When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street

by Elsa Okon Rael

Zeesie wasn't really happy about the visit to her grandparents... In fact, Zeesie is quite afraid of her Zaydeh, who doesn't seem to like children. When he invites her to come along with him to synagogue, she knows she can't say no. A reluctant Zeesie finds herself in a place more beautiful than she had expected -- in an ornate shul amidst a gala party Despite herself, Zeesie is drawn into the mysterious and compelling celebration. And when she finds...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689804512
• ISBN13: 9780689804519
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Absolutely charming story, rich in Jewish culture.

It's a wonderful book, heartfelt and fascinating. The illustrations, too, are delightful. Highly recommended!

An extraordinarily wise, tender and engrossing book

Elsa Okon Rael is making a true place for herself in young children's literature. Both this book and her earlier Zeesie story evoke a time in immigrant history, but more, bring to life a very real little girl amid her loving family. There is no better gift for a grandmother to give her grandchild or one that will be reread so often.

Delightful!

This book captures you quickly and holds you the length of the story. I found the story enlightening as it explained one of the Jewish holidays with reverence and warmth. A wonderful book for younger children of any religion!

Sydney Taylor Award Winner for Younger Children

This is a delicious Simchat Torah story based on the tension between a bright little girl and her fearsomely stern grandfather. Stylized illustrations capture New York's Lower East Side in the 1930's as a curious heroine provokes a joyous outcome. For younger children.