Sweetly introspective, this short, beautiful book examines the growth of a child over the course of one calendar year. Becoming physically taller, learning new things, helping others, marking important rituals such as weddings and bar mitzvahs, and celebrating holidays with family — all these and more mark a year in the life of a child. They are part of the process of becoming a fully formed person who is ready to take on the responsibilities of adulthood. And no time is better to reflect on progress, Marshall says, than during the holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Measuring a Year’s jaunty pictures and lively prose combine to make this an appealing book that will prompt discussion about growing, learning, and being the best one can be.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.
