Mr. Katz and Me
Author:
Marc KornblattIllustrator:
Nanette Regan
Available
SKU:
5644ISBN:
9781681156446Format:
HardcoverGrade Level:
K-2Pages:
32
$19.95
"A delightful tale of friendship formed across cultures and generations." —School Library Journal
When a young girl meets an elderly Russian immigrant who wants, at last, to celebrate his bar mitzvah, she comes to learn that true friendship knows no age.
Sarah often listens when her father tutors students for the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. She enjoys hearing the boys and girl learn Hebrew and sing. When a new student arrives, a wrinkled man named Mr. Katz, Sarah is confused. He is older than 13. Much older. How can he have a Bar Mitzvah? Why do his hands shake and sometimes he forgets his book? But Mr. Katz has a beautiful voice and he likes watching birds with her. As Sarah and Mr. Katz slowly become friends, she learns about former Soviet Union, where he was born. It was dangerous to be Jewish there, but after immigrating to America and meeting Sarah's family, he has a new chance to have his Bar Mitzvah, even at 81 years young.
Inspired by the life experiences of the author's own grandfather, a Russian Jewish immigrant himself.
Kornblatt’s latest picture book offers a delightful tale of friendship formed across cultures and generations. Sarah enjoys listening as her father tutors students for their bat or bar mitzvahs. One night, a new student arrives and Sarah is confused because he is much older than 13! Despite his shaky hands and wrinkled skin, Mr. Katz is kind, and a magnificent singer. A shared love of music and birds closes the gap between Sarah and Mr. Katz and an unlikely friendship forms. He shares about his life in the former Soviet Union, and how dangerous it was to be Jewish there. Moving to the United States has given him the freedom to live in his faith and finally celebrate his bar mitzvah. Inspired by the true experience of Kornblatt’s grandfather, this book is a great example of how understanding and compassion can lead to friendship. Young readers will relate to Sarah’s growth as she learns patience and understanding with Mr. Katz. Regan’s bright and beautiful illustrations work in perfect harmony with the text. A mix of ink, watercolor, pencils, and crayons combine to create warm and engaging images that bring the story to life. Gorgeous featuring bird imagery represent Mr. Katz’s journey to freedom. VERDICT An inspiring story of intergenerational friendship, recommended for libraries everywhere. —Elizabeth Blake, School Library Journal
