Overview
A 2000 Parents’ Choice Recommended Winner
Perfectct Porridge is a humorous tale, highlighting the value of kindness and giving to others. The plot of this story is based on a true incident that took place in Russia during World War II.
To escape the Nazis, Bubbe Hinda and Zayde Mendel fled to Samarkant, an area of southern Russia very close to Asia. Food was rationed and many poor and sick individuals were without food. While Bubbe Hinda collected what she could from people in the bread lines, (as you can read in the author’s book As Big As An Egg,) Zayde Mendel stayed home and cooked what little flour and grain their son was able to purchase from the local farmers.
Having absolutely no experience in the kitchen, Zayde Mendel learned on the job. In this tale, based on true events, Bubbe Hinda is kind to the sick, Zayde Mendel is kind to the hungry, and both of them are kind to each other.
The rhythm and repetition in Rochel Sandman’s story makes it ideal for reading aloud to children ages 3-7. It also works well as a book for beginning readers to enjoy on their own. The vibrantly colored artwork of Chana Zakashasnsky – Zerev perfectly complements the story.
A valuable message, authentic illustrations and classic storytelling make Perfect Porridge a beautiful book for every child to treasure.
A glossary of unfamiliar words is included in the book.
Perfect Porridge – A story about Kindness,
by Rochel Sandman illustrated by Chana Zakashansky-Zverev.
ISBN: 978-0-922613-92-2 / LCCN: 99-65449
Hardcover / 32 pages / Ages 4-8 / List Price $11.95
Publication Date; March 2000
Author Information
About the Author:
Rochel Sandman majored in English at a Connecticut university and has written articles and newsletters for various non-profit organizations. She continues to be an active member of Jewish charity groups in her area. The author is presently collecting and recording family stories as a legacy for her children and grandchildren. Many of these tales were originally told to her by her grandmother, Bubbe Hinda Deitsch, ob”m. Perfect Porridge is the second book Rochel has written for Hachai Publishing.
Illustrator Information
About the Artist:
Chana Zakashansky-Zverev, a young award-winning illustrator, was born in Kiev, Ukraine. She graduated from the University of Fine Arts in Kiev with a Master’s Degree in graphics and illustration. Chana, also illustrated the author’s other book As Big as an Egg. Since 1992, she has lived in Brooklyn, NY with her family.
