Fast Asleep in a Little Village in Israel - Hardcover

Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod is the proud mother of four children (two big and two bigger). A freelance writer for magazines, newspapers, and online publications, she lives in Northern Israel with her family.

One noise after another wakes Mrs. Strauss from a sound sleep in her small Israeli village. The rooster's loud crow wakes her, and then the cat's meow disturbs her as she tries to fall back to sleep. A mosquito buzzes, while the rooster and cat keep up their calls. "Sheket," she yells out her window, "Quiet." Music from the grocer's radio, the toot-toot of the train whistle, even the swish of the street sweeper all add to the cacophony. Mrs. Strauss pulls her pillow over her head, creating a cool spot to block the harsh sunlight. She falls asleep and dreams of coolness and shade. A different sound awakens her, and this one is heartily welcome; it is the geshem, the heavy rain that will reawaken the parched land. It's a much longed-for wet day. Readers might wonder why the title is so specific in naming the setting of the tale. But Israel's climate is really the main character, with long scorching dry spells and that first heavy rain everyone hopes and prays for, and MacLeod weaves hints about the theme in the distress of the animals and the hot, strong sunlight that shines in the window. Beeke's very bright paintings show the village in the sun's glare and the rain's softer light and Mrs. Strauss' every reaction (and her immovable blue hair, which sits atop her tan face). A lovely peek into life in Israel. (note) (Picture book. 4-8) --Kirkus Reviews

This lovely, gentle story fills a giant gap in Jewish children's literature. Books without political undertones are needed to teach children in the U.S. and around the world what Israeli life is like: its rhythms, its atmosphere; its tastes, feels, and smells.

Here is a book that will entice young readers or listeners to open their minds and let Israel in, and it's all done with sweetness and a light, easy touch. This charming story, told in lyrical language and illustrated with sensuous art, just hits the spot. Mrs. Strauss can't sleep because there's too much noise in her town and too many distractions. But when she hears a different kind of sound that of the long-awaited first rainfall of the season it lulls and soothes her. The rain brings joy to all those waiting for it to nourish and rebalance the too-dry land. In Israel, rain is never taken for granted. Each drop is greeted with relief and joyful celebration. This deceptively simple tale highlights a major concern of Israeli life. The need for rain and the fear of drought are never far from mind. The accompanying illustrations are outstanding. With color and movement, they convey a dry, hazy Israeli day and then a gloriously rainy one with exactly the right flair. A note at the end of the book discusses the importance of rain, explains a bit about the climate, and offers some additional food for thought. Highly recommended for ages 3 to 8. --Michal Malen, Jewish Book Council

It is the end of a hot, dry summer, and Mrs. Strauss just can't fall asleep. But when at last she falls asleep, something wakes her up again -- something her little village in Israel has been waiting for all summer long! The collaborative work of author Jennifer MacLeod and illustrator/artist Tiphanie Beeke, Fast Asleep in a Little Village in Israel is a wonderfully charming and thoroughly entertaining picture book story for children ages 2-5 that is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, kindergarten, and community library collections. --The Midwest Book Review