Wishes and Knishes

Yona has written a wonderful little story about how we grow up loving foods made by our grandmothers, moms and dads and others, but never think to learn how to make those things until it's too late. Whether you're Jewish, Italian, Greek or of any other ethnic group that cherishes foods handed down over the generations, this children's book is for you.I sent it to my two nephews, one on each coast, to share with their children, and gave other copies to local friends who I knew would value the story. In case it helps, one nephew has a 5 and a 2 1/2 year old, while the other's daughter is 10. I told her the book was written for younger children than her, but the story was so good I wanted her to read it. She did and loved it!This is a book that should be read by the parents and child together and then followed up with a conversation about who in their family makes food they love. What a great way to get kids to think about how food doesn't magically appear, and instead make a connection with the person who makes it. Maybe the next step is to get that person to help the child learn to make the very same thing? The parents can write down the recipe, and then making it can become something the child does every year as part of the family. Tradition!

This book with its wonderful artwork brings you back to when your mother or grandmother baked and cooked. I will be trying the recipe on the inside cover with my grandchildren as a special bonding afternoon. In the book most of the family finally learn about tradition from the Grandmother. Although this is supposed to be a children’s book, it actually reminds adults that fun activities are what we remember in family life. Caring, love and practice makes a winning tradition! In it’s own way, it challenges the reader to start their own special traditions. It brought so many memories back of a time of home dinner parties with friends—not a holiday. Five stars!!!!!

Yona Diamond Dansky chose the perfect title for a story of love and family. Her beautifully written and illustrated book brought back wonderful childhood memories. It provides a meaningful way to share our culture with children. I am looking forward to making the knishes at the upcoming holidays.

This story highlights the importance of passing on family traditions - a very adult concept- in a way that young children can absorb. It's an age-old story of how members of the younger generation get so caught up in their day-to-day activities that again and again they miss the opportunity to gain the wisdom that their grandparents are ready to give them. As a special treat, the book provides the recipe for Bubby's knishes with detailed instructions for making them successfully.

A sensitivity written and expressively illustrated story that brings the reader into the kitchen of a loving family as they preserve their tradition of making Bubby’s famous knishes. Thanks to the included recipe, your family can make them, too!