A former award-winning writer and illustrator for Sesame Street, Mr. Willems is the author of many books that have captured the hearts – and, just as A former award-winning writer and illustrator for Sesame Street, Mr. Willems is the author of many books that have captured the hearts – and, just as importantly, the humor – of American children. Mr. Willems’ “Elephant and Piggie” series follows the adventures of its namesakes in a sparse, comic book style. In this particular tale from the series, Piggie tries to explain to his perplexed buddy Elephant that some unwelcome visitors have come to roost on top of Elephant’s head. Although many of Mr. Willems’ books can be found in the major bookstores in Tel Aviv, I ordered this particular “Elephant and Piggie” book online....more
In this favorite from the author (ג'וליה דונלדסון) of The Gruffalo, a butterfly helps a lost monkey to find his mother. The butterfly misinterprets thIn this favorite from the author (ג'וליה דונלדסון) of The Gruffalo, a butterfly helps a lost monkey to find his mother. The butterfly misinterprets the monkey’s description of his mother and leads the monkey to several other animals before finally locating his mother. In both the English and Hebrew versions, the language rhymes well and has the repetitiveness that preschoolers enjoy. The story also hits the mark with preschool humor: our lil guy thinks that it is hysterical that the butterfly keeps getting it wrong and leading the poor monkey to animals that are clearly not his mother. For those who like stories with some cleverness, there is a very valid reason for the well-meaning butterfly’s mistakes. Both the English and Hebrew versions (לקוף יש בעיה) of this book are readily available in Israel and online....more
My son adores this book in which George follows his curiosity to a dump truck. Every bookstore in Israel seems to have English language copies of “CurMy son adores this book in which George follows his curiosity to a dump truck. Every bookstore in Israel seems to have English language copies of “Curious George and the Dump Truck,” which is also featured in the Hebrew version of the anthology, “A Treasury of Curious George” (אוצר הסיפורים של ג'ורג' הסקרן)....more
This story is one of the original ones by Margret and H.A. Rey. It is featured in “The Complete Adventures of Curious George” and is also available asThis story is one of the original ones by Margret and H.A. Rey. It is featured in “The Complete Adventures of Curious George” and is also available as a stand-alone. In this book, the Man in the Yellow Hat teaches George the uppercase and lowercase letters of the English alphabet. The illustrations are adorable and, as always, George makes a mess....more
This anthology features the original seven stories written by Margret and H.A. Rey, in which George learns to ride a bike, fly a kite, fish, and exploThis anthology features the original seven stories written by Margret and H.A. Rey, in which George learns to ride a bike, fly a kite, fish, and explore his new life in America. Unlike the newer stories, the original seven contain themes and events that require explanation from parents and are more appropriate for older children. For example, these stories tell how George was snatched from Africa and taken to America. This anthology is not available in Hebrew....more
In this follow-up anthology to “A Treasury of Curious George,” George “helps” out in a chocolate factory à la Lucille Ball, locates a lost puppy, makeIn this follow-up anthology to “A Treasury of Curious George,” George “helps” out in a chocolate factory à la Lucille Ball, locates a lost puppy, makes pancakes at a fair, visits the zoo, goes to a movie, rides a hot air balloon, learns to ski, and dreams about life being as big as King Kong. My son can recite the hot air balloon story verbatim. This anthology never fails to delight.
The Hebrew version is called: הרפתקאותיו החדשות של ג'ורג' הסקרן....more
In this anthology of the new Curious George stories, George jumps into exploring life in a way only a curious monkey – or child – can. He makes a messIn this anthology of the new Curious George stories, George jumps into exploring life in a way only a curious monkey – or child – can. He makes a mess in the kitchen trying to frost a cake, rearranges the books in a library, accidentally operates a dump truck, and delights in riding for the first time the subway in New York City. It is a wonderful collection filled with fun and adventure.
