What Zeesie Saw on Delancey Street

by Elsa Okon Rael, Marjorie Priceman (Illustrator)

It is Zeesie's seventh birthday, and not only does she have an elegant new dress and her own dollar bill, but Papa has decided she is old enough to attend that evening's package party. The party is grand, with great towers of wrapped surprise packages to be auctioned to raise money for other new immigrants to the community. But, as Zeesie soon discovers, not everything and everyplace at the party is meant to be explored. And what she does see that night on Delancy Street leaves her with a new knowledge of what giving is all about.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Jewish, New York, Childrens

40 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second adventure with Zessie, especially learning about the package party! What a wonderful way to celebrate community.

[Alyssa Haverfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously I’m not a fan of the tradition of only men dealing with money matters (which is a backwards notion not solely a part of the Jewish community). Still, this book is nice and at least little Zeesie gets a chance. Regardless, these books teach you so much about the Jewish community, while pairing lessons with at-home practice to really incorporate into daily life. And I loved the recipes!

[Art Petrenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up there with "The Carp in the Bathtub" as a short, masterfully crafted snippet of Jewish life in early 20th century New York City. Each element has its place, the story has an arc, and the kids are ready for bed when it's done.

[Janine Darragh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her Yiddish community in NYC, Zeesie goes to a gathering on her birthday where she learns about sharing and helping those in need. I love the infusion of Yiddish words and the recipes that are included in the front and back of this sweet story.

[Theresa Reifon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Format/Length: Picture book; 40 pages

Theme(s): Kindness/Helping others, Community, Loving family/friends

Review:

This story takes place in the 1930's. Zeesie is a young Jewish girl who is attending her first package party on her 7th birthday. A package party is a fundraiser where fellow Jewish immigrants from the community come together and bring food in packages that are auctioned off to one another to raise money to help other newcomers. This book does a great job conveying the message of helping others in need, which Clara comes to understand as she puts her birthday dollar inside the "money room", where she was told not to enter. The illustrations in this book are absolutely amazing. The characters are drawn with such details, which truly bring out individual personalities of the different characters. The images create a celebration that is lively with people dancing, talking, and having tons of fun. I think it would be great to use as a read-aloud for kindergarten through 3 or 4th grade.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zeesie is turning seven and gets to go to a package party with her parents. It's a special event where everyone brings food and auctions it, with the proceeds going to help immigrate family members from other lands to live in America with them.

Ages: 4 - 8

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[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published: 1996, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Age: 5-8

Interesting book about Jewish life and cummunity set in the 1930’s. Zeesie is excited because she is attending her first package party, which is really a fundraiser to help immigrants and friends from the Jewish community. Colorful pictures featuring Jewish food, songs, and dance. Priceman reveals the various personalities of some of the people at the party and her curiousity gets the best of her when she sneaks into a “money room” where she is told she is not allowed to enter. Zeesie and the reader learn lessons about giving, receiving, and obeying your parents. Lots of insight about Jewish culture, including some Hebrew words and recipes in the front and back inside covers.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marjorie Priceman's colorful illustrations capture beautifully the personalities and the era in this story of a young girl growing up on Manhattan's Lower East Side. On her seventh birthday, she is allowed to accompany her parents to a package party where she learns about giving, receiving and privacy.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-told historical fiction picture book with a winning heroine. I was fascinated by this piece of Jewish immigrant history I was unfamiliar with, despite my familiarity with the period in general. The illustrations are bright and busy in a good way, with lots to look at and find.

[Jessica.rice2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and powerful message is delivered simply in this book. An alluring outlook on immigration and what it means to be apart of a close knit community. A story about a young girls curiosity and inquisitive nature and what it leads her to discover.

[Mirka Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those increasingly rare substance-full stories in picture book format that I never tired of reading to the kiddos. A favorite at my house for ages 5-85.