A Return To The Classics

Children’s book reviews by Tacoma writer Rebecca Young appear monthly on the Families page.

“The Story of Passover,” by Norma Simon

A classic telling of the Passover story is brought back here with fresh illustrations. Simon vividly describes the first Passover, the oldest Jewish holy day, as well as the traditions of the modern Seder. She does an especially good job of describing how Passover rituals celebrate the concept of freedom, and relates the story of Moses leading his people out of Egypt to the struggles for freedom of African-American slaves. “Go Down Moses” was a slave’s song of freedom.

Fine and colorful illustrations by Erika Weihs complement this solid Passover story. Three activities are included: recipes for matzoh balls and charoseth, and instructions for Passover place cards. It’s gratifying to see a good book about a Jewish holiday besides Hanukkah, which is actually a minor holiday in Jewish tradition.

Next, maybe children’s publishers will recognize Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah, the holiest days of the Jewish calendar. For a fine, comprehensive treatment of all the Jewish holy days, pick up “The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays,” by Malka Drucker (Little, Brown, $21.95).

(HarperCollins, ages 5 and up, 32 pgs., $14.95.)

“The Story of Easter,” by Aileen Fisher

Here’s a second classic text reissued with lovely new illustrations, painted on wood by Stefano Vitale. “The Story of Easter,” provides a fresh-as-spring alternative to the cloying, chubby bunnies and chicks found in so many Easter books for children.

Fisher elegantly recounts the biblical story of the resurrection. She also describes the origins of many other spring symbols and rituals: Eggs, rabbits and new clothes for church. Instructions for decorating eggs, and a recipe for hot cross buns are included.

HarperCollins clearly intends this and “The Story of Passover,” to be a pair for marketing purposes: Same size, similar titles, fine writing and charming new illustrations. It’s a scheme that works. Read back-toback, the two will provide a wonderful overview of the rituals of spring. (HarperCollins, ages 5 and up, 32 pgs., $14.95.)

“The Story of Little Babaji,” by Helen Bannerman

Can’t let the tide of spring titles roar in without mentioning two books from 1996. Both are remakes of the controversial “Little Black Sambo,” which Bannerman wrote and illustrated in 1898. By most accounts, it was a charming and inoffensive tale, believed by many to have been set in India where the author lived for 30 years. But the proper copyrights were never obtained, and over the years differently illustrated versions moved the story to Africa and took on a decidedly racist tone. Eventually the book was banished into obscurity.

This new version brings back Bannerman’s enchanting story with illustrations by Fred Marcellino that delight, rather than offend. The setting is clearly India this time around, and the only change in Bannerman’s text is the names of the characters. , The small square format is attractive. I’ve read this to several children of varying ages. Without exception, they’ve been delighted with this century-old tale. (HarperCollins, 72 pgs., ages 2 and up, $14.95.)

“Sam and the Tigers,” by Julius Lester

“Once upon a time there was a place called Sam-sam-sa-mara, where the animals and the people lived and worked together like they didn’t know they weren’t supposed to.” You can tell right away that this second retelling of Sambo is going to have a style all its own - the style of an African-American folktale.

Lester is a masterful storyteller. His credits include “John Henry” and a four-volume retelling of the Uncle Remus tales. His tall tale of the flashy dressing Sam (whose parents are each named Sam, too, along with every other human in town) teams exuberantly with Jerry Pinkney’s marvelous illustrations.

“Sam and the Tigers” is terrific fun to read aloud. Consider this description of Sam’s trousers: As purple as a love that would last forever.”

The book was mentioned by many experts as a contender for a Caldecott Medal. Surprisingly, it wasn’t even named an honor book. (Dial Books, 40 pgs., ages 2 and up, $15.99.) , “Sees Behind Trees,” by Michael Dorris

Here’s another jewel of a book from last year. This short novel is a coming-of-age story featuring a Native American youth, as are Dorris’s two other highly acclaimed books for children: “Morning Girl” and “Guests.”

Set in 16th century America, “Sees Behind Trees” is the story of Walnut who can’t see as well as others do. The boys of his tribe prove they are ready to be adults by the accuracy of their bow and arrow skills. Walnut and his parents dread the upcoming contests.

But the weroance, the tribe’s most important person, recognizes that Walnut has keenly developed his other senses to compensate for his poor vision. He proves his skill by hearing the approach of the weroance’s elderly brother long before anyone else can see him.

The weroance gives him the name “Sees Behind Trees” and her brother, Gray Wolf, asks the boy to help him find a mysterious land of water he’s been seeking for years.

Their journey is filled with emotion and danger. In seeking the land of water, See Behind Trees finds himself.

This would be a good gift for your favorite near-sighted child. Dorris, whose adult books include “The Broken Cord” and “Yellow Raft on Blue Water,” is a wonderful writer. His three children’s novels are short and deceptively simple to read. But they each contain enough layers to give readers days and weeks of ideas to ponder. (Hyperion, 104 pgs., ages 8 and up, $14.95.)