Martha Simpson

Brightly dressed children holding decorated noise-makers march across the cover of Martha Sief Simpson’s Esther’s Gragger. But before these children can parade for Purim, they’ll need to buy their noise-making graggers from the toy store. And before they buy them, they’ll have to try them all out, much to the annoyance of the toy store owner.

Parents and children, reading this brightly illustrated book with its well-chosen font and clear, comfortable text, will relate at once to the situation and the noise, even if their culture doesn’t include graggers and Purim. They’ll relate as well to the quiet bravery of one small girl who stands up to a bully, just as her royal namesake did in the original story of Purim. It’s a tale simply retold in the final pages of the book, where modern-day Purim practices are described, making good, clear use of traditional words, together with neat instructions for children to create their own noisemakers.

A pleasing story where honesty pays, rudeness doesn’t, and noise can drown out evil, Esther’s Gragger is highly recommended.

Disclosure: I was given a copy by the publisher and I offer my honest review.… (meer)

A very lovely and unique book that was enjoyed by all three of my children. It was a special book that told a story about a dreidel that just did not want to spin for everyone. What made this book so unique for me were the last few pages. The author gave detailed information on the meaning of the symbols that were on the dreidel and other historical information. I found this to be very clever and helpful to my younger children. The pictures were colorful and gave the story a more personal touch. I really enjoyed the book overall and found that my fifteen year old daughter was enjoying it the most; since she has been obsessed with learning about my family these past few months. I must give a big thank you to both the author and goodreads since I won this in a giveaway. It was much appreciated!… (meer)