say-hello-lily

by Deborah Lakritz

On Lily's first visit to Shalom House, she clings closely to her mom, overwhelmed by all the new faces. But slowly Lily joins the activities, makes new friends, and celebrates a birthday to remember.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish

Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

I grew up in Skokie, Ilinois, riding my bicycle all over our neighborhood, swimming at the community pool, and spending hours at the Skokie Public Library.

The Skokie Public Library has always been a wondrous place for me. It’s where I first showed my mother I could read—sitting at a table in the children’s room! It’s also where I discovered books like Beezus and Ramona, and All-of-a-Kind Family, two of my all-time favorites. And later, it’s where I curled up in a special area called The Unicorner and explored books by Judy Blume.

Before I became a children’s author, I worked as a social worker. Often, I used books to help children navigate through tough times. Soon, I started to have my own book ideas, and after lots of years of learning the craft of writing while raising my five children, I’m happy to say that both my books and my children are out in the world now!

Reviews

[Barbara Bietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely intergenerational book! Sweet and endearing.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Lily's first visit to the Shalom House, a senior living apartment complex, with her volunteer mother, she is timid, but receptive. One of the residents happens to be an older neighbor she enjoyed spending time and with helps her shed her shyness. Soon, Lily begins to mingle with the residents, partaking in events and activities and bringing a few of her own. A richly illustrated book that exemplifies the joy of generational unities. It's a lovely idea and I think there should be a monthly "bring your child/grandchild to a senior center" day. Instill respect, interest in the past, and compassion for those who made it possible for us today. Liked the added tip on how to help shy children feel less intimidated in larger gatherings.

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for ANY child who is afraid of visiting a nursing home or assisted living facility, if a child has never visited one before and needs to be introduced to the experience, or if he is shy and has a difficult time talking to the elderly. This is a contemporary, beautifully illustrated picture book.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily is a shy little girl but she nevertheless goes with her mother to volunteer at the Shalom House (retirement home) every week. After many weeks pass by, her birthday nears and she finally finds the courage to talk with others. Sweet book with some Jewish culture in it, and a birthday! It's a little on the longer side, text wise, so this is best for children who can sit through longer stories (older preschoolers or elementary students.)

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so sweet! It's about Lily who's mom volunteers at a Jewish senior housing place and then Lily starts coming to help too! She's very shy (maybe neurodivergent? this word wasn't really in the general vocabulary when this book was written), but she's happy to see her artist neighbor there, and eventually warms up to everyone! :)

[Cheryl]

Only book form is Mobius. Otherwise Ebook

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cheery, nicely written story will serve the valuable function of helping children learn to overcome fears of the unknown, make new friends, and appreciate the humanity of other generations. It should appeal to a diverse readership. I wouldn't say there's anything particularly Jewish about it, but its message is universal.

The illustrations are bright and would hold up well to a group reading with a preschool class, which would make it a useful book for stimulating discussion or kicking off lessons about family / community/ friendship / aging.

The only reason I don't give it five stars is because I thought the story could have been told in fewer words. I haven't tried reading the book to a "story time" audience, so I'm not sure how enthralling children that age would find it.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of a young girl who visits Shalom House, a home for the elderly. Not extremely attention-grabbing, but the topic may of interest to some children.

[Serge Smagarinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong on emotion