Children's Books

Old MacDonald is building a surprise for the young animals on the farm. With a zztt zztt here, and a tap tap there, the other animals join Old MacDonald in using the many tools in her woodshop. At the end, they surprise the little ones with a miniature toy farm—just like the one where they live!

“This delightful twist on the classic song (with loads of fun sound effects) is a must for do-it-yourself children…Children will love this book’s perky prose and pleasing pictures.” --School Library Journal, starred review

“A terrific idea measured and mitered to a tee, building a perfectly crafted book, one that will make a fun gift.”-- Kirkus Reviews

“…inspiring a cacophonic chorus from young listeners that will surely emphasize the loud in read-aloud and the pleasures of reading with children rather than to them.”--The Horn Book Magazine

Awards and Honors

• IRA Notable Book, 2003

• Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, 2003

• New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book Award Nominee, 2003

• North Carolina Children’s Book Award Nominee, 2003-2004

• Volunteer State Book Award Nominee, 2004-2005 

In this fractured retelling of The Gingerbread Boy, a lonely bubbe (grandmother) makes a boy out of matzo meal. When she checks the bubbling soup pot, the matzo ball boy jumps out and runs off to see the world. Escaping the bubbe and several villagers, the matzo ball boy runs straight into the open arms (and empty bowls) of a poor man and his wife. To quote the book’s last line: You were maybe expecting a different ending?

“Shulman and Litzinger dish up a tasty Jewish version of the traditional “Gingerbread Man”…The ending is funny and fresh, serving both poetic and social justice in a bowl of matzo ball soup.”--The Horn Book Magazine

“Shulman combines a favorite story with dashes of silliness and broad strokes of Jewish-centric humor to make this an offbeat complement to the holiday library.”-- Publishers Weekly

“An amusing and cleverly illustrated Passover variation on the Gingerbread Boy.”--The New York Times Book Review

Awards and Honors

• AJL Notable Children’s Book of Jewish Content, 2006

• News & Observer Wilde Award for Best Retelling, 2006

Rosie wonders what the moon is made of. Cat thinks the moon is a saucer of fresh milk, Dog says it’s a pat of butter, and Butterfly believes the moon is made of sugar. But Gran knows best. Using milk, butter, sugar, and other ingredients, she bakes…the moon!

“Vivid... The story reads aloud well, and in an open-ended conclusion, Rosie asks a new question for readers to explore on their own.” -- Booklist, starred review

“A sweet bedtime tale that's sure to elicit a cookie request.”-- Kirkus Reviews

“Young readers will find enjoyment in the tried-and-true elements and childlike perceptions…Equal parts sweetness and flair.” --Publishers Weekly

In this fresh spin on a classic rhyme, the big ballet is coming up, and one little swan is nervous about dancing onstage. Her teacher thinks she’s ready, but the little swan is not so sure. As the meadow bustles with preparations, she spends every spare moment practicing—but what will happen when her moment in the spotlight finally arrives?

“Charming…The whole complex range of the performance experience is packed into this seemingly simple rhyming story with an engaging text that works equally well when read or sung to the traditional tune.”-- Kirkus Reviews

“Both text and illustrations capture perfectly the excitement and nervousness of putting on a production.”-- School Library Journal