Jacqueline Jules -- The Hardest Word

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The Hardest Word: A Yom Kippur Story

Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn
KarBen/Lerner, Ages 4 to 8

Notable Book for Young Readers, Association of Jewish Libraries, 2001
National Jewish Book Award Finalist, 2002

"A long, long time ago the world had many large and fabulous creatures. One of those creatures was a gigantic yellow bird with dark red wings and a purple forehead. He was called the Ziz."

The Ziz, a clumsy but good-hearted bird of folklore, is always making mistakes. When he accidentally destroys a vegetable garden, he flies to Mount Sinai to ask God for advice.

Jewish Children's Books -- The Hardest Word

"Any kid who has ever broken a dish or sent a baseball through a window will identify."-- Children's Literature

"The only thing the book lacks is an order form for a stuffed Ziz of your own." --
Jerusalem Report

"Written and illustrated with an eye and ear for fun and laughter, The Hardest Word, will captivate the young set." -- Ottawa Jewish Bulletin

"From cover to cover, children will soar high with the plumed, long-legged Ziz." --Jewish Journal

"This delightful tale, featuring a loveable, klutzy bird teaching the essential lessons of the High Holidays, is just perfect!" -- San Diego Jewish Times

The Hardest Word Activities