Written by Ann Diament Koffsky
Price: £10.99/$12.99
Pages: 32
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781805000358
Highlights
An endearing picture book for young readers
Features beautiful, vibrant illustrations of animals and nature
An easy introduction to Jewish faith and culture
A meaningful tale about the importance of showing kindness to others
A funny, clever spin on a classic fairy tale
Includes a bonus ‘make-your-own Sukkah decoration’ activity at the back of the book
Description
A sweet, simple tale for young readers that will introduce them to Jewish faith and culture.
Jakey, Joey and Jennie are three little sheep who live with their mum, Mama Sheep. Every year, the three siblings celebrate the Jewish festival of Sukkot together by building a sukkah (hut). Each year, they would build the same sized sukkah until, one year, they realised they had grown too big and could not all fit. They had grown up!
Jakey, Joey and Jennie went off on their own, each to build their own sukkah. Jakey built his with straw, Joey with sticks and Jennie with straw and sticks and bricks. Finally settled into each of their own sukkahs, suddenly Wolfie – a lonely wolf looking for company – appears, and trouble ensues.
A delightfully clever spin on a classic fairy tale, this book – with its meaningful message, its beautiful illustrations, its many humorous moments and its guide to making your own Sukkah decoration – will captivate children from start to finish.
Author Details
Ann D. Koffsky is the author and illustrator of more than forty books, including What’s in Tuli’s Box?, Under the Sea Seder, Sarah Builds a School, the Kayla and Kugel series, Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor and Shabbat Shalom, Hey. Several of her books have been PJ Library selections, and her book Noah’s Swimathon received a Sydney Taylor notable designation from the Association of Jewish Libraries. Ann lives in West Hempstead, New York, USA, with her family.
Reviews
‘This book is one of my favorite genres — a fractured fairy tale! The Three Little Sheep is very well done, and not just because there are very few picture books about Sukkot to compete with. It takes the classic late-nineteenth century fable, gives it a Jewish setting, and changes the denouement to teach values. Excellent!’ — Rabbi Uri Cohen
‘Ann Koffsky’s delightful retelling of the of a classic, combines a fractured fairytale with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. If you have never heard of “The Three Little Sheep, just think about it. The three little pigs obviously needed to be replaced. The three sheep each build their own sukkah and the big, not so bad, wolf just wants in. But the first two buildings are too fragile and two small. Koffsky cleverly has the smarter sheep who builds a sturdy shack, also generous enough to make the sukkah roomy enough for guests. The story is illustrated with her trademark colorful illustrations. The faces are expressive, and the pages are full of interesting details. This book, aimed at little ones, teaches the concept of building a sukkah for Sukkot and the important concept of inviting everyone in. This is a perfect Sukkot story for Jewish preschoolers, but even kids from different backgrounds will love this story about inclusion and forgiveness.’ — Julie Ditton, GoodReads
‘Jakey, Joey and Jennie are three adorable little sheep who help build their family’s sukkah in this humorous version of the Three Little Pigs. During the seven-day harvest holiday, Jewish families eat their meals in a sukkah — a small, open-roof hut — as a reminder of the dwellings of the ancient Israelites’ desert journey after God freed them from slavery. When the sheep grow too big to fit in their sukkah, mama sheep sends them off to build their own. The two older brothers build sukkahs that the (not-too-scary) wolf blows down. But the youngest sister builds a sturdy one, with room for her brothers. When the wolf shows up, he can’t huff and puff and blow it down. Jennie realizes he’s lonely and invites him to join them, reflecting Sukkot’s theme of welcoming guests.’ — Penny Schwartz, Jewish Telegraph Agency
‘Inspired by the Three Little Pigs, this Sukkot tale is pure delight. Three sheep build different sukkahs. Poor wolf feels left out and blows two of them down. The third sheep invites him to share in the celebration, teaching the important mitzvah of welcoming guests. Fabulous illustrations complement the humorous text. I loved this book, and so will your children.’ — Liza Wiemer, The Wisconsin Jewish Journal