Miss Debby's Best-Loved Children's Books

The Charlotte Jewish News, November 2022

By Debby Block

Adults and children have the power to choose — to choose our reactions to the many situations we encounter daily. Sometimes we make the correct choices and sometimes we make inappropriate choices. Either way, the choices we make certainly affect our experiences in life.

I have recently discovered the children’s book authors Ganit and Adir Levy, who have written a series of books about the “power of choice.” This married couple, who are originally from Israel, have written “What Should Danny Do?” and “What Should Darla Do?” with the mission of teaching children that no matter what happens, they can decide how to react. The books are designed like a “choose-yourown-adventure,” with the main characters making a variety of decisions and experiencing the consequences of those selections. As you read these books, your child also gets to make choices and discover the outcomes. Each book includes at least eight interactive storylines, which illustrate behaviors such as sharing, taking turns, being kind, and respecting parents, to name just a few. The series of books, which also includes “What Should Danny Do? On Vacation?” and “What Should Danny Do? School Day,” is recommended for Jewish and non-Jewish children ages 4- years old.

“Whatever is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man.” According to Hillel, this is the essence of Torah, and this famous quote is the source of what is more commonly referred to as the golden rule. The adorable children’s book “Do Unto Otters,” written and illustrated by Laurie Keller, shows how a funny rabbit wants to be treated by his new neighbors, the otters. Mr. Rabbit soon realizes that he needs to make the right choices about how he treats his neighbors. “Do Unto Otters” has lively illustrations and provides a truly fun way to explore choices and manners. I recommend this PJ Library selection for children 3-6 years old.

The book “One Good Deed” is about paying it forward. Jake chooses to share the berries he has picked with his next-door neighbor. Jake’s mitzvah (good deed) sets in motion a series of kind and helpful gestures that change the whole neighborhood. I absolutely love this book written by Terri Fields and beautifully illustrated by Deborah Melmon, and I recommend it for children 3-6 years old.

If you love baseball, you may like this book by Miriam Rinn about Jason’s choice to play baseball, even against his parents’ wishes. In this PJ Our Way selection, “The Saturday Secret,” ace pitcher Jason decides to sneak out of the house to participate in his favorite sport. His secret plan backfires and Jason ultimately hurts his teammate’s feelings and jeopardizes his relationship with his family. Though Jason’s inappropriate choices could provide great discussions between parents and children, “The Saturday Secret” is definitely a compelling read for children 9-12 years old.

Finally, for our youngest children, I thoroughly recommend the book “It’s a…It’s a…It’s a Mitzvah,” by Liz Suneby and Diane Heiman. Join a variety of adorable animals as they choose to do positive things for others. Children of all ages will enjoy saying the refrain found on every page “It’s a …it’s a…it’s a mitzvah!” I recommend it for children 1-5 years old, but beginning readers may also enjoy this book.

All the above books may be found in the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library. Please come in and pick one up today! Or contact us to put your copy on reserve at library@jewishcharlotte.org or (704) 944-6783.