Right to Left

Talma Admon's story is old-fashioned and modern at the same time.

By VIVA SARAH PRESS
amos book 88 298 (photo credit: )
amos book 88 298
(photo credit: )
Peter Ve'Alex Vehahatul Im Tzipornei Hazahav (Peter and Alex and the Cat with the Golden Claws) By Orit Ringel Amir Illustrated by Danny Kerman Gvanim Publishing House 36 pages After logging 25 years in the world of advertising, Orit Ringel Amir decided to switch from writing slogans to penning children's books. Peter Ve'Alex Vehahatul Im Tzipornei Hazahav is the third installment in a series that traces the adventures of two four-footed furry friends, Peter and Alex. Amir humanizes the dogs' characters so that readers will be able to identify with these best friends even though they are not people. In this book, Alex and Peter find a golden cat statue from ancient Egypt. Amir introduces her young readers to the world of archeology and throws in a short history lesson. She writes for young readers but does not treat them like idiots. When she uses a word that her four-to-eight-year old audience might not know, she explains it with other words. The story is fun and children are encouraged to guess what comes next. As for parents reading the book, Amir treats the older crowd to a biting mockery of the media world from which she came. Danny Kerman's illustrations are imaginative, and bring color, humor and charm to the story. Safta Shel Naftali Bishla Daysa (Naftali's Grandma Cooked Some Porridge) Written and Illustrated by Alona Frankel Keter 37 pages Author and illustrator Alona Frankel shapes her latest book, around the children's rhyme known in Hebrew as "Grandma cooked some porridge" and which is known to English speakers as "this little piggy." In her story, Frankel changes the ending and makes sure the pinkie finger has what to eat. She also alters the well-known nursery rhyme by adding in characters from other children's stories, including Little Red Riding Hood and Mitz Petel. In Safta Shel Naftali Bishla Daysa, the fingers at first scoff at the idea of eating grandma's porridge and then, after she gives the oatmeal to the neighborhood cats, they renege and plead for some after all. The grandma in the story is at first insulted that the fingers don't want her oatmeal, but she accepts their apologies and leaves room for a happy ending. Frankel is the author and illustrator of more than 35 titles for children, including the well-known Once Upon a Potty series. Naftali, the curly-haired boy who has featured in her other books, is in the limelight again in this story. Her latest work is suitable for ages one to four. The pictures are unfussy, lovable and vivid. And as a bonus, there's a good recipe for porridge included in the opening of the book. Shisha Giborim Gdolim - Bamytologiot Shel Amei Ha'olam (Six Great Heroes From World Mythology) By Shoham Smit Illustrated by Amitai Sandy Kinneret, Zmora-Bitan, Dvir Publishing 63 pages Author Shoham Smit's new book offers children a great introduction to the legendary adventures of six figures in world mythology. It opens with the story of Perseus, who killed Medusa in Greek mythology, and continues to Rama, one of the most popular heroes of Hindu mythology. Readers are also introduced to Odin, considered the chief god in Norse mythology; King Arthur, an important figure in the mythology of Great Britain; Gilgamesh, who according to Mesopotamian mythology was credited with superhuman strength after building a wall to defend his people from external threats; and to David, who triumphed over Goliath against all odds. Smit's writing is alive and imaginative. Her stories roll action and history into one great read. Bein Shnei Abirim (Between Two Knights) By Sarit Sharon Illustrated by Vitali Minin Gvanim Publishing 96 pages Young readers looking for adventure and fantasy need not look farther than Bein Shnei Abirim by Sarit Sharon. The story follows Erel, a regular schoolboy who suddenly finds himself in the thick of a battle to save a king, a princess and the people of the kingdom from invading forces. Sharon has a healthy imagination, as characters in her book range from a metal cat, who entertains the heroes during battle, to plasticine figures who take on all shapes and sizes, to dinosaurs and walking skeletons. Themes included in this story are those of deep friendship, helping others and bravery. Sharon's writing is packed with humor and action and will keep readers turning pages to the end. Michtavim Le'Amos (Letters to Amos) By Talma Admon Illustrated by Hila Havkin Kinneret, Zmora-Bitan, Dvir Publishing 199 pages And wrapping up this column on fiction for young readers is Michtavim Le'Amos, a romance novel aimed at the 11- to 16-year-old age group. Talma Admon's story is old-fashioned and modern at the same time. The plot comes about through a letter exchange, which Libat begins and Amos continues. Early in the book, Amos even remarks that it's a good thing his friends know that he doesn't use ICQ or Messenger because otherwise he'd have to explain why he's suddenly going to the post office to mail letters. Taking inspiration from other writers of romantic novels, Admon quotes from Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, Jane Austen's Emma and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. She tells a story of friendship, growing up and pure love.