Everybody Says Shalom

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

"Everybody Says Shalom" is a non-fiction picture book which introduces children to Israel via the word "shalom." The text explains that "shalom" means hello, good-bye, and peace. A visiting family uses the word as they travel around Israel.

The book is a very basic introduction to Israel. While there is not a table of contents or index, pages in the back do provide extra information about each of the destinations the traveling family visits. However, the book does fall victim to one of my greatest pet peeves: no pronunciation guide is given.

Some of the text is a little vague, even for this basic book. After introducing the word "shalom," the next few pages of text say "When in Israel...everybody says shalom! Going out...or coming home. Right to left and left to right. In the morning...late at night." "Right to left and left to right" is illustrated by two children writing "shalom" in the sand on a beach: one in English and one in Hebrew. While adults might figure this out, it would need to be explained to children.

The reading level is appropriate for ages preschool through 3rd grade. The rhyming text is basic enough for very young children, while older kids can discuss the locations and specific destinations.

The illustrations are done in watercolor and fit the text quite well. While the illustrations are not detailed, neither is the text, so they fit well together. In addition, there is a little gecko hidden in each layout. It's fun to search for the gecko, and it's not necessarily easy!

Books about Israel for this age group are quite rare. While many picture book characters live in or visit other cities or countries throughout the world, Israel is not common. I believe this book will fill a need in children's travel/country collections, and, luckily, the book is well done. While the book is too simple for a country report or study, it is a wonderful introduction to the country.

Overall Book Score: very good