The other day, JSL had a package in the mail. It was his February book from the PJ Library. When he opened it up and saw what was inside, I think I was more excited. You see, I recognized the book and was so happy it was now in our personal library.

More about Sammy Spider’s First Purim:

The Shapiro family is getting ready for Purim. Josh is making a grogger to take to the synagogue Megillah reading. Sammy Spider wants to participate, but as Sammy’s mother reminds him, "Spiders don’t celebrate holidays; spiders spin webs." This time Sammy’s curiosity gets him stuck inside a grogger, spinning noisily among the beans. How will he escape?

Sammy Spider’s First Purim – Written by Sylvia A. Rouss – Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn – Kar-Ben Publishing – January 2000 – ISBN 978-1580130622 – $7.95 (paperback) – Ages 4-8

The Sammy Spider books are a series by Sylvia A. Rouss about a curious young spider named Sammy. Sammy learns about Jewish holidays by watching the Shapiro family and asking his mother questions. Other Sammy Spider titles include books Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat, Passover, Haggadah, Trip to Israel, and Days of School.

What We Thought:

We are definitely fans of Sammy Spider. Sylvia A. Rouss does an amazing job of incorporating fun Purim facts into the adventure of Sammy Spider. We follow Sammy within the colorful Eric Carle like illustrations done by Katherine Janus Kahn.

Sammy learns that Josh will wear a costume to synagogue where he will hear the story of how Queen Esther saved the Jewish people. We also see Mrs. Shapiro making hamantaschen, while Josh creates a grogger of his own. Both of my boys are now curious to read more stories about Sammy Spider and I hope to add to our collection soon.

I am also very impressed with the web site that Sylvia A. Rouss has. Not only does she have her own blog, but also an area with Sammy Spider curriculum activities. I also spied a chapter book that she wrote called Mitzvah the Mutt that may be a great read with NHL.

So what have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your Tuesday Tales, Book Posts, and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books. 

Disclosure: My son received this book as part of our membership to The PJ Library. We were never asked to write about the book. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and no compensation was given. The widget within the review is an Amazon Affiliate where I will receive a percentage of money for the sale of the books should you opt to buy the book mentioned.

Do you know the importance of next Wednesday, February 2? Well, it is the day that eyes all over the United States will be watching a little critter named Phil. Actually his full name is Punxsutawney Phil and he lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Each February 2, the town of Punxsutawney has a celebration. In the early morning, Phil emerges and we all wait and watch to see what he sees. According to the legend, if Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, the US will have six more “lovely” weeks of winter (please note the extreme sarcasm). If Phil does not see his shadow, spring will arrive early. Anyone want to get the word out now and bribe Phil?!

In our large book library we have a lot of books for various holidays. Last year I noticed that we did not have any for Groundhog Day and wished that we had. The other day we received a copy of a new book from Sterling Children’s Books called Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox. I read the book, but am saving it to read with the kids for the holiday since it will be special on that day.

About Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox:

In Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox, author Susan Blackaby elevates the familiar story of Groundhog Day to that of a delightful tale about two mismatched characters and the start of their beautiful friendship.

Brownie Groundhog wakes herself on February 2nd to see if spring might soon be arriving. But when Brownie steps outside, there’s not even the slightest sign of spring – just her shadow, a frosty field, and a very hungry fox. Like the familiar trickster tales of old, Brownie cleverly and consistently delays the fox’s anticipated lunch. Using all her wiles – and some delicious hot cocoa and cinnamon toast – Brownie finds a tasty way to sate Fox’s appetite and find a new friend in the process. Together, Brownie and Fox enjoy a friendship that helps to make the wait for winter’s end a little warmer.

Susan Blackaby’s deliciously witty writing and Carmen Segovia’s adorable animals and stunning landscapes combine to create a picture book filled with warmth and joy.

Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox – Written by Susan Blackaby – Illustrated by Carmen Segovia – Sterling Children’s Books – On sale January 2011 – ISBN 978-1-4027-4336-8 – $14.95 – Ages 3 and up

What I Thought:

The tale of Brownie Groundhog and Fox is unique. It begins with both Brownie and Fox wanting something that they can not have. Together, they learn about patience, passing time while waiting for something that they want, and working together. The two are unlikely friends, we read along and see how Brownie works in a clever way not to be lunch and keep Fox busy. When Brownie outsmarts Fox and tries to leave, we realize that a friendship is forming. The two bond over a snack and learn to trust one another.  In the end, they learn that is is best to wait for what they want together than alone.

I really enjoyed this book and like the lessons that it teaches. Problem solving, tolerance, and friendship are all seen throughout the story. I am looking forward to sharing this book with my boys next week. I think I will even see if their teachers would like to have it to share with their classmates.

So what have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your Tuesday Tales and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books. 

Disclosure: I received this book complimentary of Sterling Publishing in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed in the review are my own. One widget within the review is for my Amazon Affiliate where I will receive a percentage of money for the sale of the books should you opt to buy the book mentioned.