‘A Mouse In The Rabbi’s Study’

Cyndi Palmer writes:

The first-ever work of children’s book author Nancy Larner is now out on shelves and the Grand Lake Art Gallery is hosting a signing this afternoon.

“Grand County is such a magnificent place to live. For the past 12 years my husband Ken and I have felt so fortunate to be part-time residents here,” she said. “Our joy has been compounded by being able to share my first book with our friends, neighbors and visitors to the Grand Lake area.”

Her story, called “A Mouse in the Rabbi’s Study,” tells of Mazel (luck) the Mouse who learns about the Jewish holidays and the enticing delights associated with the religious culture.

Larner, who can laugh at the ordeal now, came up with the idea for the book after dealing with a mouse problem at her Evergreen home during the High Holidays. A longtime early childhood instructor, she was teaching Religious School at Congregation Beth Evergreen when she began to capture the experience on paper.
The imagination which she shared with so many of her students sparked images of what would happen if a mouse found its way into a rabbi’s study at Rosh Hashanah. As the story goes, the Rabbi Saltzman leaves crumbs on his desk and he makes a new friend — a mouse.

Their relationship grows, as does Mazel’s belly. Humor and education fill the pages.
Mazel and readers also learn about challah, latkes, hamantashen and other Jewish holiday traditional treats.

Her students, who got a sneak peek when she read them the manuscript, were so enthusiastic Larner was encouraged to pursue publishing the work. The book is aimed at children kindergarten through second grade, but she says the story is educational “for youngsters of any age,” as well as for adults interested about Judaism.

About Luke Ford

Raised a Seventh-Day Adventist at Avondale College in Australia, Luke Ford moved to California in 1977. He graduated from Placer High School in 1984, reported the news at KAHI/KHYL radio for three years, attended Sierra College and UCLA, was largely bedridden by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for six years, and converted to Judaism in 1993. From 1997-2007, Luke made his living from blogging. Living by Beverly Hills (Alexander90210.com), he now teaches the Alexander Technique (moving the way the body likes to move). Lessons cost $100 each and last about 45 minutes. In 2011, Luke completed a three-year teaching course at the Alexander Training Institute of Los Angeles. His personal Alexander Technique website is Alexander90210.com. Luke is the author of five books, including: » The Producers: Profiles in Frustration » Yesterday’s News Tomorrow: Inside American Jewish Journalism
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