Zayde Comes to Live

In this touching story, a young Jewish girl tries to make peace with the impending death of her grandfather. Rachel's grandfather, her zayde, has come to live with her family. This is because he is dying, she realizes. Rachel can't help wondering where he will go when he dies. She asks her friends. She asks her rabbi. She asks Zayde. No one has the perfect answer, but eventually Rachel finds a way to make peace with the fact of her grandfather's passing. She learns to gather all the moments she can, and to honor his life one small memory at a time. In this sensitive portrait of a young girl and her grandfather, author Sheri Sinykin approaches the issue of death from a distinctly Jewish perspective while demonstrating respect for all beliefs. Kristina Swarner's lush illustrations add layers of depth and wonder to the story.

Sheri Sinykin was born in Chicago and grew up in Sacramento, California. She wanted to write children's books ever since third grade, but first she worked as a newspaper reporter, a hospital public relations director, and as the assistant executive director of a convention and visitors bureau. She holds degrees from Stanford University and Vermont College, where she received an MFA in writing for children. The author of picture books and middle grade and young adult novels, she lives in Massachusetts and Arizona.

Kristina Swarner decided to become an artist at the age of three and has been drawing ever since. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she has create illustrations for books, posters, greeting cards, magazines, wine labels, CD covers, and theater posters, among other things. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Eric Carle Museum and the Society of Illustrators. She lives in Illinois.