One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story

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Author(s)

Ruth Spiro

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Victoria Tentler-Krylov

Publisher

Dial Books

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

August 27, 2024

ISBN

978-0399186318

Buy This Book

A young girl is inspired to make a difference in this thoughtful and lyrical exploration of the Jewish philosophy tikkun olam or repair the world.

Imagine the world you want to live in. If it’s not the world you see, will you create it?

So begins a young girl’s journey to solve a problem she notices one rainy day while walking to school. In that moment, the small spark inside her grows and then connects her to others who are inspired to make a change and help the world become a better place.

This lyrical and very personal text from beloved author Ruth Spiro, with breathtaking and imaginative illustrations from Victoria Tentler-Krylov, explores the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, or taking part to repair the world. It’s sure to inspire young readers to nurture their own small spark, taking action today that will change the world tomorrow.

Editor review

1 review

Repairing the World

March 30, 2025 (Updated: June 30, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

“One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story” by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov, tells how people need to work together in order to find ways to help each other and the world around us. One poignant line in the story reads: “One person can’t do everything, but everyone can do one thing.” The truth behind this phrase is profound. Tikkun olam means to repair the world, and this takes understanding, compassion, and courtesy. It takes imagination, practice, and strength.

People need to be able to find the balance that makes them conscious of helping others and worthy of being helped back. Everyone deserves a chance to create this balance and find the truth of how they can repair the world and leave it a little better, a little brighter, than before.

Another great line reads: “Your action today changes everything tomorrow.” More people need to live by words like these so that the world can truly become a better, brighter, more peaceful place.

The author’s note in the final pages of the book shares how the concept of tikkun olam is not unique to Judaism, though the book is presented from a Jewish perspective. Everyone, no matter their religion, race, or otherwise, is capable of tikkun olam. It only has to be accessed within ourselves.

Good Points

The author’s note in the final pages of the book shares how the concept of tikkun olam is not unique to Judaism, though the book is presented from a Jewish perspective. Everyone, no matter their religion, race, or otherwise, is capable of tikkun olam. It only has to be accessed within ourselves.