Darvic, Debra B.  We Are Jewish Faces
Gr. PS, K–3     32 pp.     Behrman/Apples

“BROTHER, SISTER, / FRIENDSHIP faces, / faces of all RACES and PLACES, / we are JEWISH faces.” A scrapbook-like format features bright photographs and lilting rhymes depicting the diversity of Jewish people — of various ages, skin colors, abilities, etc. — and highlighting some of their special occasions. Most of the faces are smiling ones; the “just-BRISSED” baby is (thankfully) asleep.
Subjects: General Religion; Jews; Religion—Judaism; Stories in rhyme

Gilani-Williams, Fawzia  Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Kar-Ben

Illustrated by Chiara Fedele. Gilani-Williams adapts a traditionally male-centered folktale with both Jewish and Arab roots to focus on a Jewish woman (Yaffa) and a Muslim woman (Fatima), who are neighbors and friends. Both women’s daily lives reveal their similarities and their compassion, particularly during a poor harvest. Fedele’s evocative illustrations use texture and color (mainly red, blue, and brown) to introduce a distant land and distinct cultures.
Subjects: Folktales, Myths, and Legends; Jews; Muslims; Friendship; Israel; Folklore—Jewish; Folklore—Arab countries

Jordan, Deloris  A Child’s Book of Prayers and Blessings: From Faiths and Cultures Around the World
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Simon/Wiseman

Illustrated by Shadra Strickland. Jordan (mother of NBA star Michael) compiles an appealing collection of songs, prayers, and blessings (mostly Judeo Christian, with one ancient Tibetan Buddhist blessing, one Islamic prayer, and one Navajo song) for young children. Familiar American spirituals include “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” and “Kumbaya.” Strickland’s rich linoleum-cut illustrations of children in nature and at peace make this collection shine.
Subjects: General Religion; Multicultural books; Religion—Prayer; Songs

Singh, Rina  Diwali: Festival of Lights
Gr. 4–6, middle school   95 pp.     Orca

Orca Origins series. This book successfully expresses that Diwali is celebrated differently around the world. Hindu, Jain, and Sikh Diwali traditions are represented through photographs of celebrations, related legends, included recipes, and anecdotal narratives about real people. Though losing focus as it attempts to cover related topics such as Indian immigration, the book offers in-depth depictions of cultural and religious practices. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Religious Holidays; Holidays—Divali; India

Washington, Linda  Children of the World Storybook Bible
Gr. K–3      242 pp.     WorthyKids

These versions of stories from the Old and New Testaments are accessible to new readers but could also be read aloud to very young children. The drawings — which were mainly created in crayon, but occasionally use paint or markers — were created by children from forty-seven different countries and are clearly identified throughout; the represented countries are highlighted on an appended world map. Ind.
Subjects: General Religion; Religion—Bible; Religion—Christianity

From the November 2018 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.