By
– September 1, 2011
A young boy and girl explore a park in which chickens, owls, parrots, leopards, giraffes, turtles and a cow roam free. Each animal is supposed to teach Jewish midos (traits) and avodas Hashem (worship of G‑d). For example, we learn how to be calm from cows, “because they give and give,” an ant teaches children to try and try, and frogs give thanks to Hashem by croaking ribbit, ribbit. From trees we learn how to treat guests, since trees give us free juice and food. The text is uninteresting and does not make sense in some places. Patti Argoff’s attractive illustrations of continuously smiling children and animals are well drawn and colorful, although not very compelling. Ages 3 – 5.
Ilka Gordon has a Masters in Education from Boston University and an M.L.I.S. from Kent State University. She is a librarian at Siegal College of Judaic Studies in Cleveland.