Matzah Ball Chase

K-Gr 2–This rhythmic read-aloud is a Jewish version of “On Top of Spaghetti,” but this time a rogue matzah ball jumps from grandmother Savta’s soup and makes its way throughout much of Israel. The Hebrew and Yiddish words sprinkled throughout may be temporarily confusing to some readers but there is a helpful glossary at the end. With colorful and expressive illustrations that alternate between vignettes and full bleeds, the matzah ball visits parks, well-known streets, and several bustling markets, as well as recognizable landmarks like Masada, the Knesset, the City of Gold, and the Dead Sea. The chase collects a diverse group, showcasing the many vibrant cultures that call Israel home, which is the strongest element of the story; otherwise this is just a simplistic rhyme structure and well-worn storyline. The unexpected ending of dolphins catching the matzah ball interrupts the rhythm with little explanation, and then returns with a final couplet about making matzah balls square.