Review Detail

“Noah and His Wagon” by Jerry Ruff, illustrated by Katrijn Jacobs, shows how friendship and loving-kindness, otherwise known in Hebrew as “gemilut chasadim,” can be powerful enough to wash one’s troubles away.

The story starts off with Paloma missing her best friend. Ever since the friend moved away, she feels her days are boring and sad. It isn’t until she goes out one day with her sitter, Jasmine, that she meets a new friend. Noah is pulling his wagon around, offering his help to those who might need it. Little does Paloma know that she herself will be helped by Noah and his trusty wagon.

First, Paloma meets Noah, but then she quickly meets his cat, Mitzvah, a Hebrew word that means “commandment,” and which is often thought of as a good deed. As they walk together, they come across different people in the neighborhood whom Noah has met and has brought some kindness to, or has found ways to help others bring kindness. After spending the day with Noah and some new friends, Paloma begins to feel less alone, finding solace in being with others again, despite not having her best friend around all the time anymore.

The story is one of goodness, positivity, and warmth. Jerry Ruff has done a nice job creating a sense of community through simple acts of kindness.