While you read, you can use different voices and invite the children to do the same: What does a person sound like when s/he bursts out crying? What does a hole being drilled into the wall sound like? Even if you’re not professional actors or actresses, your active participation in the story will enhance your shared experience and delight.
The judge learns from the girl how to resolve the case brought before him. Following this book, you can discuss your children’s knowledge and strengths with them: It can be a hobby, insight or shared memory from an incident in which they contributed their experience and wisdom. You, parents, should also share: What have you learned from your child?
Do oil droplets indeed float in water? You can see for yourselves by adding a few drops of oil into a bowl filled with water. You can later check what else floats: What happens to a piece of paper in water? Or a paper boat? A fork? Or a leaf? And how about a small plastic toy?
Just as they do in this book, you too can try to resolve a disagreement on some issue: Each party presents their case, everyone listens, and suggests how to resolve the dispute. You can also swap roles and explore together – is only one of you right? Or can you, perhaps, reach some other kind of understanding?
Books help children recognize feelings, name them, identify and empathize with the characters, and, subsequently, do the same with friends and people in general. While reading, you can look at the characters’ facial expressions and discuss: How do you think they feel? Are they angry? Sad? Perhaps happy and relaxed?
Sometimes we fight with friends, and sometimes with our siblings. You can discuss and share an argument you had: What caused it? How did you feel? Who helped you to calm down? Did you make up, and how?
The child in the story fights with everyone, but how can you fight a broom or a faucet? Try picking an inanimate object and acting out an amusing interaction with it – how about a game for two with a stuffed animal, a conversation with a toy car, or an argument with a coat?
You can open the book to a random page and move like the things described on it: You can fly like the wind, drip like a faucet, open and close like a door, or soar like an airplane.
You can find something to like in every book: The drama, the characters, or maybe the illustrations or interesting words. After reading the book, try asking the children what they liked about the story, and share what you, the parents, enjoyed. You can even tell each other which books you especially like and why.
Peetz and Morchella are spending time together. She’s growing vegetables and he’s nurturing them. In the meantime, they are chatting, singing, and simply enjoying their time together. You can ask the children what they like doing with friends. What do they do together? As parents, this is a good opportunity to reminisce with your children and share your experiences and memories with childhood friends.
Cabbage? Kohlrabi? – Thirteen types of edible vegetables appear in the book. Can you find them all? You may want to eat your favorite vegetables or try new vegetables.
So, who are you, Morchella? If you scan the code, you’ll learn about the morchellas that sprout up in Israel each winter. Do you want to learn more? Go to the library together or surf the internet and look for information on morchellas and other mushrooms.
You can grow vegetables, even if you don’t have a plot of land. Try taking a cut carrot top, cloves of garlic, or the bottoms of lettuce or celery, and soak them in a transparent container with water. Wait patiently, add more water if needed, and little by little, you will see leaves and roots sprout. You can cut them off and eat them, or plant them in a flowerpot, and wait for new vegetables to grow. Don’t forget to water them!
Children identify with the characters in the book, and acquire a better understanding of others who are different from them, thereby developing empathy and adaptability to new situations. While reading, you can focus on the characters’ facial expressions and ask: How do you think they feel? And why?
You can discuss and ask: With whom and what do you like to play? In your opinion, what should we do when we each want to play a different game? What solutions can we suggest?
Sitting, jumping, or perhaps bending down? Take turns choosing a page in the book, and showing the others a movement or posture similar to that of the characters depicted in the book. The other players can then imitate the movement, and look for it in the right page in the book. Did you find it? Then it is now time for the next player to choose a page.
On separate notes, write down the games you like to play together: Hide-and-seek or maybe catch? Put all the notes in a box and choose one at random each day. What does it say? Would you like to play this game together? If not, you can always take another note out of the box or add a new note suggesting a new game.
The main characters in this book are a hedgehog, rabbit and mouse. But other animals also appear in the illustrations – Can you find them? How many animals have you found? “Did you find me in the illustrations?”
