JCC Association's Early Childhood Curriculum Project 'This New Month'

For Children

Sammy Spider’s First Shabbat by Sylvia A. Rouss, Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn (1997). Published by Kar-Ben Copies, Rockville, MD.

This brightly illustrated story is similar in its appearance to the Eric Carle books, though it tells the tale of a curious spider as he watches a family prepare for Shabbat. Though his web needs repair, he considers what impact Shabbat would have on a spider’s life and discovers the delight Shabbat can bring.

The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco (1993). Published by Philomel Books, New York, NY.

An old style folk-tale, this is an adventure of a grandfather and granddaughter following the trail of a bee to its honey spot. Soon the whole town is following along. When they find and retrieve the honey, the grandfather places a spoonful on a book so that the granddaughter may begin her lifetime of Jewish study appreciating its sweetness.

The Earth Is Good: A Chant in Praise of Nature by Michael DeMunn, Illustrated by Jim McMullen (1999). Published by Scholastic, Inc., New York.

The simple verse in this book is appropriate for the youngest of children. It is a book proclaiming that all of the wonders of our earth are good. This book is especially appropriate to read during the month of Tammuz and throughout the summer, to help us appreciate the beauty of what is around us, as we spend time outdoors.

For Early Childhood Educators

There are some great Web sites which provide background information about the month of Tammuz. Here are a few suggested sites:

www.ou.org/yerushalayim/17betammuz

This article, "The Fast of Tammuz 17", featured on the Orthodox Union Web site, provides clear information about the the Fast of Tammuz.

www.ou.org/chagim/roshchodesh/tammuz

This site, hosted by the Orthodox Union, provides background information about the month of Tammuz in a very clear manner. This site also provides useful background information about Rosh Chodesh.