Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride (Library Binding)

~ (Author), Shahar Kober (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: shanah tovah, whistle cord, Engineer Ari, Rosh Hashanah, Nappy New Year

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—In 1892, Ari is selected to engineer the first train between Jaffa and Jerusalem. Filled with pride, he boasts to his friends and neglects to say goodbye to them before he sets off. As the train stops to collect the necessary items to celebrate the Jewish New Year—apples, honey, round challah, and shofars—he is reminded of the true meaning of the holiday. He promises to do teshuvah—"to do better"—when he returns to Jaffa by apologizing for his insensitive behavior. Cheerful illustrations depict the sights and scenes of Israel with nostalgia and charm as mustachioed Ari and his red train pass through the land. An author's note provides additional information about the history of the first steam train in Israel, along with an archival photo. Libraries looking to expand their Jewish holiday bookshelf will want to add this delightful title, which will also appeal to train-loving children.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL
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From Booklist

There are a number of books about the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, but very few are set in Israel. This story is based on the trip of the first train from Jerusalem to Jaffa in 1897, shortening the time between the coast and the city from three days to three hours. Cohen turns this journey into a fanciful account of Engineer Ari, who is proud to have been chosen to drive the train; but his bragging annoys his coworkers. Ari heads past orange groves and palm trees, through wheat fields and around olive trees. Everywhere, he is greeted by happy citizenry who offer nature’s bounty to him so he can bring it to the holy city. Despite his joy, Ari misses his friends, and by the time he arrives in Jerusalem, he realizes how he’s hurt them. Since Rosh Hashanah is the time for apologies, Ari eagerly returns to make peace. The text is short, and the art is simple, but it gives a sense of agrarian life in those days of settlement. An author’s note adds details. --Ilene Cooper

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing (August 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822586487
• ISBN-13: 978-0822586487
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,091,556 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review, October 5, 2008

By	V. S. Grenier "Stories for Children Magazine ... (Ivins, Utah USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

REVIEWED BY: Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Managing Editor

In 1892, Ari the Engineer was chosen to drive the very first train from Jaffa to Jerusalem. Nathaniel and Jessie, his friends, were not chosen and were sad. Ari was so happy to be chosen that he bragged too much to his friends and hurt their feelings. But Ari didn't care - he was so excited that he was making this first historic trip to Jerusalem. He was in such a hurry to leave, he didn't even say good-bye to his friends!

As he makes stops along the way, people give him food and treats to bring to the people of Jerusalem to help them celebrate the Rosh Hashanah holiday. Ari started to think of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. He thought of his friends that he'd hurt with his bragging. Did Ari go back to Jaffa and apologize to Nathaniel and Jessie? You'll just have to read this cute book to find out. I loved the storyline and the colorful kid-friendly illustrations. This book gets a high-five for teaching your child all about friendship and compassion. This one's a keeper that your child will enjoy reading over and over again.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Engineer Ari..., January 26, 2009

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

This review is from: Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride (High Holidays) (Paperback)

The year is 1892 and Engineer Ari is in charge of driving the train on its first trip from Jaffa to Jerusalem. His pride becomes boastful as he brags to his friends about his important job. As he drives the train through Israel, he collects gifts along the way, including apples, honey, and loaves of round challahs. But his joy is tempered with guilt for having mistreated his friends. As Ari approached Jerusalem with all the Rosh Hashana treats, he remembers that during Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur it is time to do teshuvah, and decides to drive the train back to his friends to apologize. Kids and trains are a natural combination and the picture book medium is perfect for telling a story of this important time in Israel's history. Without being didactic, Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride teaches youngsters about the importance of kindness, personal responsibility, and forgiveness. Bodin Cohen has not only recreated an important historical event, she seamlessly connects the event to an essential aspect of Judaism. The illustrations capture the essence of various locations throughout Israel. The color palette subtly shifts with each locale, but the train is bright red throughout. The double spread illustration of the train approaching Jerusalem is particularly lovely. An author's note provides background information about the train, which will be of interest to teachers and students. Overall, a wonderful ride for pre-school and primary students, and school libraries. Reviewed Barbara Bietz

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 2009 Sydney Taylor Honor Book for Younger Readers, January 11, 2009

By	Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee Chairperso... (Clifton, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride (High Holidays) (Paperback)

Engineer Ari is thrilled because he has been chosen to drive the first train from Jaffa to Jerusalem. On the way through Israel, the train picks up apples, honey, round challahs, and shofars to deliver to the citizens of Jerusalem. It passes by orchards, fields, and hills on its way. These things remind Ari of his friends and the holiday, and he decides to apologize to Jessie and Nathaniel for boasting and making them feel bad. Adorable illustrations that include famous sights of Israel complement the story.

This book combines historical fiction (the first train trip was in 1892), aspects of Rosh Hashanah that includes the foods of the holiday as well as the theme of Teshuvah, and products of Israel. It also manages to literally "stay on track" combining all this information seamlessly to provide a multi-layered story. The only challenge is classifying this book (Rosh Hashanah, Easy Fiction, Israel?) to expose this book to as many patrons as possible. Highly recommended for most Jewish libraries.