Sadie's Lag Ba'omer Mystery - Tapa dura

"Curious Sadie and her brother Ori return in a fourth story filled with tradition and delight. The two youngsters are problem solvers. When they hear about a new holiday, Lag Ba'Omer, they declare it a mystery to be solved. They search first in books, then among holiday ceremonial objects; they discover information about nine Jewish holidays, none of them the new one. They turn to adults, asking pointed questions. The delivery man admits he does not bring gift boxes. Aunt Katy has a hint about picnics; Uncle Danny about bonfires and campfire songs; Grandma about eating yummy food. Grandpa reveals all as they nestle with him on the porch. As Sadie and Ori learn, so do the targeted readers. Direct text explains the ancient Roman decree preventing Torah study for Jews, great teacher Rabbi bar Yochai's secret cave where he continued to teach, and the camouflage of picnic or hunting gear used when approaching his hideout. The story ends with a picnic of mouthwatering foods, a bonfire and songs: a happy celebration recalling the courage of ancient teacher and students. The end note expands holiday facts to include the significance of the Omer and customs during its days, Yochai's writing of the Zohar, the mourning for the plague that hit his students, and the meaning of the name 'Lag Ba'Omer.' The artist is the same as in the earlier volumes; Sadie, Ori and family will be familiar to readers in colorful spreads of crowded, active art which reinforce the text. This delicious story fills a need: an elementary grades' explanation of an historical holiday in a stand-alone book smartly targeted to its audience that delivers to children and the adults who read it to them. Highly recommended for expanding celebration information and for bringing us once again the irrepressible, charming Sadie and Ori." --

"Solving a holiday mystery is the mission of Sadie and her little brother Ori in Sadie's Lag Ba'Omer Mystery by Jamie Korngold, illustrated by Julie Fortenberry (Kar-Ben, $7.95 pb), for early elementary-age kids.

They may be familiar with Sadie and Ori from other holiday stories such as Sadie's Sukkah Breakfast (Jewish Star Review, Sept. 16, 2011).

This time, their grandpa sets them on a mystery search to discover what the holiday of Lag Ba'Omer is all about.

They look in books, ask others, find out some details but not enough. It's grandpa who sits them down beside him and tells them some of the story." -- Chicago Jewish Star

"Sadie and her little brother, Ori, know all about Hanukkah and Passover and Purim, but La Ba'Omer is a mystery to them. With the help of their grandfather and other adults, they discover the history and traditions of this minor holiday.

Sadie's Lag Ba'Omer Mystery is a great introduction to the holiday. Young children can relate to Sadie and Ori and their 'detective work' as they uncover information. Korngold explains Lag Ba'Omer in simple language and educates using positive aspects of the holiday. The story's ending, with the children celebrat-ing with their family, might inspire readers to have a picnic and build a bonfire in honor of the great Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

The colorful, digitally painted illustrations invite readers into the action, from studying with Rabbi Shimon in a cave in the Roman era to singing by a campfire today. Those who are fans of the other 'Sadie' books by Korngold and Fortenberry will enjoy the latest one as will anyone wanting a simple introduction to Lag Ba'Omer.

In addition to the story, the book includes a brief appendix of factual information about the holiday.

Recommended for ages 4-8." -- Jewish Book World

"One full moon in spring heralds a Jewish holiday that is not familiar to the savvy Sadie but has its own reason for celebration.

At school, Sadie learned that Jewish holidays often begin with a full moon. What spring holiday is forthcoming after Purim and Passover? Curious, Sadie reads the calendar and learns it is something called Lag Ba'Omer. What's that all about? She explores the house with her little sister and finds only items related to Rosh Hashanah, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Passover and Shabbat. Stumped, she begins to question everyone, including family members and the parcel delivery man (who must know all about holidays). Her grandfather finally tells her that this new holiday is not about presents, might involve picnics, songs and campfires, and of course includes delicious food. She's still mystified, so he tells a story about an ancient rabbi who was forbidden by the Romans to teach and study Torah and so did it secretly in a cave. Lag Ba'Omer is a day dedicated to his steadfast bravery. It is remembered with picnics, bonfires, singing and storytelling and usually celebrated between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot. The evenly told story is laced with mild suspense. It is coupled with cheery illustrations that include carefully placed details that indicate the centrality of faith to this suburban family.

A welcoming introduction to an often overlooked minor holiday. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 3-6)" -- Kirkus Reviews