What Did Pinny Do?: An Upsherin Story

PreS—Pinny is a playful, energetic little boy whose hair is always getting in his face. As he is an Orthodox Jew, it isn't cut until his upsherin ceremony when he turns three. This cheerful book acknowledges Pinny's experience with his unruly hair and the excitement of growing old enough for both a haircut and Jewish education. Simple, age-appropriate language and a childlike point of view make this book a great choice for children undergoing or observing the ceremony. Expressive color cartoon illustrations on laminated pages employ realistic body language to show a happy youngster and his family. A short glossary at the front and an explanatory endnote extend the accessibility of the book for non-Orthodox readers, but this title is first and foremost meant for the Orthodox community, and within that setting it accomplishes its purpose admirably.—Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL