cultures and religions that are different from your own.
The main character of the story, Sammy the spider, and his mother live on the wall of a Jewish family’s house. Sammy becomes increasingly curious about Simchat Torah, the Jewish holiday that the family was getting ready to celebrate. The author uses questions in Sammy the spider’s dialogue to grasp the reader’s attention and guide them to think about what this Jewish holiday is all about. Another way the reader is pulled into the story is through extremely colorful illustrations on every page. The word choice the author uses, along with the illustrations, allows the reader to easily understand the meaning and aspects of Simchat Torah.
Along with these literary tools, the pace of the book also contributes to the overall messages the author is trying to convey to readers. For example, the author does not fill the pages with long passages or difficult words. This allows the reader to following along with the text at a smooth, comfortable pace, which helps readers to understand the information about the Jewish holiday presented by the author.
To convey the importance of learning about cultures and religions that are different from one’s own, the author uses a variety of literary tools. For example, Sammy the spider constantly asked his mother about the holiday of Simchat Torah. When his mother did not know the answers, Sammy the spider took it upon himself to get the information by listening and watching the Jewish family. Another literary tool that the author used was repetition. After Sammy the spider learned something new about the holiday, he quickly went home to tell his mother what he learned. This use of repetition helps the reader to remember the information in the story more easily. The curiosity that Sammy the spider had throughout the story motivated him to join the family in their Simchat Torah celebration. This tool used by the author shows the reader how important it is to be knowledgeable and respectful of cultures and religions different from one’s own.
I think that this children’s picture book is extremely well written and enjoyable to read. The book’s illustrations and the literary tools used by the author draw the reader into the story immediately. At the same time, these illustrations and tools convey the message of learning about the Jewish holiday, Simchat Torah, and the importance of respecting and understanding cultures and religions that are different from one's own culture and religion.

I liked this book for a few reasons. I really liked the illustrations in the book. They are colorful and have interesting textures in them. For example, spiders are a layered mix of yellows, greens, and mustard-browns. In addition, there are darker brown spots on his body and legs. I think this created a more interesting spider than if he was just mono-colored. Another aspect of the book I like is the incorporation of the Jewish cultures and traditions. The author discusses the tradition breading of challah bread, synagogue and appropriate synagogue attire. I really enjoyed how the author incorporated these aspects of culture. I think the author discusses aspects of the culture that the reader was able to relate to and make connections. In addition, I liked that the author used Hebrew words in her story. This added to the incorporation of the culture. In relation to this the final thing I liked about the book was the fact that it pushes the reader to think about cultures that may be different from their own. This book is a window book for the readers and can give them an opportunity to compare aspects of Jewish culture to their own. The reader can compare how their family honors their cultural celebrations. I think the big idea/message of this story was to inform the reader the very basic ideas and traditions of celebrating Shabbat.

I completely adored this book. The first reason I loved this book is for its skillful use of text placement. Throughout the book, there are pages where text is placed on the pages in the typical format, running left to right, line after line. However, on other pages, the text is scattered around the page, outlining and weaving through the illustrations. This makes the reader’s eyes dance around the page and, for children, makes the pages more fun and interesting to look at. This can also show children how to read text when it is not placed on the page in a typical fashion. I also liked this book for its connection between the text and illustrations. Each time another candle was lit on the menorah, the son in the story received another dreidel, each a different color. As the color changed, each page showed the different colored dreidel and, right next to the spinning toy, was the name of the color, written in the color of the dreidel. This helps the reader better understand what they are reading, and makes the book more interactive and eye catching, Overall, the big idea of the book is to educate children on some traditions of the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. Children reading the book may know of the word dreidel, but not necessarily know what it looks like or what it is used for. This book enlightens the reader on both of those aspects and other traditions such as eating latkes, lighting the candles of the menorah, and giving a gift one each of the eight each day of Hanukkah.

My daughter LOVED this book! She really wanted to know what happened when Josh didn't listen to his parents and things went wrong. Josh learned to own his mistakes and say "I'm sorry" which is the basis for Yom Kippur. Cute book!