Unpleasant things happen to all of us – but do they only ever happen to us? You may want to discuss the feelings that emerge when something unpleasant happens, and help each other think of people who can help, as well as how to cheer each other and ourselves up.
The illustrations in this book tell us what happened to Winston’s friends without using words. Only Winston doesn’t notice. Pick one illustration, look closely at Winston’s friend, and tell their story as if you were them: What are they feeling? What are they thinking? What about this particular illustration caught your attention?
You may want to try looking on the bright side! At the end of each day, share something good that’s happened to you with your family – make sure that both parents and children share news about their day.
Have you ever wanted to do something and had someone interrupt you? how did it make you feel? What did you do and say? This book offers the opportunity to discuss these kinds of situations, as well as some good-spirited solutions.
Someone snatched something from me, took something I wanted, interrupted me, bothered me – what do I do? You could think of positive responses together, like using the word “please”, or explaining what bothered you. How about making a paper die and writing all kinds of positive responses on each side, perhaps adding an illustration that depicts the written text? That way, whenever you come up against a problem, you could always throw the die and see what it suggests that you do in response.
Various animals appear in this book: Which one meows? Which one lays eggs? And which one lives in the shed? Let’s find out! One of the players picks an animal, and the rest of the family has to guess which animal they picked by posing questions, and getting hints, such as “the animal I picked meows”, “the animal I picked lives in a pen”. Keep adding more clues until your family has guessed which animal was chosen.
You could act the story out using clothes, hats, accessories, or stuffed animals. You could make the sounds made by the animals, show how each one responds upon encountering the elephant, or be the elephant sleeping on the path.
Who are your friends? What do you like doing together? You can have a conversation about this and look into these questions: Do you like sitting together with other people quietly, like the penguin? Perhaps you like running, like the tortoise? How about thinking together about how you can bring some joy to friends who need you.
Through the unique drawings in the book, you can read the story together even on the pages that have no words. Look, together, at the pages with the drawings, and tell each other what those drawings are expressing. Is there an illustration that you liked in particular?
Which drawings does the red balloon appear in? When does it disappear? You can look for it in the book, and play some games with balloons, too, like hitting a balloon between your hands, tossing it into the air and trying to prevent it from touching the floor, or inflating it , releasing the air, and seeing where it ends up.
Amos McGee takes care of his friends, and they take care of him when he’s sick. Think along with your children about how you can make a sick friend or relative happy (through a phone call, a hand-drawn card, a small gift, and more).
Randomly open the book and look at the illustrations together:
Which character is similar to you? Which character are you different than?
What makes you similar to or different than the character you have chosen?
Which is your favorite character in the book?
Note – these questions may be asked every time the book is read. There are days, for example, when we prefer to be alone, whereas on others we choose to spend time together.
The mirror game presents an opportunity to look at one another as well as ourselves, notice similarities and differences, and laugh.
Instructions:
Sit in front of the mirror with your child, look at each other, and find similarities and differences between you:
Are your eyebrows arched the same way as your child’s?
Do you both have freckles? Or curly hair?
Pulling Faces – one of you could pull a funny face, while the other tries to mimic it. Were you able to make each other laugh? Was it the same funny face that made you both laugh, or different ones?
You could make a family picture together, and add your similarities and differences to it:
Take photographs of yourselves together or separately. If you prefer, you could draw self-portraits instead of taking pictures. Print the photos out, paste them on some cardboard, and paint them. Add drawings or newspaper scraps to your pictures with details representing the similarities and differences between you. Do you enjoy playing the same games? How about adding it, then? You could add the different games that each of you like to play. Perhaps one of you prefers quiet, while the other prefers noise. Are you fast or slow? Do you find the same jokes funny? What else would you add to your family photo?
Would you like to be active? Here are some suggestions for physical exercises that consist of both similar and different movements.
In each round, one of your family members moves their body: eaves their hand, jumps, turns around, or touches their ears.
The person next to them then moves too: if they like the gesture made by the previous participant, they can move in a similar way. If not, they can choose a different movement they like better.
What did you enjoy? Repeating the same movement, or choosing your own?
Scan this code to download a family game we have prepared especially for you.
You may want to pause as you read and ask your child: Where do you think the cat is rushing off to? Why is Mr. Goat blocking the way? Will the vixen eat all the raspberries that she has picked herself?
Perhaps you would enjoy taking a look at the illustrations in this book together: Have you noticed Duck’s and Porcupine’s special eyebrows? Can you discern who is angry and upset, and who is happy and relaxed judging by their eyebrows alone? You may want to sit one opposite the other and take turns to cover your face, leaving nothing but your eyebrows visible. Now, pull a face – happy, surprised, angry, or sad – and ask the other to guess which emotion you were trying to express by your eyebrows alone.
You could make a finger theater using eyeliners and lipsticks: draw needles on the back of your finger, and a nose and mouth on the front – and you have got yourself a porcupine; paint the thumb and forefinger of your other hand red with some lipstick, so that their tips form a bill – and you have got yourself a duck. Use both hands to perform a show based on this book. Which hand is quick to judge? Which hand gives others the benefit of the doubt?
Perhaps you could share a story with your child about a time when, like the duck in this book, you were quick to jump to conclusions about others’ actions. When something unpleasant happens, we can try to adopt the “porcupine” approach, and repeat the phrase “maybe, possibly, perhaps” together.
Perhaps you would like to look at Daniella Dekel London’s amusing illustrations, and use them to follow the plot. What do the animals like doing together? Did you find the three ants running away? Have you managed to identify the various animals concealed in Good Mood Bear?
You may enjoy acting this story out together. Who can be the bear, and how will you disguise yourselves? And who will play the part of the other animals? At the end of the show, you could make some sandwiches and eat them together in a special friendly picnic.
Many things can put you in a good mood: playing with friends, singing and dancing, or hugging. Perhaps you would like to discuss the various things that make you happy, and choose one that fills your heart with delight – like singing and dancing together, going for a walk in the neighborhood, or reading your favorite books together!
The bear in the book makes new friends, and the group has a great time together. Following this story, you may want to invite a new friend home, and try out new things together. Have you made a new friend? Did spending time together put you in a good mood?
“I’m bored and have no one to play with!” Just like the bear, we have all felt sad or bored at times, and do not always have friends around. You may enjoy preparing a “good mood kit” together: decorate a shoebox, and put little prizes in it, such as stickers, crayons, or small games. Keep the box hidden, and take it out when you’re lonely or bored.
Perhaps you could make little bears from various items. What could you use for round ears? And how will you give it a chubby belly?
You and your child can also dress up as bears, other animals, and even various family members. You may want to create a costume and prop basket, filled with various materials, hats, glasses, and household items. Dress up, guess each other’s costumes, and get in a good mood!
ספרי ילדים הם מראה וחלון לעולמם של ילדים. אפשר למצוא בהם את רגעי הקסם שבילדות וגם את רגעי הקושי. הקריאה בספרים שגיבורי הסיפור בהם נתקלים בשאלות ובאתגרים מאפשרת לילדים ללמוד מהם ולקבל מהם השראה ועידוד. כאשר קוראים יחד כדאי לחשוב כיצד הספר קשור לעולמם של הילדים ולשתף באירועים דומים מילדותכם. הקריאה המשותפת היא בסיס לשיחה ולחיבור ומייצרת הרגשת קִרבה, לאירועי הספר וזה לזה.
קרמר החתול אוהב לשחק במשחקים של חתולים, וגם אתם יכולים! בכל סבב אחד מבני המשפחה בוחר לקפוץ, להתגלגל, ליילל או להרים זנב, וכל השאר מצטרפים. תוכלו להביט באיורים ולקבל רעיונות חתוליים. ..
