Jewish Alphabet [Hardcover]

Janet Clement (Author), Albert G. Rodriguez (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2006 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Colorful illustrations accentuate Jewish traditions, celebrations, food, and clothing in this ABC book. The entire alphabet is displayed with the highlighted letter represented in bold typeface. Below the linear alphabet, a word beginning with the highlighted letter is used and defined, and additional words beginning with the same letter are introduced.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–A random assortment of Jewish objects, symbols, and Bible stories represents each letter of the alphabet (A for Ark, B for bagel, etc.), along with rhyming couplets and prose descriptions. Related vocabulary is listed on each page. Illustrations incorporate the letter shapes, but distort the named objects to achieve this. Both text and art are labored and self-conscious. Rhymes are forced, perspectives are skewed, and the word lists add little to the understanding of each concept. The pictures, while colorful and inventive, have the naive quality of a child's art. In fact, the whole package has a homemade feel to it, down to the design. This book provides too little context to educate, and too much dry data to inspire, readers. Malka Drucker's A Jewish Holiday ABC (Harcourt, 1992), while also somewhat random, is at least superior in its straightforward text and attractive cut-paper illustrations.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
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About the Author

Albert G. Rodriguezís formal arts training includes schooling at the High School of Art and Design and City College of New York, both in New York, New York.

Janet Clement is a provider consultant for center-based childcare and offers technical assistance and training to sites serving children from infancy through elementary school for before- and after-school care . She is a member of the Society of Childrenís Book Writers and Illustrators.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing (August 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589804147
• ISBN-13: 978-1589804142
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,703,729 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Jewish Alphabet, March 13, 2007

By 

Jewish Book World Magazine (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jewish Alphabet (Hardcover)

Jewish traditions, customs, and religious practices are highlighted and illustrated in this alphabet book.

The words are in rhyme. The entire alphabet is at the top of all twenty-six entries and the highlighted entry from each page is in bold face. Below the linear alphabet, the highlighted letters are drawn to represent the letter, as well as to depict the chosen word. There are also additional words beginning with the same letter scattered on the page. This enlarges the Judaic theme and expands the child's vocabulary. Some of the alphabet choices are stretched a bit, such as using C for cloth illustrated as a tallit, or D for dipping (apples). The artist uses bold colors and integrates the letters into the illustrations creatively. This is the first book by both author and illustrator. This book is a fine introduction to many Jewish terms and symbols for very young children.

For ages 3-6.

Reviewed by Barbara Silverman

5.0 out of 5 stars An ABC book that also celebrates aspects of Jewish religion and culture, February 3, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jewish Alphabet (Hardcover)

Written by quality childcare and early education advocate Janet Clement and illustrated by Jewish Day School facility operations manager Albert G. Rodriguez, Jewish Alphabet is an ABC book that also celebrates aspects of Jewish religion and culture. A brief, rhyming couplet accompanies each letter of the alphabet, and most entries are followed by a prose explanation of words or terms that may be unfamiliar to a child. The uncomplicated color illustrations complement the entries nicely. A list of the 26 letters of the alphabet is at the top of each page, with the current letter highlighted, to help young children better grasp where each letter comes in the alphabet. "Yy is for yarmulke, which sits on a Rabbi's head. / Some prefer to call this a kipa instead. // Yarmulkes are worn as a sign of respect, a reminder that God is above all."

5.0 out of 5 stars EVERY child should have this book!, December 13, 2006

By 

Kay Rosenwasser (Safety Harbor, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jewish Alphabet (Hardcover)

Whether you are Jewish, Christian, or any other religious affiliation, you should own this book! It is rich with vivid, color illustrations and simply explains basic Jewish holidays, ritual items, customs and more. A great learning tool for any child.