I Say Shehechiyanu

Rocklin (Fleabrain Loves Franny) and Filipina (the Adventures of Alonzo the Chicken series) follow a girl as she expresses thanks for things big and small throughout the year. Her appreciation is conveyed through the blessing of Shehechiyanu ("Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion"). The girl uses the prayer to mark ceremonial events in Jewish tradition, such as saying a blessing upon eating a new fruit in the New Year or lighting the Hanukkah candles on the holiday's first night. Other times, the prayer is spontaneous, sweetly childlike, and from the heart, as when her baby brother takes his first step and when she hears a bird singing in the spring. Vibrant, playful watercolor drawings depict each Shehechiyanu occasion with humor and excitement, while the concise text communicates just what being thankful is all about. Children (and others) will appreciate both the message and the accompanying illustrations as they learn to recognize how many opportunities life presents for Shehechiyanu. Ages 4%E2%80%938. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Illustrator's agency: Advocate Art. (Mar.)