Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel by Laura Gehl -- OPTIONAL

Gehl, Laura Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel, illustrated by Sarah Goodreau. PICTURE BOOK. $7.95. Content: G.

In this retelling, the tortoise and the hare race from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea. I love retellings, and the illustrations in this one are attractive, but this heavy-handed version seems to be more about the unique setting than the story itself. The details about Israel are so frequent and, in many cases, forced, that they often feel intrusive. Perhaps this would appeal to a very specific audience, but it would be hard to recommend on a larger scale.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist