A Watermelon in the Sukkah

September 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 1-The festival of Sukkot celebrates the autumn harvest and the bounty that nature provides. Michael's class is commemorating the holiday by building a traditional sukkah (booth) and decorating it with fresh fruit. There are apples and bananas, grapes and pomegranates, and Michael's favorite: a big watermelon. His giant contribution is too heavy to hang with string, tape, or rubber bands. It looks like Michael will have to settle for another fruit when he is suddenly inspired by the playground swings. A bit of canvas creates a sling for the watermelon, and it is hung with the rest of the fruit. It works so well that Michael plans to bring his second favorite fruit tomorrow: a pumpkin. With cheerful cartoon illustrations and a glimpse of Sukkot practice in action, this story is a fine supplemental addition to Jewish collections.-Martha Link Yesowitch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2014
On Sukkot, Michael's classmates hang up their favorite fruits in the sukkah. But Michael is disappointed when no one can figure out how to suspend his contribution: a watermelon. A glance at the playground inspires Michael to think of a solution. Cartoon illustrations, with an appropriately earth-toned palette, accompany this insubstantial but creative story. A brief explanation of the holiday is appended.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)