One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story

by Ruth Spiro, Victoria Tentler-Krylov (illustrator)

A young girl is inspired to make a difference in this thoughtful and lyrical exploration of the Jewish philosophy tikkun olam or repair the world.

Imagine the world you want to live in. If it’s not the world you see, will you create it?

So begins a young girl’s journey to solve a problem she notices one rainy day while walking to school. In that moment, the small spark inside her grows and then connects her to others who are inspired to make a change and help the world become a better place.

This lyrical and very personal text from beloved author Ruth Spiro, with breathtaking and imaginative illustrations from Victoria Tentler-Krylov, explores the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, or taking part to repair the world. It’s sure to inspire young readers to nurture their own small spark, taking action today that will change the world tomorrow.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Childrens, Fiction, Judaism, Religion, Inspirational

Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2024

About the author

Ruth Spiro is the author of the Baby Loves Science series, published by Charlesbridge. These adorably illustrated board books contain expert-reviewed science, yet are simple enough for the very youngest readers. Another new picture book series, Made by Maxine, will be published by Dial in October, 2018.

Ruth is a frequent speaker at schools and conferences, and recent presentations include the Early Childhood STEM Conference at CalTech and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

Reviews

[Hannah]

Beautiful art, beautiful text, and so needed! Finally a Jewish book for kids that's not about a holiday, the Holocaust, or Israel. Tikkun olam is one of my favorite things about Judaism, and this book really gets it spot on.

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book about tikkun olam. I love the illustrations of the city!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Small Spark is an absolutely lovely picture book about the Jewish philosophy of tikkun olam, repairing the world. The text is slightly poetic and inspirational, talking about how small actions by a few can lead to big actions by many and enact change in our world. There's more in-depth information about tikkun olam at the end. The visuals are absolutely lovely (I especially enjoyed the scenery art), and show the story of a girl leading change in her community to improve their local rundown park. I do wish that the story text itself had been a little more explicit about what was going on in the story, but I did really enjoy it still. As I've seen mentioned in other reviews, I did really appreciate seeing a Jewish picture book that has nothing to do with a holiday, the Holocaust, or Israel. Definitely recommended!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about the Jewish philosophy of tikkun olam, or repairing the world

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young child notices the dilapidated state of the neighborhood playground. She stops on her way to school to fix the swings, at least, but knows that she can't do the rest by herself. She presents the problem to her teacher and the entire class decides to help. In the end the entire neighborhood comes together to help fix up the playground.

A beautiful, child-appropriate explanation of Tikkun Olam.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confession: I have the best time reading books for teens, tweens and young children. That’s partly because there were few Jewish books for this age group when I was young. However, there is another reason I find these works so appealing: they are usually easy to read – meaning their prose is less complex – although their authors still manage to convey complex emotions and situations. They are also an excellent reminder that adults don’t have a monopoly on emotional and physical difficulties: in fact, some seem unique to the current younger generation. The majority of these works take place in contemporary times, although two take place during World War II. All may hold something of interest for readers of any age.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/book...

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In various places in our world, we see or read of another calling for people to do one thing to help. It may be for one person, for a neighbor, or a neighborhood. It might even be something considered small, offering a smile to someone or picking up something that has fallen in a grocery. Collectively, the acts make a difference! In this book a young girl is inspired to make change. The text says, "Imagine the world you want to live in. If it’s not the world you see, will you create it?
Ruth Spiro's story explores the idea of the Jewish philosophy Tikkun olam or "repair the world". With Victoria Tentler-Krylov's amazing and breathtaking illustrations, readers watch the girl walking to school, then seeing her small spark growing as she realizes she wants to make a change in her world. Connecting to others, they begin.

[SamSamSam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the concept of Tikkun Olam and I was super excited to read this one! However, it was disappointingly similar to the current flood of generic picture books about kindness and community service geared towards kids, down to the park cleanup theme. I loved the beginning text "Imagine the world you want to live in. If that's not the world you see, will you create it?" It would have been such a great jumping off point for an actual story! With a plot! Instead of a really flowery poem. I was also sad to see very few ties to Jewish culture beyond a handful of subtle nods in the illustrations. So many missed opportunities here. I think Thank You, Dr. Salk! is a much stronger title dealing with Tikkun Olam, even if it doesn't focus on kids specifically.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book uses lyrical prose and captivating illustrations to teach the concept of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. Just as one small spark can start a fire, one tiny action can lead to big changes. The text addresses the concept in more general terms. The story is actually told through the illustrations. In this story, a young girl sees a broken swing and trash and wants to clean up a run down city park. The illustrations show her talking to people and a large group fixing up the park. The colorful illustrations show people cleaning trash, fixing playground equipment, hanging a birdhouse and even stocking a Little Free Library. Although the book uses the Hebrew phrase, Tikkun Olam, you don't have to be Jewish to appreciate the concept of fixing the world.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For 1st-2nd grade. Colorful watercolor illustrations. Lyrical picture book showing how one girl uses the Jewish idea of tikkun olam to have one action make a difference in the community and the world. Discusses how children have a choice in what they do and can take opportunities to repair the world. That ideas can become action, and change can happen! The back author’s note on the definition of tikkun olam (repair the world, improve, or make right) was helpful in showing readers the meaning and where in Jewish law/prayers this concept appears.

