Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Alfie's Bark Mitzvah

by Shan Cohen
Illustrated by Nadia Komorova
Songs by Cantor Marcelo Gindlin

     

Sheri Cohen uses the story of Alfie to present the custom of a Jewish boy's bar mitzvah. However, being a dog, Alfie, of course, has a bark mitzvah.

The story is about a lovable dog who is a role model for all Jewish dogs and by extension a role model for boys of all faith. Even without the story of his bark mitzvah, Alfie presents behavior suitable for all boys to emulate.

Added to an already good presentation are the illustrations by Naida Komorova and the songs of Cantor Marcelo Gindlin, one of this county's top Jewish artists.

The story is probably too simplistic for boys ready to go into manhood, but it is a good introduction to younger Jewish boys and boys of other faiths who want to learn about other religions.

The illustrations, along with the songs, make for a wonderful multimedia presentation of an important event in the life of a Jewish boy, as shown through a dog's transition into doghood. After the book has been read and discussed, the reader will have wonderful songs for listening pleasure.

The Book

Little Five Star
January 9, 2007
Hardback plus bonus CD of songs
1589850556 / 978-1589850552
Children’s Picture Book / Age Group 4-8
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Willie Elliott
Reviewed 2009
NOTE: Reviewer Willie Elliott is Myshelf.com's "Before the Title" columnist, covering non-fiction books and related subjects.
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