ALMOST A MINYAN
by
LORI S. KLINE
ARTWORK BY SUSAN SIMON
Genre: Picture Book / Jewish Traditions
Publisher: Sociosights Press
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Date of Publication: April 5, 2017
Number of Pages: 40
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Will she be the one to take Grandfather’s place?
According to Jewish tradition, a quorum of ten adults is required for public worship. Almost a Minyan traces the story of a young girl whose father and grandfather are regular participants in the town’s minyan - until her beloved Zayde passes on.
Without him, it is even harder for her father to find enough people to make a minyan. Then one day, he brings Zayde’s tefillin to his eldest daughter. A striking new addition to the diverse books movement, Almost a Minyan shares important Hebrew terms and religious concepts through a compelling and beautifully illustrated story for children.
PRAISE FOR ALMOST A MINYAN:
“A warmhearted introduction to coming-of-age in a worship community.” ~Kirkus Reviews
“A story of inclusion, belonging and equality. I loved the modern, egalitarian, and traditional values shared in this meaningful story. This is a wonderful modern story for our children and grandchildren!"
~Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray
Congregation Shir Shalom, CT
Founder of the Women Cantors’ Network
“A delightful read for girls and boys alike, this poetic family tale brings a wonderful sentimentality to daily Jewish prayers. Moreover, the beauty of the illustrations contributes additional warmth to this snapshot of Jewish life. A nice addition for all libraries and all ages.”
~Rabbi Jimmy Kessler, DHL, DD
Congregation B’nai Israel, Galveston
It has been quite some time since I’ve read such a charming,
enchanting children’s book. We forget how important telling a story to children
in rhyme is. It helps develop a sense of wonder and rhythm. And it also adds an
undertone of magic.
And so it is in Almost
a Minyan by Lori Sales Kline. But the rhyme is not the only glittering
ingredient in this sweet book. The themes of hope, anticipation, coming-of-age,
faith, tradition, and family are skillfully threaded throughout Kline’s
charming story.
The story is told from the point of view of a Jewish girl
who is anticipating the day when she will be old enough to attend prayer
services with her father. I grew up in a Messianic Jewish congregation, and I remember
feeling that way as a child, looking forward to the day when I was old enough
to attend certain religious services.
This bright story takes a bit of a sad turn when her beloved
grandfather passes away. I confess it brought a tear (or two) to my eyes. But
the main character and her family are surrounded by loving friends who come to
comfort and pray with them. I felt the telling in this part of the story was so
important. Unfortunately, we all face the loss of someone beloved, and children
need to know that all will be well…even if it is only told them through a
charming story such as this one.
I don’t want to give the whole story away, because I loathe
spoilers. But I cannot recommend this book enough for all children. Not only is
the story precious and well-written. But it is also very timely, not only for children
growing up in the Jewish faith, but also for those growing up in the Judeo-Christian
faith as well. After all, we are entering that most holy of seasons: Passover,
also celebrated as Easter.
I would be remiss here if I didn’t mention this book’s the
gorgeous artwork by Susan Simon. I can only imagine how fun it would be to read
this lovely picture book aloud to a group of children whilst holding it up for
their bright eyes to take in the colorful images Simon created.
Also, there is a valuable glossary at the end of this book.
It is very helpful for those who are unfamiliar with the terms such as minyan,
barchu, and daven. And, no, I won’t tell you what a minyan is. I want you to read
the book to find out for yourself!
This book charmed the socks off me, and I really enjoyed
reading it. There was only one thing I didn’t like about it, and there may be a
cultural reasoning for it…I’m not sure. But that one thing is found in the glossary
where the author spelled God as “G-d.” I didn’t like that dash at all. However,
I do realize there may be a cultural reason in the Jewish faith for that.
And so, I say bravo for this lovely picture book and grant
it 5 Gleaming Broomsticks!
Now, go grab a copy! It would make a lovely gift for
Passover or Easter for kids of any age!
5 GLEAMING BROOMSTICKS for Almost A Minyan by Lori s. Kline!
Lori Sales Kline heralds from Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh, PA, which hosts a wonderfully rich Jewish community that fueled her love for Jewish tradition, ritual and practice at home and at, “the shul.” Following her undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Texas in Austin, Lori chose to make Austin her home, largely due to the spiritual connection she felt in the close-knit Austin Jewish community. In her spare time, Lori enjoys camping, celebrating Judaism with her husband and son, and friends. She previously authored the children’s picture book, Josiah’s Dreams.
Connect with the author at:
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
One Signed Copy of Almost A Minyan
March 24-April 7, 2017
(U.S. Only)
CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
3/24
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Illustration Preview 1
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3/25
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Review
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3/26
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Author Interview 1
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3/27
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Review
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3/28
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Guest Post
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3/29
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Promo
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3/30
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Review
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3/31
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Illustration Preview 2
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4/1
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Review
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4/2
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Author Interview 2
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4/3
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Review
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4/4
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Excerpt
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4/5
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Illustration Preview 3
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4/6
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Review
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4/7
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Author Interview 3
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