Big Dreams, Small Fish

Shirley’s family has opened a new store in their new neighborhood, and they have big dreams for it. People from the neighborhood are coming in and buying some canned goods and some noodle kugel, but no one is buying the wonderful gefilte fish that Shirley’s mother makes. They won’t even try it! Shirley has lots of ideas, but her family thinks she is just getting in the way and making messes. But one day, it is time for Aunt Ida to have her baby. Shirley is left behind with Mrs. Gottlieb to run the store. Mrs. Gottlieb sleeps, and Shirley has a great idea. Can her idea really work? Can it get the gefilte fish moving?

Paula Cohen is both author and illustrator of this, her debut, picture book. The story of Shirley is fun and compelling, as readers watch her independence take flight. She is smart and spunky and fiercely believes in herself. Shirley is a great role model for youngsters who need to believe in themselves. Along the way, readers will learn a few Yiddish words, something about the culture, and find a recipe for gefilte fish in the back matter along with a glossary. Don’t miss this.