The Hebrew version is called: אוצר הסיפורים של ג'ורג' הסקרן....more
This brightly illustrated gem is one of the little guy’s and my husband’s all-time favorites. In Mr. Won’s 2014 debut work, a very grumpy Elephant andThis brightly illustrated gem is one of the little guy’s and my husband’s all-time favorites. In Mr. Won’s 2014 debut work, a very grumpy Elephant and his equally grumpy pals, Zebra, Turtle, Owl, and Lion, cheer each other up and their friend, Giraffe, through sharing some very outrageous hats. The book is a lot of fun to read aloud and the illustrations are absolutely adorable. I was very fortunate to find this book in one of the major bookstore chains in Tel Aviv. If you do happen to find it in Israel, grab it! We have read it over and over and over again! It can also be ordered online and shipped to Israel....more
Levin Kipnis was a highly prolific Israeli children’s author and “Six in a Little Bag” is the classic Israeli children’s book for Tu Bishvat / Tu B’ShLevin Kipnis was a highly prolific Israeli children’s author and “Six in a Little Bag” is the classic Israeli children’s book for Tu Bishvat / Tu B’Shevat (טו בשבט), the Jewish holiday celebrating the new year for trees. The book begins with a boy, Gili, losing his bag as it blows out the window of his home. Unbeknownst to Gili, various anthropomorphized nuts and fruit that are commonly eaten in Israel for Tu Bishvat climb into the bag. The next day, Gili is delighted to recover his bag and discover that it is filled with these Tu Bishvat treats. The book uses repetition, rhyme, and nonsense words to introduce each nut and fruit (almond, date palm, carob, fig, banana, and orange). The pictures are painted in a mid-20th century style of Israeli illustration. The illustrations of Gili’s clothing and house also charmingly reflect the way of life in the early establishment of Israel.
The book is highly repetitive and, thus, perfect for a toddler. Our toddler enjoys helping us to narrate the book and he especially enjoys the use of rhyming, nonsense adjectives to describe each nut and fruit. The book is perfect for toddlers (ages 2 to 3).
Due to the repetitiveness in the book, I would rate the Hebrew as easy to follow for a non-native Hebrew speaker parent with at least an introductory ulpan level Hebrew (i.e., some knowledge of modern Hebrew beyond the Bar/Bat Mitzvah). The only caveat to this assessment is that “Six in a Bag” does have some words that are not currently used that often in Hebrew in Israel. ...more
Ms. Hoffer is a modern Israeli author and illustrator. With repetition and rhyme, the book follows Hannan the Gardner as he sells fruit to children, pMs. Hoffer is a modern Israeli author and illustrator. With repetition and rhyme, the book follows Hannan the Gardner as he sells fruit to children, promising that each fruit contains a “treasure.” The children are surprised to discover that the “treasures” are heart-shaped seeds. Hanan and the children then plant the seeds, which grow into heart-shaped trees of many colors brimming with fruit. Ms. Hoffer’s pictures are brightly-colored and modern and reflect the high level of illustration currently being produced in Israel.
The book is highly repetitive and, thus, perfect for a toddler. Our toddler enjoys helping us to narrate the book. Due to the repetitiveness, I would rate the Hebrew as easy to follow for a non-native Hebrew speaker parent with at least an introductory ulpan level Hebrew (i.e., some knowledge of modern Hebrew beyond the Bar/Bat Mitzvah). “Hannan the Gardner” can also be appreciated by older kids (ages 2 to 5)....more
Synopsis: This collection of nursery rhymes includes English language classics, such as “Hey Diddle Diddle,” “Little Miss Muffet,” and “Humpty Dumpty,Synopsis: This collection of nursery rhymes includes English language classics, such as “Hey Diddle Diddle,” “Little Miss Muffet,” and “Humpty Dumpty,” and features beautiful, colorful illustrations in a sturdy hardcover book. The pages are thick and the illustrations are raised/textured, adding tactile fun for preschoolers. (A full list of the book’s nursery rhymes can be found below.)
Bilingual benefit: As I believe that nursery rhymes inspire creativity and imagination and foster a love of the English language, I spent a good deal of time researching which nursery rhyme book to purchase for my toddler. This one received many good reviews everywhere that I looked and it delivers. It features classic nursery rhymes appropriate for the under 3 crowd; there are no “scary” nursery rhymes. In addition to being raised to the touch, the illustrations are imaginative and cheerful, featuring people and animals. My lil guy enjoys completing the nursery rhymes as I read them and often requests a recitation of the rhymes when we do not have the book with us.
Availability in Israel: Unfortunately, I have not come across this book in Israel. However, it can be ordered online.
Previewing the book: The book can be previewed online at Amazon.
Lil guy: Loves it. He cannot get enough of several of the rhymes. My lil guy even decided to start using – on his own – the expression “one shoe off, one shoe on” because of the book.
Mama: Highly recommended. Nursery rhymes are a must for bilingual kiddies and this book is a wonderful introduction to that world for toddlers.
