These two picture dictionaries are for the beginning reader. One is English-Hebrew; the other Russian-Hebrew. Both make use of the same illustrations, which are grouped into categories based on Jewish themes that are probably familiar to the young child.

The first group of words is connected with the story of Noah's Ark. They present many common animals as well as water, rain and a rainbow. There follows a group of words connected with the synagogue, which includes the Torah, a kippa, and the Beit Knesset. Another category is Shabbat words, including challah and Shabbat candles. The final category is that of Jewish symbols, which features a mezuzah and a variety of holiday words.

The pictures are realistically drawn and colored. They are framed in cut-out boxes and labeled clearly in both languages, with nedudot in the Hebrew script to aid in pronunciation. The books are made of heavy cardboard, which will make them especially durable and useful for large and growing families. New immigrant parents will appreciate these easy reference books.

Leslie Cohen
The Jerusalem Post
June 28, 2002