Written for younger children from traditional backgrounds, each story has a strong message. Some deal with faith in Hashem and how this belief will shape a child’s life in a positive way. In one story, Davy moves into a new home and finds a siddur left in his bedroom. Although Davy is Jewish, he and his family have never been observant. He is fascinated by the Hebrew words in the book and wants his Sunday school teacher to teach him more about Judaism. She is delighted to bring the family closer to Hashem and both the child and his family become involved in doing mitzvot.
Other selections deal with taking responsibility for a misdeed. In another story, Shalom never apologizes for his thoughtlessness. It is only after he receives an apology from a friend that he realizes how important this quality is. The story “One Step at a Time” shows the power of redemption.
In “The Intruder,” the teacher returns to the classroom to find her favorite coffee mug broken. The person who did it is silent but a girl new to the school claims responsibility for the breakage. It is only later that the real culprit confesses. Impressed with the courage of one child and the honesty of the second, both children are forgiven.
The story “Gray Crane” describes a relationship between a male bird who discovers that his mate has a broken wing. Throughout the winter the female is nurtured by the male who does not fly south. These birds who nest near the home of twin brothers are used as examples of loyalty. It is only at the end of the story that one of the twins realizes that he has physically and emotionally abandoned his brother. The end of the story acknowledges the parallel between the cranes and his own behavior and the brother asks forgiveness.
Any story could be used as a theme for “the lesson for the day.” Unfortunately, the author is so focused on the message that the stories themselves are rather heavy handed. For ages 6 – 10.
