Baby's Bris [Hardcover]

Susan Wilkowski (Author), Judith Friedman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999 | Age Level: 4 and up

Baby's Bris chronicles the first eight days of Baby's life as seen through the eyes of his big sister. As the family gathers and plans are made for the Baby's bris Sophie is overwhelmed by all the commotion. In the end she learns that a bris is a promise we all make to help a new baby learn and grow as a member of the Jewish community. With glossary and explanation of brit milah (ritual circumcision).

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-The day Sophie becomes a big sister is the day she first learns about "happy tears." It is also the first time she hears the word "bris," referring to the ceremony of circumcision held on the eighth day of a Jewish boy's life. As the days of waiting pass and family and friends gather, the little girl feels overwhelmed and wonders if everyone was this excited over her birth, but her loving family reassures her and helps her understand that she has a part in bringing her new brother into the circle of Jewish life. This nicely constructed story deals with a delicate topic in a manner suitable for young children, while the warmly hued watercolor-and-pencil illustrations convey the family's love and devotion to their traditions. The book includes an author's note "About the Bris."-Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Sophie is piqued about being upstaged by her newborn brother, so her family wisely focuses on her important role as big sister. When Sophie grows agitated by talk about her brother's pending bris (ritual circumcision), she is told about the Simchat Bat that was held in honor of her arrival. With so much love and understanding, it's no wonder she takes to heart the words she hears at the bris about helping the baby grow into a good Jewish man: "This ceremony is a symbol of our promise." After the bris, Sophie starts to fulfill her promise: holding baby Benny for the first time, she begins her teaching by singing to him one of the silly songs his namesake, Papa Benny, used to sing to her. In this brief, engaging story, Wilkowski imparts the essence of the Jewish heritage and the links between generations as she introduces a subject infrequently mentioned in children's books, wrapping it in a warm story rooted in the universals of sibling relationships. Friedman's soft pastel paintings beautifully reflect the warmth and love of Sophie's family and their Jewish traditions. Ellen Mandel

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580130526
• ISBN-13: 978-1580130523
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,946,649 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect to prepare your little girl, July 1, 2007

By 

SusanPhD - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Baby's Bris (Hardcover)

I have read this book to my almost 3 year old daughter about 3 times now. Although it is a little bit 'old' for her (really only a little) it DOES open a lot of questions and dialogue about the soon to be arrival of her new baby brother and his Brit. Its nice because it lets her know how important she is and that she too had a party (a simchat Bat) when she was born. It is a little bit 'Jewish' with some typical stereotypes but overall is a great find.
Im a psychologist and definately recommend this book to help your little girl get prepared.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Baby's Bris, October 23, 2001

By 

Lawrence A Pollack (Merrick, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baby's Bris (Hardcover)

Outstanding children's book from which even an older brother (of the author) could learn. Was hoping for a pop-up book. Would highly recommend for readers of all ages. Best book all year. Waiting for sequel.

P.S. Mom didn't make me say this.

4 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WELL DONE!, January 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Baby's Bris (Hardcover)

Mrs. Wilkowski wrote a sensitive picture book for children relating a baby's bris. She does it brilliantly through the eyes of a young girl who is unaware of the significance of the event to come, and wondering what all the fuss is about. The story begins on the birth of "Baby"--not yet named--and goes on to reveal the happenings in big sister Sophie's household on the eight days that follow. While Nana, Grandpa and Auntie Luba get busy with the preparations for the big family gathering, Sophie comes to know the meaning of the Jewish ceremony and feels closer than ever to her loved ones.

This book is an excellent tool for all parents to help youngsters understand an important Jewish ritual in the context of a warm and delightful story. I highly recommend it!

A writing teacher from New York