Talia and the Haman-tushies - Softcover

Linda Elovitz Marshall raised her four children, a small flock of sheep, lots of zucchinis and countless rabbits in a historic farmhouse overlooking the Hudson River in upstate New York. A graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, she has, in addition to writing and farming, taught early childhood and parenting education, owned a bookstore. Her previous books include Talia and the Rude Vegetables and Talia and the Very YUM Kippur.

Francesca Assirelli studied painting at the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Naples. She has illustrated many Italian, French, and English children's books. She loves children, and spends hours playing with her enormous dog, Artu.

"Talia and the Haman-tushies by Linda Elovitz Marshall (Kar-Ben, £6.50). Talia mishears her and thinks edible posteriors are on the menu – yuck! (Parents, be prepared to translate the joke.) As they cook, Grandma tells the
Purim story, which is folded into the baking activities as smoothly as sugar into margarine. Francesca Assirelli’s illustrations are a joy, especially Grandma, beaming so roundly that the bridge of her specs is stretched to a foot long.
Luckily, the tushie misunderstanding is cleared up in time for Talia to taste the hamantaschen. Giggles guaranteed for ages three to five."―The Jewish Chronicle

"In this next installment in this picture book series about misheard words and Jewish life, Talia visits her Grandma around Purim time, and Grandma tells her the story of Purim while they make Hamantaschen together. Talia thinks Grandma has called them 'Haman-tushies,' which she plans never to eat because they sound so yucky. Much to her relief, Grandma sets her straight in the end, explaining that they really are 'Haman’s pockets,' and Talia and her grandmother then enjoy the delicious cookies together.

Grandma’s version of the Purim story is very simple, leaving out all the potentially unpleasant parts about Queen Vashti and about how Haman was hanged in the end. The meaning of the story comes through though, and this version would be appropriate for children ages 4 to 8.

The illustrations, which appear to have been made from paintings, are clear with a cheerful palette and make the story easy to follow for young children. There is also a recipe for Hamantaschen at the end, which would be a great follow-through activity for young readers and their adult companions."--Jewish Book Council