It's a Mitzvah!: Small Deeds with Big Heart

by Suzy Ultman

The third book in a stylish, current, and multi-faceted series of Jewish-themed casebound board books for curious young readers.

This modern and whimsical Jewish-themed board book series is the first of its kind to incorporate both Jewish traditions and Jewish culture, offering a truly representative and current depiction of Judaism. It's a Mitzvah! introduces readers to everyday good deeds, inspiring readers to bring kindness, connection, and peace to the world. Author and artist Suzy Ultman melds her own Jewish upbringing with her current trendsetting aesthetic to create a much-needed series of gorgeous, appealing, and perfectly simple books that will stand out on any table or shelf amidst the sea of blue and gold painterly Jewish-themed books that precede these.

Genres: Jewish, Picture Books

24 pages, Board Book

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Chana Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s a mitzvah? I adore this sweet intro for young children to 10 easily accessible “good deeds” from the Jewish tradition. With delightful illustrations, transliterated Hebrew, and English translation (for example Emet is “telling the truth”), this lovely boardbook will inspire kids to “bring kindness, connection, and peace to the world.” A big first step toward Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, one mitzvah at a time.

IT’S A MITZVAH: SMALL DEEDS WITH BIG HEART, by Suzy Ultman, is a wonderful addition for all home and school libraries.

Also check out Ultman’s other adorable board books: I LIKE YOUR CHUTZPAH and SHABBAT SHALOM!

[Jj · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice idea and layout, and well-suited with the text and illustrations. However, it's not too helpful if you don't already know these words--i.e., not a good introduction for the adult reading it with a child if they don't already know and use these words. No pronunciation guide for the words and terms (which I am assuming are Yiddish, though it's not stated anywhere). I know a couple of these from having heard them here and there, but otherwise I'm sort of left adrift and have to look up elsewhere about how they should be said aloud.

[Faith Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This appealing little board book is an introduction to several common mitzvot or good deeds. Each two-page spread presents a good deed, names it and explains what the name means. At the beginning of the text of each mitzvah the author repeats"I like when you ------, encouraging young children to do the specific good deed. The accompanying illustrations are child-like and brightly colored, resulting in an inviting as well as an educational experience. This is recommended for ages 2-5 by the SEPA Book Reviewers.

[SamSamSam · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE. Love the concrete examples paired with the explanations. Love the parallel structure. I would literally read a book of all 613 mitzvot if it was structured this way.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/feat...

[Savannah]

Oren loved the illustrations in this one! Loved the mitzvahs included and reference to all 613!