Shmulik Paints the Town Picture Book Celebrates Israeli Independence Day
Disclosure: I received Shmulik Paints the Town to review. All opinions are my own.
The world is much larger than the bubbles we often live in, so it’s important to ensure our children become global citizens. Children who are aware of the commonalities and differences between people, who understand there’s more to the world then just “right here, right now,” will have better understanding, empathy, and depth for their fellow humans.
That’s why my daughter and I were happy to read the picture book Shmulik Paints the Town by Lisa Rose. The book, released earlier this year, revolves around Yom Ha’Atzmaut, or Israeli Independence Day. Though we were unfamiliar with this special day, I felt the book provided an opportunity to introduce my daughter to the celebrations of another culture.
In the story, the mayor asks Shmulik to paint a mural in a park for the celebration, but Shmulik can’t think of what to create. He seeks inspiration in everything from the clouds in the sky to a kitten’s soft purr. Unbeknownst to Shmulik, his dog, Ezra, helps him by painting and decorating the park to prep for Israeli Independence Day.
The vibrant pen and ink illustrations with splashes of color reflect the story line of Shmulik and Ezra creating lively art in the park. Children will love seeing how Ezra saves the day by helping Shmulik. Parents will appreciate the historical backdrop of the story.
Shmulik Paints the Town is recommended for ages 3-8 years. Find the book at www.karben.com or enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a copy of your own!
Enter the Shmulik Paints the Town Israeli Independence Day Picture Book Giveaway (CLOSED)
One lucky reader will win a softcover copy of Shmulik Paint the Town by Lisa Rose. Enter via the entry form below. Opened to U.S. residents only.
About the Author
Lisa Rose lives near Detroit, Michigan with her husband and daughter. She likes to swim, practice yoga, and eat ice cream, but not at the same time. This is her first children’s book. www.LisaRoseWrites.me
About the Illustrator
Catalina Echeverri, originally from Bogota, Colombia, studied graphic design in Milan, Italy and completed an M.A. in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Arts. She speaks English, Spanish and Italian. She loves to draw and takes her sketchbook everywhere with her.
I want to win this so that I can read it to my three year old grandson.
We love adding new books to our collection.
Raising a Jewish child, it’s always cool to find books and toys that reflect our culture — especially at this time of year, when my kiddo’s getting bombarded with all things Santa Claus.
I want to win as my granddaughter loves me to read to her and the pictures are a plus for her.
I would love to win this book to share with my son.
I want to win this for my daughters.
I would like to win this for my niece!
I would love to bless my daughter. Thank you
I would love to win this beautiful book and read it to my son
Thank You
I want to win this book for my twins!!
Thank you for reviewing this book. Many Jewish picture books published these days focus on Chanukah. Bravo to Lisa Rose for celebrating a different holiday! Best wishes!
Sincerely,
Janet Ruth Heller
Author of the award-winning book for children about bullying, How the Moon Regained Her Shape (Arbordale, 2006), and the middle-grade book for kids The Passover Surprise (Fictive Press, 2015).
My website is http://www.janetruthheller.com
As an Israeli, it’s important to me to raise my kids with a knowledge of our culture and heritage.
Would love to read this to my kids!