Book Review: Laurel Snyder’s Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to Be Kosher

Posted June 4, 2012 by Kathy Davie in Book Reviews, Children's, Target Audience

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Book Review: Laurel Snyder’s Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to Be Kosher

Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to Be Kosher


by

Laurel Snyder


fiction in a paperback edition on August 24, 2010 and has 32 pages.

Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon


Illustrator: David Goldin

An explanation of kosher and the sabbath at a child’s level of reading.

My Take

It’s cute with a nice introduction for children to the Jewish religion and Shabbat. The means of discussion uses kosher food with poor Baxter as the comic relief not knowing he doesn’t want to be kosher.

The illustrations were a mixed lot. Incredibly simple line drawings with a scattering of shadow and no shading mixed with photographs of real food. Interesting combination.

The Story

A chance encounter with an old man finds Baxter wanting to be kosher so he too can enjoy Shabbat. And we follow him as he does everything he can think of to become acceptable. It isn’t until he meets Rabbi Rosen that the true meaning of kosher is explained along with an invite to share Shabbat.

The Cover and Title

It’s a bland background which really causes Baxter to stand out as he skips down the sidewalk in his denim shorts and blue-checked shirt.

The title is accurate for Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to Be Kosher is trying really hard.