Children’s book spring releases roundup from Kar-Ben Publishing

“Habima Magic,” written by Michelle A. Orrelle and illustrated by Chiara Fedele (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2027), is a sweet and simple children’s book about the theater and costume design. A 7-year-old girl attends the theater with her grandfather and admires a display of old costumes. Her grandfather tells her about his mother, who was a seamstress at the theater, and wishes the two could have met.

When the little girl finally gives in to her impulse to touch one of the costumes, she is transported back to another time, and a woman teaches her to sew. The two work on making gowns until they are finished, and the little girl leaves to find her grandfather. She rejoins him without trouble, as if no time has passed. A sweet story about passing down family traditions and memory, the book is set in Habima, the oldest theater company in Tel Aviv.

Suggested reading level is second grade.

For younger kids, “Chirp, Burp, Shabbat Shalom,” written by Sherri Mandell and illustrated by Ana Zurita (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2027), takes kids through the sounds of a household as a Shabbat meal is prepared. The best detail is Uncle Rich, who not only “lets out a BURP” but does so while sitting in an armchair eating a huge bowl of pickles.

For the kids in between, there is “We Thank Our Trees: A Tu B’Shevat Story,” written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Bindy James (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2027). This book in verse has a nice rhythm and simple rhyming scheme and explores the many ways in which trees are important to people and the planet. The illustrations are especially great, with trees from all over the world included and labeled throughout the book.

Suggested reading level is first grade.

All of these books are slated for publication in spring 2027.

SARAH GREENLEAF is the digital marketing manager for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and writes for Jewish Rhode Island.