An Etrog from Across the Sea by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky, with illustrations by Stacey Dressen McQueen; Minneapolis, Minnesota: Kar-Ben Publishing (c) 2024; ISBN 9798765-604496; 32 pages; $19.99
SAN DIEGO — This story takes place in 1729 so, in addition to the Jewish story about a Sukkot celebration, nearly every illustration conveys information to its intended pre-kindergarten to fourth-grade listeners and readers about what life was like in colonial America nearly three centuries ago.
There are pictures of a schooner; a fireplace with hanging cooking pots; horses and carriages; men in three-cornered hats and women in bonnets; men wearing silk stockings and powdered wigs; gracious homes and rough country cabins; as well as some familiar Jewish artifacts such as a menorah, an etrog cup, a sukkah, and Shabbat candles.
In this story, Papa who has been traveling on business in Europe sends a letter to his wife and children, Aaron and Leah, that he has purchased in Corsica a beautiful etrog (citron), and that he hopes to be home in time for the High Holy Days. However, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur go by and he still hasn’t arrived.
Grandpa, who lives in the big city, meanwhile has presented Leah with an etrog cup to use with her Papa’s etrog. It turned out that Papa’s ship had to dock in Nova Scotia for repairs, delaying his return, but, in true “happily ever after” tradition he arrived just in time for Sukkot, joining his etrog to Leah’s cup.
A sub-plot involves how older brother Aaron likes to tease Leah, much to their Mama’s consternation. The message, at least concerning sibling rivalry: some things don’t change!
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via sdheritage@cox.net