Publishers Weekly
In this addition to the Sammy Spider series, bright colors and an easy-to-follow plot work together to teach children the importance of the Jewish custom of hospitality. When a new family moves to town, Josh Shapiro and his parents immediately set to work preparing homemade food for the newcomers. Sammy Spider, who watches from above, learns all about the concept of making the neighbors feel welcomed and yearns to be a part of this mitzvah. Despite his mother’s refrain that “Spiders don’t bake cakes. Spiders spin webs,” Sammy takes an active role in making Moti, the boy who has just moved from Israel, smile. Collage illustrations by award- winning illustrator Kahn are colorful and strikingly simple. A glossary with a few Hebrew words and a hummus recipe round out a pleasant, simple story for young learners. Ages 2–8. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"Friendly and curious, Sammy Spider learns about the Jewish custom of welcoming new neighbors in this successful addition to the well-loved series. Josh is helping Mrs. Shapiro bake a cake for the Israeli family moving in next door and Mr. Shapiro suggests that they also take over some pita bread and hummus, in keeping with the tradition of bringing new neighbors bread and salt so they will 'enjoy many happy meals together.' Sammy is eager to welcome the neighbors too and, when a sudden breeze carries him to a tree next door, he lowers himself down to find the new boy crying. Sammy spins a web to cheer the boy up and then watches as the Shapiros arrive and the families get acquainted. What seems simple here is still a lesson worth teaching, as kindness and openness toward others is always a mitzvah, particularly for someone who is feeling lonely and out of place. Though somewhat formulaic by now, the text reads comfortably and includes a few Hebrew words such as akvish (spider), which Rouss cleverly places in a context that allows even very young children familiar with Sammy Spider to figure out on their own. As always, the colorful cut-paper illustrations on two-page spreads are cheerfully integrated into the story. Another welcome title from a team who clearly understand how to create books for very young children. Recommended for ages 2-8."—Jewish Book World
Kirkus Reviews
Sammy Spider is perfectly safe. Maybe you're a parent. Your child is asleep in the next room, and you're watching the news. War has broken out in the Middle East. Senators are screaming about the budget. There's a pile of picture books nearby. You want to give your child a story with no conflict at all. You open up this latest in the Sammy Spider series. A boy is crying. He has no friends at his new house. But two pages later, the boy next door brings him cake. They play baseball. They take turns on the swing. Sammy spins a web to keep them entertained. You think: No one could object to this book. It even teaches vocabulary, like the Hebrew word akavish, which means spider, and the English word "hospitality." And you think: Did I really make friends that quickly when I was a child? Maybe you did. But you start thinking about the books you loved back then. Max had to tame monsters. The Cat in the Hat nearly destroyed a house. And suddenly, the boys on their swing seem a little dull. You look for a book about pirates, in case your child wakes up in the middle of the night. This is a book without conflict, and that's the last thing a child needs. (Picture book. 2-8)
