Bitter and Sweet
Will be published approx. on 15. November 2018
Book
Hardback
32 pages
978-1-55498-995-9 (ISBN)
Description
For Hannah, moving to a new city feels bitter, but can she find the sweetness, too?
When Hannah's family has to move, her grandmother tells her how she felt leaving the old country - it was both bitter and sweet. As Hannah leaves her friends behind and tries to get used to a new house, she only feels bitterness. Was her grandmother wrong about the sweetness?
Hannah starts to feel better about the move when she sees her new house in the soft light of the Shabbat candles. When a new friend reaches out with a special gift, Hannah realizes that sweetness can come from unexpected places and that she can even create some herself.
Featuring art by acclaimed illustrator Kyrsten Brooker, this story subtly conveys a universal message - while life can be full of challenging moments, sweeter ones can be found and created. An author's note is included on the concept of bitter and sweet in Jewish culture.
Key Text Features
author's note
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3
With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3
Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
When Hannah's family has to move, her grandmother tells her how she felt leaving the old country - it was both bitter and sweet. As Hannah leaves her friends behind and tries to get used to a new house, she only feels bitterness. Was her grandmother wrong about the sweetness?
Hannah starts to feel better about the move when she sees her new house in the soft light of the Shabbat candles. When a new friend reaches out with a special gift, Hannah realizes that sweetness can come from unexpected places and that she can even create some herself.
Featuring art by acclaimed illustrator Kyrsten Brooker, this story subtly conveys a universal message - while life can be full of challenging moments, sweeter ones can be found and created. An author's note is included on the concept of bitter and sweet in Jewish culture.
Key Text Features
author's note
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3
With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3
Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
Reviews / Votes
"Moving houses is often a challenge for young children; this sensitive story addresses their fears and suggests a positive method of dealing with change. Many references to Jewish customs . . . help flesh out the commingling of bitter and sweet." - Quill & Quire "[Kyrsten] Brooker's illustrations are a marvel." - Kirkus Reviews "While telling a familiar story about the difficulties of moving, the quietly expressive text offers a clear view of Hannah's emotions and a hopeful, yet practical perspective on making things better. . . . [I]nsightful." - BooklistMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ontario
Canada
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 4 years
Product notice
Picture book
Illustrations
Full-color throughout
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 224 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
295 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-55498-995-9 (9781554989959)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
SANDRA V. FEDER is the author of the highly acclaimed books in the Emotions and Me series, including Angry Me and Peaceful Me, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell (Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year), and Shy Me and Lonely Me (the latter forthcoming in 2026), illustrated by Ashley Barron. Sandra's other books include Bitter and Sweet, illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker (a PJ Library selection), and The Moon Inside, illustrated by Aimee Sicuro. She lives in California.
KYRSTEN BROOKER studied illustration at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and has since illustrated over twenty books for children, including Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara Rockliff and The Poem That Will Not End, written by Joan Bransfield Graham. She lives with her family in Edmonton.
KYRSTEN BROOKER studied illustration at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and has since illustrated over twenty books for children, including Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara Rockliff and The Poem That Will Not End, written by Joan Bransfield Graham. She lives with her family in Edmonton.