McGinty, Alice Blumenthal. Synagogue Just Like Home, A. Laurel Molk, Illus. Candlewick, 08/2022. [40]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-1086-6.
Everyone loves the local synagogue including Rabbi Ruben, but he knows repairs are needed and he tries to fix the drafty windows, squeaky floor, and leaky sink. He fails but the congregation pitches in to make the repairs, emphasizing that helping, sharing, and caring are part of being a family. The story has humor so the message goes down easily, making this engaging for a wide audience. The soft colors of the artwork, using thin pencil outlines, depict the ethnically diverse members of the synagogue. The final page has a
glossary of Jewish terms.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool