I would like to share a children’s book with you Can Sophie Change the World? written by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace which I was sent a coup of in exchange for this review.
Homeschooling Charlie allows us to explore, teach and learn things he would lean in Public School including what a Mitzvah is. Why someone would want to have a Mitzvah and how it would fit into someone’s life that isn’t Jewish. As well as allowing us to study what being a Jewish is and why it’s different from us.
As we sat down to read Can Sophie Change the World? Charlie let me know he liked the cover with the little girl on it and how happy she looked. I liked the Flower on her dress and how inviting the cover is and because of the cover I couldn’t wait to dive into the story.
As Charlie and I read through the book and learned what Mitzvah’s were I asked Charlie if he had done any that day which led Charlie to shoveling our elderly neighbors’ sidewalks as it had Snowed and collecting their mail for them. Then we created a Flower and wrote everything we did on it to hang in our classroom.
I challenged Charlie to do at least two things every day and for us to fill our classroom full of Hearts and Flowers for Valentine’s Day. I can’t wait to see how full our classroom is at the end of the month. I just wish my sister would have my niece and nephew do this as well. Would you like to join us?
About:
This is Pay It Forward meets the #BeKind movement, as seen through a Jewish principle.
It’s Grandpop’s birthday, and all he wants is one little thing: for Sophie to change the world.
He wants Sophie to do a Mitzvah–something kind for others. But what exactly does that mean?
As Sophie shares, teaches, helps her friends, takes care of birds, and picks up litter, she wonders which of these acts, if any, might change the world. By performing this sequence of poignant Mitzvahs with an open heart, unending empathy, and a big imagination, Sophie’s about to discover that what sounds like an impossible task just might be the best way to live life.
In this exploration of an essential part of Jewish traditional teaching, Sophie’s efforts to grant Grandpop’s wish show that the smallest acts of kindness are what truly change the world.
TIMELESS: Mitzvahs are a time-honored tradition and a central part of Judaic practice. This universal, timeless picture book shares a meaningful message about doing good in the world that will always be welcome and needed.
A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE: This story explores an aspect of Jewish Culture that is applicable to anyone interested in improving their world, making it a book that is both relevant and relatable to kids who are Jewish and non-Jewish alike.
SPREAD KINDNESS: This book shows a variety of kind actions and engages with how kindness and good deeds can affect and lift up friends, family, and entire communities.
BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS: The art in this book is bright and cheerful, perfect for engaging kids and getting them excited to learn how they, too, can change the world!
Perfect for:
– Jewish families
– Jewish schools and learning centers
– Teachers
– Parents looking for books about kindness
About the Author
Nancy Elizabeth Wallace is the creator of more than 20 books for children. She lives in Connecticut. To learn more about Nancy and her books, please visit www.nancyelizabethwallace.com. Aura Lewis is an author-illustrator of such titles as Gloria’s Voice, The Illustrated Feminist, and We the People. She lives in New York. Visit her at www.auralewis.com.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
