The Littlest Levine

PreS-Gr 1—This warm story depicts a sweet intergenerational relationship in a modern Jewish family. Hannah Levine is too little to reach the sink or tie her own shoes, and she resents her lack of independence. "I hate being the littlest" is her refrain, but Grandpa reassures her that her day is coming. Around Purim, they start studying together, and by Passover, Hannah is ready to do the important job of asking the Four Questions at the seder, a job traditionally given to the youngest child. The watercolor illustrations are simple, bright, and accessible. The only disappointing factor is how little attention is paid to the Four Questions themselves. Hannah recites the beginning of the first question only. Readers learn nothing of the other questions or their answers. A brief note about Passover is included at the end of the book, but it provides no detail about the Four Questions, either. While the story's theme is universal, familiarity with the holiday and its customs is assumed, making this book most appropriate for Jewish collections.—Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL