Would it be possible to publish a book called Liz the Louse in English? I doubt it!
One of my son’s favorite books was Shalev’s הטרקטור בארגז-החול /The Tractor in the Sandbox. After living a full life, a kibbutz tractor is “put out to pasture” in a sandbox of a children’s gan. The kibbutz tractor driver who was also “put out to pasture” fixes up the tractor, which gives them both a new lease on life. This is a great first introduction to kibbutz life.
But a popular Israeli children’s book is actually called הכנה נחמה /Nechama the Louse by מאיר שלו/Meir Shalev . Nechama the Louse wants a different life than the average louse. She wants to be loved and not hated. She jumps from head to head , sees the world and even goes on reserve duty. In the end, Nechama finds a loving home on the head of a bald man who is thrilled to find that a louse wants to be on his head.
Be aware though that there are some political and social messages in this book that you may not be comfortable with.
Be aware though that there are some political and social messages in this book that you may not be comfortable with.
מאיר שלו is a well know author of children's books as well as books for adults . In addition to being a writer, Shalev is a producer and moderator of radio and TV programs as well as a newspaper reporter and columnist. His children's books are for children ages 3-7.
One of my son’s favorite books was Shalev’s הטרקטור בארגז-החול /The Tractor in the Sandbox. After living a full life, a kibbutz tractor is “put out to pasture” in a sandbox of a children’s gan. The kibbutz tractor driver who was also “put out to pasture” fixes up the tractor, which gives them both a new lease on life. This is a great first introduction to kibbutz life.
My personal favorite Meir Shalev book is
אבא עושה בושות / My Father Always Embarrasses Me. It’s the story of a boy with a stay-at-home father who embarrasses him to no end. Many of us have had parents like that and can sympathize with Efraim. Why, oh why can’t his father be like all his friends' fathers? Of course, there is a happy ending and Efraim begins to appreciate his father for who he is.
TIP no. 1 Join your local library! Have the whole family borrow books! In Israel, library membership is usually free but a security deposit is required . Israeli libraries will limit the number of books you can take out at one time.
