Cheesecake for Shavuot. photos by Eliyahu Alpern

Gr 1–4—This photo-essay shows Israeli schoolchildren growing and harvesting wheat according to biblical methods and turning it into crust for cheesecake, which is customarily served during Shavuot. There is mention of the Book of Ruth, a biblical story read during the holiday in which grain harvesting plays a significant part. The color photos are cheerful and interesting, if a bit busy. Several spreads are composed of smaller shots, making the book challenging to share with a group. An endnote explains the complicated symbolism of the holiday, which celebrates the harvest, the first fruits of the year, and the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. A cheesecake recipe is included. Jewish families and schools will be pleased to add this title to their collections, but the lack of context makes it unsuitable for a general audience.—Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL