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"In 1892, Ari is selected to engineer the first train between Jaffa and Jerusalem. Filled
with pride, he boasts to his friends and neglects to say goodbye to them before he sets off. As the train stops to collect
the necessary items to celebrate the Jewish New Year—apples, honey, round challah, and shofars—he is reminded
of the true meaning of the holiday. He promises to do teshuvah—"to do better"—when he returns
to Jaffa by apologizing for his insensitive behavior. Cheerful illustrations depict the sights and scenes of Israel with nostalgia
and charm as mustachioed Ari and his red train pass through the land. An author's note provides additional information
about the history of the first steam train in Israel, along with an archival photo. Libraries looking to expand their Jewish
holiday bookshelf will want to add this delightful title, which will also appeal to train-loving children.." School Library Journal, September 2008, Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library,
IL
"All aboard for delicious historical fiction perfectly grounded
in the emotions of its targeted readers. Author Cohen uses the 1892 inauguration of Israel's first steam train
to focus on friendship hurt feelings, teshuvah, the symbols of Rosh Hashanah and hte flora and fauna of central Israel.
Whew! Heavy duty values delivered with a light touch of words and adorable illustrations. . . The story captures place,
history and ethics in an appealingly winsome way. The protagonist worries about his problem just the way youngsters
do, creating and sustaining empathy. A warm and fact-packed historical note ends this charming and highly recommended
picture book." AJL Newsletter, September/October 2008, Ellen G. Cole, Temple Isaiah, Los Angeles,
CA
"It's not every day you find a good Rosh
Hashanah book for kids - one that's fun to read, pleases the eye and conveys a simple moral. But, 'Engineer
Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride' a book for children ages 3 to 7 released last month, does all three. . . The author, a
New Jersey-based rabbi and educator, know her audience well and the book is appropriately geared for young children.
The colorful express pictures by Israeli artist Shahar Kober augment the story - and do justice to the ancient land of Israel
and its people." The Jewish News Weekly of Northern California, September 26, 2008, Liz Harris, Staff Writer
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