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*Starred Review* Striking art and a conversational text distinguish this from the many children's books on Jewish holidays. Kimmelman introduces 12 days of importance, beginning with Rosh Hashanah and concluding with Shabbat. She presents them in a lively, dramatic way, limiting details so as not to overwhelm very young children; at the same time she provides enough to open the way for parents to add more history, traditions, stories. Explanations for each holiday are given; then Kimmelman offers a special way to celebrate--a craft, a game, a song. Information on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, leads to the story of Jonah and a lesson about forgiveness; Tu B'Shevat, the festival for planting trees in Israel, is accompanied by instructions for planting parsley in a pot; the section on Pesach (Passover) has information on the seder plate. Hannukah, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Shavuot, and Yom Ha-atzma'ut (Israel's birthday) are also included. Although the illustrations, by Israeli artist Eitan, are strictly for decoration and to set the mood, they bring a wonderful modern sensibility to discussions of these sometimes-ancient holidays. Sophisticated in design but with plenty of child appeal, the pictures make great use of flat planes of deep color and negative white space, and. subtly patterned pastel backgrounds add more color as well as intriguing contrast. A book that is as useful as it is eye-catching and beautifully designed. A page or two of text briefly explains the significance of each holiday and its traditions; the entries are often embellished by a story, song, activity, or recipe. The book is invaluable for its inclusion of several holidays rarely (if ever) mentioned in secular children's literature; the warm, playful illustrations and attractive presentation make it a sure bet for holiday gift-giving. PreS-Gr 1-Visually delightful, thorough, and charming, this book is wonderfully written, simple yet informative, inviting children to learn about their heritage without overwhelming them. Kimmelman includes not only traditional religious holidays, but also those more recently developed such as Yom Ha-atzma'ut (Israeli Independence Day) and Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), which she handles with quiet sensitivity. Accompanying the explanation of each holiday is a supplemental activity or story that enhances the enjoyment and understanding of the day. However, what makes this book such a treasure are the richly toned, stylized illustrations, boxed in white and set against appropriately themed pastel wallpaper backgrounds. From the rabbi blowing the shofar on Yom Kippur to the little boy proudly reciting the Four Questions for Passover, each holiday is represented with clarity, playfulness, and warmth. A splendid choice for all collections.-Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.