Author(s): Liz Suneby

Religon

This lively picture book for children ages 3-6 is filled

with amiable animals who, through their actions,

demonstrate age-appropriate mitzvot, including welcoming

new friends, forgiving mistakes, respecting

elders and sharing food with the hungry.

It engages children through playful illustrations;

likeable animal characters, including Mitzvah

Meerkat, the narrator; humor and the repetition

of the fun-to-say phrase "It's a ... it's a ... it's a

mitzvah!" that encourages children to chime in as the

words are repeated throughout the book.

Side notes on each spread explain the specific

mitzvah in every vignette. With this aside, parents

and teachers have an opportunity to ask the child or

group of children, "What is the good deed here?"

and spark a conversation without preaching. Children

will see how everyday kindness is the beginning

of a Jewish journey and a lifetime commitment to

tikkun olam (repairing the world).