Shalom Sesame

PreS-Gr 3—Sesame Workshop, an international effort to bring cultural literacy to children worldwide, features familiar Sesame Street formats and characters. This series focuses on Israel and some of the Jewish holidays observed by Hebrew speakers. Shoshana, a lively grandmother, joins Grover and other friends to prepare special food and table settings and celebrate the homey aspects of each holiday. Those familiar with Rehov Sumsum, Israel's Hebrew version of Sesame Street, will recognize Moishe Oofnik who substitutes for Oscar the Grouch. Celebrities have cameo roles, including rap singer Matisyahu in Mitzvah, Jack Black in Purim, Jake Gyllenhaal in Passover, Cedric the Entertainer in Shabbat, and Debra Messing with Gerg Kinnear in Grover Plants a Tree, the show for Tu-b'Shevat. The scripts feature mostly English, spoken with distinct Israeli accents, and a smattering of Hebrew words, numbers, and letters. A threaded story ties each program together as it frolics through a holiday concept. Light on religious doctrine, the programs are a hybrid of secular and domestic information. In each volume, "Postcard from Grover" provides a glimpse into a particular Israeli city or community. Look for children's interviews, animated vignettes, lots of Muppets, and a constellation of entertaining approaches to the themes. Multiracial families and actors share some special aspects of their celebrations, including Ethiopians, Moroccans, Europeans, and Native Israelis. The series offers an excellent way for young people to expand their knowledge of Jewish holidays.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY