Customer Reviews

A Mitzva for Zelda

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The old punch line some Jews have heard goes like this, "Am I my brother's kippa?" As far as Zelda Zebraman is concerned, this is true. As we are introduced to her on the first page, we find that, "Zelda Zimmerman was a mentch indeed--For she knitted kippas for those in need." Lessons in how to treat others follow with a fairly consistent rhyming format, while colorful and humorous cartoon illustrations add to the fun. Each man who comes to Zelda has an unusually shaped head, but Zelda is always able to hand-knit the right sized kippa, and they all go home pleased with their gift. But Zelda grows older and can "no longer knit for those in need. But her friends all remembered her very good deeds." Eventually Zelda is rewarded for her mitzvah of knitting kippot by those she has helped in the past. This book is meant for the pre-school age child and is a helpful introduction for them to learn the importance of performing good deeds. It is geared towards more traditional Jewish audiences since there are no women in the story that wear kippot. Libraries may have concerns about the book since it is published in paperback, but generally, a child should enjoy the sheer silliness of the story. Ben Pastcan

The author does a terrific job wrapping humor and learning into one. The illustrations are colorful and do a great job capturing the author's words.

A Mitzva for Zelda is a rhyming, softcover children's picturebook that celebrated the Jewish concept of a mitzvah - doing good for goodness' sake. Zelda loves to do good deeds, and her favorite mitzva is knitting a beautiful kippa to fit any size or shape of head. Whimsical, cartoon-style illustrations add the perfect touch to this simple book about the value of crafting something that others will enjoy. Highly recommended.