Additional information: The book features the following nursery rhymes: “Hey Diddle Diddle,” “Little Boy Blue,” “Little Bo Peep,” “Georgie Porgie,” “Diddle, Diddle Dumpling,” “Jack and Jill,” “Little Miss Muffet,” “Hickory, Dickory, Dock,” “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe,” “Old King Cole,” “The Queen of Hearts,” “Sing a Song of Sixpence,” “Humpty Dumpty,” “Jack Sprat,” “Pease Porridge Hot,” “Jack, Be Nimble,” “Old Mother Hubbard,” “Little Jack Horner,” “This Little Piggy,” “There was an Old Lady who Lived in a Shoe,” “Rub-a-Dub-Dub,” and “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary.”...more
Synopsis: A lion with finicky eating habits experiences the ups and downs of eating too many strawberries.
Bilingual benefit: This humoAge: 2-6+ years
Synopsis: A lion with finicky eating habits experiences the ups and downs of eating too many strawberries.
Bilingual benefit: This humorous Hebrew language picture book, which is a top read in preschools and homes in Israel, encourages picky eaters to explore new foods. The story features popular Israeli food items, such as kebab (קבב) and artik (ארטיק), as well as the Hebrew version of “yucky” - “fooyah” (פויה).
Availability in Israel: As this Hebrew language book is very popular in Israel, you can easily find it in the major chains in Israel, Steimatzky and Tzomet Sfarim.
Previewing the book: A Google search of the Hebrew title of this book will yield quite a lot of excerpts, including videos of people reading it out loud.
Lil guy: A lion that exclaims “fooyah”! Hysterical. A regular read in general and one of the most frequently requested Hebrew books.
Mama: Highly recommended. As a non-native Hebrew speaker, the first time that I translated this book out loud into English, I misread “fooyah” as “pooyah,” which my son found just as funny. Due to this delightful book, we have added “fooyah” and its newly invented cousin, “pooyah,” to our family’s lexicon....more
Synopsis: In this classic book from Eric Carle, a ravenous caterpillar eats, eats, and eats until he tAuthor’s Name in Hebrew: אריק קרל
Age: 1-3+ years
Synopsis: In this classic book from Eric Carle, a ravenous caterpillar eats, eats, and eats until he turns into a beautiful butterfly.
Bilingual benefit: Both the English and Hebrew versions introduce counting and the days of the week. In addition, the board book version is fun for little fingers with its different sized pages and holes in the food items that the caterpillar has eaten. Non-native or new Hebrew-speaking children might enjoy reading the Hebrew version in conjunction with the classic English version.
Availability in Israel: The English and Hebrew versions are both available in the major chains in Israel, Steimatzky and Tzomet Sfarim. In addition, the English version can be purchased online on Amazon USA.
Previewing the book: The English version is available for preview on Amazon USA. In addition, you can find a video of the Hebrew version being read out loud on YouTube by googling the Hebrew title (הזחל הרעב). (last checked 10/12/2014)
Lil guy: An occasional read with Mama. More often “reads” it to himself.
Mama: Although I enjoyed this book as a child, it did not speak to me as an adult. However, my son enjoys it and my hubby, who is a native Hebrew-speaker and did not grow up with the book, often refers to it when commenting on our toddler’s eating habits. As it is readily available in English and Hebrew in Israel, it may be worthwhile to add it to your personal library or to borrow a copy from the public library, the preschool (גן), or a friend....more
Synopsis: In this 2014 follow-up to “Abba! Abba!” (!אבא! אבא), author Nira Harel<>Category: Boardbook
Author’s Name in Hebrew: נירה הראל
Age: 1-3+ years
Synopsis: In this 2014 follow-up to “Abba! Abba!” (!אבא! אבא), author Nira Harel has captured in well-written rhyme the emerging independence of toddlerhood. Adorably independent toddler Roni has blossomed into a “big girl” (ילדה גדולה) who is no longer interested in riding in her stroller, despite her father’s gentle requests.
Bilingual benefit: Like “Abba! Abba!” (!אבא! אבא), this gem of a picture book is a wonderful introduction to Hebrew for a toddler. The Hebrew in this book rhymes well and has vowels for new or non-native Hebrew speakers. The brightly-colored illustrations depict scenes from daily life in Tel Aviv, including taking a stroll by Yaacov Agam’s (יעקב אגם) famous multi-colored water fountain (מים ואש) at Dizengoff Square. The pictures also echo the charm of the postcards, posters, and illustrations of the city from the early 20th century.
