Welcome to Litsy!

5/5⭐ This book has SO MUCH: exquisite illustrations of the shtetl showing the stories of its inhabitants that inspire several mins of perusal before turning the page; understated character actions like Joseph's sister trying to comfort him w/ her doll; a connected mouse family story; a message about recycling. Plus an adorable panel of mice children attending Hebrew school, & if that at least doesn't get you to read it, IDK what else to say.

A little early perhaps, but I want catch my Jewish #littens before they turn off their phones. I wish a Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate it. May it be filled with light and laughter.

I was definitely under the impression that Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman was a modern children's classic I had missed. After giving it a read, I can definitely say i read it as a child. It had slipped to the back of my mind, but as I read that story and followed along with the mice family as well, it all came back. Such a delightful book about the importance of storytelling and the ways we can reuse things should never be forgotten.

Day 13 of #adventrecommends

I have to catch up on these, so bear with me! I loved this book when I was a child, and I still do. It‘s about a little boy named Joseph, whose Grandfather made him a beautiful blanket when he was born. When the blanket gets worn out, his Grandfather transforms it into something else. It‘s a heartwarming picture book, with a great lesson for all readers.

Why #sellmeacoat when I can make me a coat? This is a version of a favorite story I told often when teaching and practicing #storytelling skills. #winterwonderland

Something from Nothing has beautifully done Illustrations in egg and oil tempera. The dual story line between the mouse family and Joseph makes the story unique.

I love that on rereading, my son and I have noticed more and more details. The family changes as the story goes on - on one page the mother is pregnant, later we see the new baby - and all along the bottom the mice use the scraps of cloth in their family.

Sweet tale of the many ways to hold onto something special and the bond between a grandfather and his grandson. Beautiful depictions of Jewish traditions and a nice rhythm that children will enjoy over and over.