כאשר מביטים באיורים בספר מגלים כל מיני חיות: כאלה שמכירים מהסביבה הקרובה וכאלה שפוגשים פחות. חפשו את בעלי החיים באיורים; ואם יש חיה שמסקרנת אתכם, תוכלו לחפש עליה מידע במרשתת.
מאיר שלו [2023-1948] היה סופר ועיתונאי, כתב למבוגרים ולילדים. שלו נולד בנהלל וקיבל השראה לכתיבתו מהנופים, מבעלי החיים ומהאנשים של עמק יזרעאל. הושפע גם מסיפורי התנ”ך, שעליהם למד מאביו הסופר והמחנך יצחק שלו. שלו נחשב אחד הסופרים הישראלים הנקראים ביותר, למבוגרים ולילדים כאחד. מספרי הילדים האהובים שכתב הטרקטור בארגז החול ואבא עושה בושות.
יוסי אבולעפיה [נולד ב־1946] מאייר, קריקטוריסט, אנימטור וכותב ספרי ילדים. זכה בפרסים רבים על יצירותיו. אבולעפיה אייר את רוב ספריו של מאיר שלו. איוריו מרובים פרטים ועם זאת קלילים, מחויכים ואוהבי אדם וטבע.
“Every loaf starts with a single grain”: You may want to ask your child how “bread is brought out of the ground”, which forces of nature helped the wheat and other ingredients grow, and what one needs in order to turn wheat into bread.
The Princess and the True Loaf of Bread
שְׁמִירָה
ask your child to think of five things they like to eat
You could ask your child to think of five things they like to eat. Do they know what they are made of, and how they are prepared? You may want to make a “true meal” together, one that you make on your own from start to finish, including serving and clearing the table. Did you also feel satisfied with your effort and the entire process?
The Princess and the True Loaf of Bread
שְׁמִירָה
The princess did not want to disappoint her father
The princess did not want to disappoint her father, but hoped she could please him without making much of an effort. She ultimately overcame the difficulties she had encountered, and completed the task well. You may want to discuss the following with your child: Why do you think the king was unhappy with the ready-made loaves of bread brought to him by the princess? What is so special about the “true” loaf of bread? Have you ever been in a situation where you achieved something that was important to you after working hard, making a tremendous effort, or repeated attempts? You may want to share this experience and subsequent feelings with your child.
King Baguette looked at his princess’ hands to determine whether she had brought him the true loaf of bread. You could also look at your child’s hands, and try to guess what they had done today. Children’s hands resemble their parents’, but are also different. You may want to compare your hands, and notice the lines “drawn” on them. Do you have the same lines?
At the end of the story, the princess learned to appreciate the farmers’ hard work, and their contribution to her life, and even learned to thank them. Together with your child, you could think of the people around you who work hard to make everyone’s lives easier. You may want to try and count all the people who have helped us throughout the day (such as the people who clean the streets, security officers, bus drivers, those in building maintenance, etc.).
You might enjoy playing the “thank you game”. A family member starts by saying “I’d like to thank…” and tells of a good thing another has done for them. It could be anything, great or small, whether ongoing or a single incident. The next begins their sentence the same way, and ends it as they wish, and so on. You could have a thank you round at the dinner table, or before bedtime.
During the journey, the princess makes a loaf of bread, as well as a new friend! You may want to discuss the friendship between Fire and the princess together with your child, and compare it to the princess’ relationships with other characters in the book. Perhaps you’d enjoy telling your child about your friends, and share experiences with each other.
Stir the yeast in the lukewarm water until it dissolves, add the sugar, and let the mixture rise.
Place the flour and fermented yeast in a bowl, add the salt and olive oil, and knead into dough.
Cover and let the dough rise for approximately two hours.
Form rolls and place on an oven tray covered with parchment paper or corn flour (to keep them from sticking). Let them rise for another thirty minutes.
Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, at 220 degrees.
Perhaps you could look for toys and stuffed animals at home, and use them to act the story out. You may want to keep the toys in a basket, and let your child continue acting the story out themselves.