Availability in Israel: This Hebrew language book is available in Israel in independent bookstores and the major chains, Steimatzky and Tzomet Sfarim.
Previewing the book: As this book was just published, I have not yet found any significant excerpts of the book on English language websites. However, a Google search of the book’s ISBN or its title accompanied by the author’s name in Hebrew (נירה הראל ילדה גדולה) will yield a few excerpts in Hebrew from the book.
Lil guy: Emphatically agrees with Roni’s responses to her father’s requests. Loves the illustrations.
Mama: Highly recommended. My hubby took this book as proof that we are not alone in our struggle to persuade our lil guy to ride in his stroller. The illustrations alone should make the book a new classic. I would buy this again and for a friend. ...more
Synopsis: In this sturdy, lift-the-flap board book, Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrate the firstCategory: Lift-the-Flap Board Book
Age: 0-2+ years
Synopsis: In this sturdy, lift-the-flap board book, Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrate the first Thanksgiving.
Bilingual benefit: This board book is a lovely introduction to the American holiday of Thanksgiving for little ones under age 2. The language is snappy and rhymes well; the illustrations are colorful; and, the larger flaps are easy for small babies to open, while the smaller flaps challenge toddlers. The book is a wonderful source of Americana.
Availability in Israel: While this book is not available in Israel, it can be ordered online at Amazon.
Previewing the book: The book can be previewed online on Amazon.
Lil guy: This was a hit when the little guy was around 1 year old. We are rereading it now for Thanksgiving.
Mama: Highly recommended. I would buy this again and for a friend....more
This is one of the rare books that I ordered as it rolled off the presses in America. Published in August 2014, Mr. Curato’s debut book took the childThis is one of the rare books that I ordered as it rolled off the presses in America. Published in August 2014, Mr. Curato’s debut book took the children’s book world in America by storm. For our little family living in the suburbs of the big city of Tel Aviv, this book has lived up to all its good press. It delivers – and with sprinkles on top!
With gorgeous, realist illustrations that evoke the works of American painter Edward Hopper, Mr. Curato presents a slice of American life in 1940s era New York City. Polka-dotted Elliot the Elephant lives in his own flat, takes the subway, and walks through Central Park. He enjoys the simple pleasures of life: smelling flowers sprouting through the concrete sidewalks, collecting marbles and other tzchokes, and, above all, eating cupcakes from the neighborhood bakery. Unfortunately, as a small elephant, he often has trouble getting noticed at the bakery’s counter. His luck changes when he befriends a small mouse who has an even bigger problem. Together, Elephant and Mouse navigate big city life, learn the value of friendship, and share one scrumptious cupcake.
The book’s message about friendship is timeless and the illustrations will charm any Tel Avivian / city dweller / lover of New York. As the book was just published last year, it is only available in English. However, as the word “cupcake” was just officially added to the Hebrew language, let’s hope that we will see it soon in Hebrew! The English version of the book can be easily ordered online and delivered to Israel. ...more
“Cars and Trucks and Things That Go” is an over-sized encyclopedia of cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, and more from famed author and illustrator, Rich“Cars and Trucks and Things That Go” is an over-sized encyclopedia of cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, and more from famed author and illustrator, Richard Scary. The book follows a pig family as they prepare for and embark on a road trip to the beach.
This book is a must for all bilingual English-Hebrew-speaking vehicle aficionados. The whole family has learned the English and Hebrew names of vehicles from the ordinary ("mail truck" is “משאית דואר”) to the unusual (“steamroller” is “מכבש קיטור”) to the just plain absurd (“banana car” is “מכוננה”). We can even talk – in English and Hebrew! – about which vehicles might come to the rescue if it ever were to snow again in Jerusalem. This book has provided the whole family with many hours of discussion in English and Hebrew that often runs something like this: What is that car called? Who is driving the limousine? Let’s look for all the excavators in the book! Can you find the piggy family on the page?
I would definitely recommend this book for all English-Hebrew-speaking car connoisseurs in the under 5 crowd....more
Synopsis: In this charming lift-the-flap book, a train hauls lumber, toys, and more safely to the wes
Category: Lift-the-Flap Board Book
Age: 1-3+ years
Synopsis: In this charming lift-the-flap book, a train hauls lumber, toys, and more safely to the western shore.
