The Friday Nights of Nana (Hardcover)

by Amy Hest (Author), Claire A. Nivola (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
HSet a few generations ago, this graceful evocation of a family Sabbath dinner radiates all the tenderness of Hest's (the Baby Duck books; Kiss Good Night, Children's Forecasts, Aug. 6) best work. Jennie, the narrator, is spending the day with Nana (" `Today I have no school!' I sing. `Lucky me!' `Today you have no school!' she answers. `Lucky ME!' "). They prepare Nana's already clean and airily inviting house, do the shopping and cooking, and welcome the extended family. Hest emphasizes the intimacies of tradition rather than faith. Nana, for example, "is lighting candles and our dresses are touching and she is whispering Sabbath prayers and no one makes a peep"; the prayers themselves are not part of the story, nor is the symbolism of the candles. Nivola's (The Mouse of Amherst) lapidary, intently focused watercolors stand out for their exquisitely balanced colors. She has a gift for creating harmony out of a profusion of crisp patterns; despite the many elements, the overall mood is one of peace and deep contentment. A quiet gem. Ages 4-7.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
reS-Gr 1-This nostalgic look at the Jewish holiday of Shabbat, although somewhat message driven, is mostly successful. Young Jennie describes her day with Nana as they prepare for the evening. They bake, cook, shop, and spend time together. Finally, all is ready, the family arrives, the candles are lit, and they celebrate the Sabbath. The story is slight, but Hest captures the child's voice and the little details that a youngster notices, as well as the impatience to do the things she most enjoys. The delicate watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations marry well with the text, and Nivola's use of vibrant blues and purples serves to accentuate specific details and descriptions. The artwork's homey, old-fashioned feel fits perfectly with the tone of the story. The family is clearly Orthodox, but the sentiment speaks to anyone looking for a story that re-creates the ambience of this family-oriented observance. As one of the better books on this largely overlooked topic, this title will certainly fill a need where Jewish-themed stories are in high demand.

Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; 1 edition (August 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763606588
• ISBN-13: 978-0763606589
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,583,646 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #44 in

  Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( H ) > Hest, Amy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sabbath Is Coming....., September 26, 2001

By	Roz Levine (Virginia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

"The Friday nights of Nana begin early Friday morning..." There's so much for little Jennie and her Grandmother to do. Clean and straighten the house, iron the good tablecloth and fold the lace napkins. Then off to the kitchen to bake challahs and pie and polish the candlesticks. After lunch it's time to buy their favorite violet-colored flowers for the table, put the chicken and potatoes in the oven, set the table with Nana's best china and silver and get changed into their special blue dresses for the Sabbath. And as darkness falls, the doorbell rings and in comes the family, Jennie's parents and baby brother, aunts, uncles and cousins. Outside, it's cold, the wind blows and it begins to snow. But inside, Nana lights the candles and quietly says the prayers as the whole family sits down together for Sabbath dinner..... Amy Hest has written a tender and gentle story that transports children to Nana's house and shows them the joy of special family traditions. Her warm and simple text is beautifully complemented by Claire Nivola's evocative illustrations, full of wonderfully expressive detail. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, The Friday Nights Of Nana is a lovely read-aloud story the whole family can share, that will warm your heart and maybe, be the start of a new tradition in your house.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Warm and Airy Shabbat Tale, September 9, 2001

By	Larry Mark "editor of MyJewishBooks.com" (nyc) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

It is early Friday morning (7 A.M. if you look at the tiny clock in the intricate illustration), when a young girl meets her Nana for bread and sweet peach jam. But there are bed to be made, ironing to do, china to place, cadlesticks to polish, a pie to roll out and bake, challah to braid and make. They go on a windy walk along a geese filled riverside park. There are violet colored flowers to purchase; Shabbat is approaching. The relatives arrive, the candles are kindled, it's cold outside, but a warm Shabbat inside. Great illustrations with intricately detailed gems

5.0 out of 5 stars Friday Nights of Nana!, December 3, 2001

By A Customer

A wonderful book to share with your family on a cozy night!