“It’s okay to ask for help. Because one person can’t do everything, but everyone can do one thing. Which may lead to another.”

“You know, your action today changes everything tomorrow. And then, the world will be different.”

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

While this is at its heart a book centered around the Jewish phrase tikkum olam, one does not need to be Jewish to appreciate the idea of repairing the world. Through its use of illustration and color, this book does a great job of showing us how one desire (or spark) to fix something in the world can become bigger than initially thought. Sometimes the world’s problems seem overwhelming, but, as this book points out, starting with one step at a time can make those problems more manageable. A great book for kids (and adults!) who want to make the world better but feel overwhelmed.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using the phrase Tikkun Olam which is from the Talmud as the context for this powerful message about being a part of mending or repairing the world-- it's a group effort, a worldwide effort and the message is just as moving in the text as it is in the imagery created by the illustrator, Victoria Tentler-Krylov with bright colors and loads happening on each page that while chaotic, is a good chaotic, one that a reader would invest time in moving their eyes around the page to discover everything within the pages and think deeper about the message.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is okay. 3.5 stars, rounded down.

I did like how the person saw a problem, something they could fix, and worked to fix it. I like how the author said the world could be a beautiful place. But I don't like how the author implied that it currently is not. Yes, there is always room for improvement, and people should to their best, but it is still a very beautiful world we live in.

There is very little about this book that is inherently Jewish. The only reason it's a Jewish story is because the author says it is and calls it Tikkun Olam.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiro's story of a young girl who sees a park that needs to be cleaned up is based on the Jewish concept of tikkun olam which translates as "to repair the world." With detailed expressive illustrations and a minimal comforting text, a young girl shares her concern about the park and inspires others to help fix it. Eventually, together they have all made a big difference. An uplifting and hopeful picture book!

"You know, your action today
changes everything tomorrow."

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This absolutely beautiful book by Spiro and illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov warms my heart. It is the story of Tikkun Olam, a belief that we can all make the world a better place. The illustrations and the text connection is absolutely perfect bringing a feeling of hope and community throughout the story. Making simple changes for others connects us all and unites us all. We need more tikkun olam in our world!

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really like it)

This was a nice story. I really really love the illustrations. I could spend quite a long time looking at all the details in them. I like the concept the book is teaching, tikkun olam, and how it goes about teaching it. I find the text to be a little clunky at times but overall it gets the job done.

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spectacular, deeply moving picture book that embraces the depth of tikkun olam while giving children permission to ask for help. The gorgeous illustrations, reflecting our diverse world, and the simple, smart prose will spark thoughtful discussion. In a world where it’s easy to feel powerless, this book is a magnificent reminder of how even the simplest acts of kindness can be transformative.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple and inspiring introduction to the concept of tikkun olam for the littlest readers. Love the imagination, magic, and diversity in the beautiful illustrations, which are reminiscent of Chagall.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite concepts of Judaism, although I would not call this a "religious" book. Would work well for any unit about being good neighbors, being change-makers, even Earth Day and taking care of the world. The artwork is great.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book exploration of a Jewish philosophy I had never heard of. But this book is a really beautiful representation -- where a young girl is inspired to doo something to improve her community and it inspires her neighbors to do the same. The illustrations are hopeful and filled with color.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme of “repairing the world” one small step at a time is a wonderful inspiration for my Grade 1 students (and me) as we begin 2025. I like the points that it’s okay to ask for help to solve problems and that small actions add up to something bigger.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea is good; the execution is too preachy and the illustrations are too busy.
A child sees a broken down playground. The problem of restoring it is more than she can tackle. But by taking small steps and recruiting others, the playground is repaired.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

idea that we can repair the world, and work together to make things better for all. Wonderful bright, images with diversity and expression

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect read-aloud to inspire listeners to take action and make a change.

[Ann Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the message of this book—so needed today!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful pictures

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tikkun Olam! Repair the world! ❤️

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tikkun Olam

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous and inspiring.