Bilingual benefit: From the author of Airplane Flight!, this delightful book is filled with snappy rhymes, cheerful illustrations, and a dash of suspense. Like the airplane book, this train book has a lot of sound words (bells clang, rails hum, a whistle wails, and the train goes chugga chugga choo choo). The illustrations also fit very well with the text and the flaps keep little ones engaged.
Availability in Israel: While this book is not available in Israel, it can be ordered online at Amazon.
Previewing the book: While the book is not available for preview on Amazon, a video featuring excerpts of the book can be found on the author’s website and on Goodreads.
Lil guy: A train carrying lumber is always interesting.
Mama: Highly recommended. I would buy this again and for a friend, especially a train lover. The only caveat to my recommendation is that parents should be aware that the plot centers on two trains nearly colliding, although all works out well in the end....more
Synopsis: In this lift-the-flap book, Captain Bright and Copilot Snow navigate through stormy weather
Category: Lift-the-Flap Board Book
Age: 1-3+ years
Synopsis: In this lift-the-flap book, Captain Bright and Copilot Snow navigate through stormy weather to bring the plane home safe and sound.
Bilingual benefit: With its snappy rhymes, cheerful illustrations, and a dash of suspense, this book continues to captivate our toddler. The language is so well-written that my husband and I can recite the book by heart, which has proven to be useful in public, while giving a bath, and in all sorts of circumstances when a tantrum seems imminent and the book is not on hand. There are sound words (engines whine and roar), colloquial phrases (can we roll?), and high-brow, albeit useful, diction (driving rain, lights aglow). The illustrations also fit very well with the text and the flaps keep little ones engaged.
Availability in Israel: While this book is not available in Israel, it can be ordered online at Amazon.
Previewing the book: While the book is not available for preview on Amazon, excerpts of the book can be found on the author’s website.
Lil guy: An airplane…a storm…flaps to lift! Positively riveting.
Mama: Highly recommended. I would buy this again and for a friend, especially an aspiring aviator....more
Synopsis: The Maisy the Mouse book series hails from England and features cutesy drawings in primary colo
Category: Board Book
Age: 6 months – 18 months
Synopsis: The Maisy the Mouse book series hails from England and features cutesy drawings in primary colors with simple text chronicling the adventures of Maisy and her animal friends. In this sturdy boardbook, Maisy and her squirrel friend, Cyril, rescue a cat.
Bilingual benefit: Unlike many board books for babies and under 2 toddlers, “Maisy’s Fire Engine” has plot, interesting yet simple text, and English onomatopoeia (the fire engine goes “nee-nah” and the water goes “swoosh"). While the language in “Maisy’s Train” is more useful, “Maisy’s Fire Engine” is still a nail-biter for a little one: how will Maisy rescue Little Black Cat?!?
Availability in Israel: I found this Maisy book in Tel Aviv in either Tzomet Sfarim or Steimatzky, although I do not recall which one. As both Tzomet Sfarim and Steimatzky carry a large selection of Maisy books, you can probably ask them to order the book for you if you are unable to find it in one of their brick and mortar stores. In addition, the book is available for order on Amazon USA and Amazon UK.
Previewing the book: Although the book is not available for preview on Amazon USA, it can be previewed on Amazon UK. (last checked 13/10/2014). In addition, you can find several videos of people reading it out loud on YouTube.
Lil guy: A regular read.
Mama: Highly recommended. I would buy this again and for a friend....more
Category: Hardcover (available in English and Hebrew)
Age: 1-6+ years
Synopsis: This is the first book in the series from the author of “If You Give a MCategory: Hardcover (available in English and Hebrew)
Age: 1-6+ years
Synopsis: This is the first book in the series from the author of “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” and “If You Give a Pig a Pancake.” In this new classic, we meet the now famous (and quite שובב) mouse whose pursuit of cookies exhausts an ever accommodating, little boy.
Bilingual benefit: This book will warm the heart of a “cookie with milk” American child living abroad. The language flows well and the pictures are adorable. Like the Moose and Pig books, this book is a treat for toddlers, elementary school children, and new readers.
Availability in Israel: While the English version of this book is not available in Israel, it can be ordered online via Amazon. Although a Hebrew version (אם תתן עוגיה לעכבר) was published in 1997 by כנרת, I have not yet been able to locate it and, thus, review it.
Previewing the book: The English version of the book is available for preview on Amazon USA. In addition, I found someone reading the English version out loud on YouTube. (last checked 8/10/2014).
Lil guy: A regular read. Milk, please?
Mama: Highly recommended. I would buy this again and for a friend. ...more
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