The Hardest Word: A Yom Kippur Story [Paperback]

Jacqueline Jules (Author), Katherine Janus Kahn (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2001 | Age Range: 4 and up

The Ziz, a clumsy but goodhearted bird of folklore, accidentally destroys a vegetable garden, and when he asks God for advice, he learns the importance of apologizing.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580130283
• ISBN-13: 978-1580130288
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.1 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Jewish

More About the Author

Jacqueline Jules is an author, teacher, librarian, and poet. Her books for children include Zapato Power, Unite or Die: How Thirteen States Became a Nation, No English, Sarah Laughs, and Duck for Turkey Day. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Christian Science Monitor, America, Cicada, Highlights for Children, and Spider. She is a strong advocate for literacy and education. Please visit her at http://www.jacquelinejules.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Hardest Word April 1, 2008

By Ana Tevkah

Format:Paperback

What an absolutely wonderful book. It is appropriate not only for the holiday of Yom Kippur, but for every day of the year. It transcends religious beliefs, it helps children understand what to do when mistakes are made and reminds parents about forgiveness and how to nurture. Both my husband and I love the story! I just purchased the Noah and Channukah adventures as well. Our child is 5 and frequently asks to read this book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book! March 15, 2011

By Will Riddle TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

This is one of those gems out there that you wish someone had told you about earlier.

I'm a Christian and bought this book to go with a homeschooling curriculum that suggested it for a unit on Jewish holidays. The context of the book is Yom Kippur, which is about repenting and saying you're sorry. But it's kind of a handwaving point, not to be disrespectful. It has a few Jewish terms (i.e. sukkah), but it's totally compatible for Christians and people of all beliefs who say you should APOLOGIZE at times!

More than this very important object lesson, the story and illustrations are just fabulous. My four and five year old were very sympathetic to the character of Ziz who is cute and inadvertently causing all kinds of problems for the children he loves so much. And they were cracking up when he talks with God. If your child has any bible knowledge at all, they will sense the gentle humor in the whole thing.

Very sweet and lovingly done. Although many books are recommended for character development, this one is worth purchasing. Probably not, however, just to teach your kids about Yom Kippur. It definitely makes the point about apologizing and restitution, but it does not directly teach much about the holiday. Just a great story.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for Yom Kippur and year round September 21, 2001

By Lover of children's books

Format:Paperback

This book was read during services last week at my mother's synagogue. I immediately asked the rabbi for information, so that I could order my own copy. I know that my daughter will use it when teaching at our religious school, and the book will eventually be given to our children's day school. The story is charming and, while it will captivate little ones, is told well enough to be of interest to those who read it aloud to their children.