Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too) Return!

I have not read the first book in this series. I was told that the books could be read independently. The three named characters are Jewish. Charlie is a girl who lives next door to her best friend Sam, a boy. Charlie’s little sister is named Sam Too. A third book will be released in 2015.It is a delight to see an early chapter book that includes Jewish children. Jewish children can relate directly to the holiday experiences. This enhances pride in their Jewish heritage. Non-Jewish children can learn some important facts about Jewish customs and traditions. However, it is unclear whether a non-Jewish audience will gravitate toward such a book, especially since the book does not include a glossary of Jewish words or a brief explanation of Jewish customs.This early chapter book has 5 chapters. The chapters focus on the three characters’ friendship and Jewish holidays. In the first chapter, Charlie and Sam work together to shovel driveways. After playing in the snow, the duo share hot cocoa with Sam Too.In the next two chapters, the story highlights two Jewish holidays- Tu B’Shevat and Passover. After a tree has fallen in their backyard, the trio agrees to plant a new tree. A short dialogue educates readers about the minor Jewish festival of Tu B’Shevat, The third chapter showcases the celebration of Passover- the preparation, the Passover Seder, and the ritual of finding the afikomen.The fourth chapter shifts back to a general topic. The main characters are interacting with a boy named Jason. Even though he is unable to talk, they all play together.In the final chapter, the 3 characters celebrate Chanukah by playing dreidel, watching the candles burn, and eating latkes.The simple colorful drawings provide excellent visual clues that will help beginning readers decipher the age appropriate text. Reading Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too) Return! will enable Jewish and non-Jewish readers to gain a better appreciation for Jewish traditions.