You might enjoy looking through the illustrations in the book together. You could take a look at the toy parade on its way to visit Rama. How are they supporting one another?
You may want to ask your child who they think could use some medical attention aside from Rama. Shula the Doll is injured, her leg fell off a year ago… You may enjoy setting up a toy hospital: take all your “injured” dolls out of the closet, as well as the plastic toys that have lost their leg, or the soldiers who took a hit during playtime, and try to fix or “treat” them.
Do you know anyone around you (a friend, neighbor, or relative) who is not well? You may want to think of ways ti make them happy together with your child, such as making them a get-well card, calling them up, sending them something yummy, or paying them a proper visit.
You may want to look at the illustration depicting Rama lying in her bed, unwell but smiling following her toys’ visit. Do you think people who are sick feel better after their friends’ had been to visit them? You may like to tell your child about a visit you had made to a sick person, or one you received when you were unwell.
Try thinking together – what happened then? What did Rama do once she was well again? What did she tell her toys? How did they welcome her back when she returned to play with them? You could use your own toys to act out the next scenes in the story.
Yemima Avidar-Tchernovitz was born in Lithuania, and immigrated to the Land of Israel when she was 12. She began writing when she was in her teens, and told her early stories to the children in the Tel Aviv kindergartens in which she taught. Her stories were first published in the weekly children’s magazine Davar Liyladim, and she also wrote radio skits, in which she also acted on the “youth corner” broadcasts. Generations of children and youth in Israel grew up reading the dozens of well-loved books she authored, among which are Muki is Angry with Mom, Stories for Nivi, Two Friends on the Road, Eight in Pursuit of One, and One of Ours. Yemima Avidar-Tchernovitz is a Zeev Prize laureate and was also awarded the Israel Prize for Children’s Literature.
A Good Name 
A Fight with A Broom 
Morchella in the Garden 
The Two of Us 
The Hedgehog Who Said: Who Cares? 
Winston was Worried 
Elephant on the Path 
A Sick Day for Amos McGee 
The Same but Different 
Maybe, Possibly, Perhaps 
Good Mood Bear 
Kramer the Cat Goes into the Forest 
The Princess and the True Loaf of Bread 
The Toys’ Visit 
קְרִיאָה
שִׂיחָה
חֵקֶר
מִשְׂחָק
הַשְׁרָאָה
קְרִיאָה
שִׂיחָה
הַמְחָשָׁה
סִרְטוֹנִים
קְרִיאָה
הַשְׁרָאָה
קְרִיאָה
שִׂיחָה
מִשְׂחָק
סִרְטוֹנִים
חֵקֶר
הַשְׁרָאָה
קְרִיאָה
שִׂיחָה
סִרְטוֹנִים
מִשְׂחָק
מִשְׂחָק
הַשְׁרָאָה
מִשְׂחָק
סִרְטוֹנִים
הַעֲשָׁרָה
שִׂיחָה
שִׂיחָה
שִׂיחָה
שִׂיחָה
הַשְׁרָאָה
שִׂיחָה
שִׁלּוּב הַסֵּפֶר
מִשְׂחָק
הַעֲשָׁרָה
הַמְחָשָׁה
הַשְׁרָאָה
שִׂיחָה
שִׂיחָה
יְצִירָה
שִׂיחָה
הַעֲשָׁרָה
מִשְׂחָק
קְרִיאָה
יְצִירָה
מִשְׂחָק
מִשְׂחָק
הַשְׁרָאָה
שִׂיחָה
כְּלָלִי
קְרִיאָה
שִׂיחָה
מִשְׂחָק
הַעֲשָׁרָה
סִרְטוֹנִים
הַעֲשָׁרָה
הַעֲשָׁרָה
חֲגִיגָה
שִׂיחָה
מִשְׂחָק
שִׂיחָה
מִשְׂחָק
הַשְׁרָאָה
בִּשּׁוּל
כְּלָלִי
הַעֲשָׁרָה
