It's a...It's a...It's a Mitzvah

PreS-Gr 2–Each spread in this cheerful values lesson depicts an example of a “mitzvah”–a good deed–as defined by Jewish tradition. Many acts of loving-kindness are performed by a variety of adorable animals, from raccoons who care for the sick to an elephant who invites a flamingo friend to her home for the Sabbath. In a frame story, a meerkat explains the concept of mitzvah to mouse friends, and they are included in each scene along with the refrain, “It’s a… it’s a… it’s a mitzvah!” and an explanation of the mitzvah being enacted. An author’s note gives a deeper explanation and suggests asking children to define the mitzvah being depicted on each page. The examples used are age-appropriate, and the lively illustrations do a reasonably good job of showing the good deeds in action. The layout varies between placing the refrain/explanation to the right or left of the scene, confusing the reading pattern–when exactly are readers supposed to say, “it’s a mitzvah”? One example is questionable: the mitzvah of “making peace” shows a grouchy zebra demanding a turn with a hula-hoop; another zebra says, “There’s no need to start a fight. Give Zoe one more minute. You can have my turn.” While giving up a turn may prevent a fight, the peacemaker seems to be succumbing to bullying rather than teaching the importance of patience. That said, most of the examples are solid, and this picture book is a good discussion-starter. It will be welcome in Jewish families and educational settings and may prove useful for general values-based programs.–Heidi Estrin, Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL