When Benny arrives in T’zvi’s class, everyone thinks he’s a pretty nice kid. But Benny is smart, too smart. Every time the Rebbi asks the class a question, Benny has the right answer. His class work and homework are always the best, his grade, the highest. T’zvi’s envy grows like an angry monster inside his chest. He nicknames this new arrival “Big Shot Benny” and vows to find a way to be better than he is. The Rebbi provides the class with the ultimate challenge. The big Chumash test is in a week, and the Rebbi is giving away two tickets to the greatest amusement part in town. The tickets will go to the boy who earns the top score on the test. T’zvi is sure he can study hard enough to beat Benny. But Benny earns the highest score and T’zvi is devastated. But guess who Benny wants to take to the amusement park? Author Tehilla Deutsch tells T’zvi’s story totally in rhyme. Parents will appreciate the message about what jealousy can do if allowed to grow untamed.
Marcia Berneger is a retired teacher who lives with her husband and three crazy dogs. She taught both first and second grade, as well as special education. She currently teaches Torah school, in addition to her volunteer work in classrooms, libraries, and with various fundraisers. She lives in San Diego.