Sylvia A. Rouss is an award-winning author and early childhood educator, and the creator of the popular Sammy Spider series, celebrating its 25th anniversary with over half a million Sammy Spider books sold. She lives in California. Katherine Janus Kahn studied Fine Arts at the Bezalel School in Jerusalem and at the University of Iowa. She has illustrated many children's books including Kar-Ben's popular Sammy Spider series. She lives in Wheaton, Maryland.
By now, young fans of the Sammy Spider series are well acquainted
with the formula that makes these warm, sweetly spun tales so
endearing. Whether discovering the true meaning of the Jewish
holidays or, as in his latest adventure, observing the Shapiro
family bake a cake to welcome their new neighbors from Israel,
Sammy, the overly ambitious arachnid, never quite grasps his
limitations. 'Can we bake a cake, too?' Sammy asks his mother. When
the story is read aloud, children will gleefully anticipate his
mother's gentle rebuke, 'Silly little Sammy. Spiders don't bake
cakes. Spiders spin webs.' And spin he does. When Sammy finds the
new neighbor boy in tears, he presents him with the gift of a newly
created web. Later, Sammy observes the families sharing a meal and
becoming fast friends. Colorfully illustrated with Kahn's familiar
collages, the book presents young readers with a simply told lesson
about the mitzvah of hospitality. The Hebrew words shalom (hello,
good-bye, peace), haver (friend), and akavish (spider) are woven
into the story. The book also includes a recipe for hummus.
Recommended. --AJL Newsletter -- "Magazine" (11/1/2012 12:00:00
AM)
Friendly and curious, Sammy Spider learns about the Jewish custom
of welcoming new neighbors in this successful addition to the
well-loved series. Josh is helping Mrs. Shapiro bake a cake for the
Israeli family moving in next door and Mr. Shapiro suggests that
they also take over some pita bread and hummus, in keeping with the
tradition of bringing new neighbors bread and salt so they will
'enjoy many happy meals together.' Sammy is eager to welcome the
neighbors too and, when a sudden breeze carries him to a tree next
door, he lowers himself down to find the new boy crying. Sammy
spins a web to cheer the boy up and then watches as the Shapiros
arrive and the families get acquainted. What seems simple here is
still a lesson worth teaching, as kindness and openness toward
others is always a mitzvah, particularly for someone who is feeling
lonely and out of place. Though somewhat formulaic by now, the text
reads comfortably and includes a few Hebrew words such as akvish
(spider), which Rouss cleverly places in a context that allows even
very young children familiar with Sammy Spider to figure out on
their own. As always, the colorful cut-paper illustrations on
two-page spreads are cheerfully integrated into the story. Another
welcome title from a team who clearly understand how to create
books for very young children. Recommended for ages 2-8.--Jewish
Book World -- "Magazine" (12/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)
In this addition to the Sammy Spider series, bright colors and an
easy-to-follow plot work together to teach children the importance
of the Jewish custom of hospitality. When a new family moves to
town, Josh Shapiro and his parents immediately set to work
preparing homemade food for the newcomers. Sammy Spider, who
watches from above, learns all about the concept of making the
neighbors feel welcomed and yearns to be a part of this mitzvah.
Despite his mother's refrain that 'Spiders don't bake cakes.
Spiders spin webs, ' Sammy takes an active role in making Moti, the
boy who has just moved from Israel, smile. Collage illustrations by
award-winning illustrator Kahn are colorful and strikingly simple.
A glossary with a few Hebrew words and a hummus recipe round out a
pleasant, simple story for young learners.--Publishers Weekly --
"Journal" (7/16/2012 12:00:00 AM)
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