Description

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A community grows as neighbor helps neighbor in this heartwarming story inspired by the Golden Ladder, a Jewish approach to charity intended to create a fair society.

Moses isn’t used to jingle-jangle in his pocket, so he’s reluctant to give money when Barefoot Benny clink-clanks his cup of change. But Mom encourages him to follow her example and help a neighbor. “Feels better to help than to need help,” she tells him, so drops a coin in Benny’s can.

Later that spring, Benny’s fortunes have improved. He’s cutting hair at the barber shop, where he gives a free trim to Big Jim, who’s down on his luck. Soon Big Jim becomes the building superintendent, and then he and Moses volunteer to babysit for Ms. Brown when she gets a last-minute job interview and can’t find childcare.

Throughout the year, each neighbor finds the opportunity to help another, and the community grows and deepens through mutual support. As it turns out, “Little enough is more than enough to share.”

Inspired by the twelfth-century Jewish scholar Maimonides’s concept of the Golden Ladder, this picture book models different stages of giving and provides ample opportunity for thoughtful discussions about charity, generosity, and economics while telling an appealing, accessible story. Back matter features an author's note and more information about Maimonides and the Golden Ladder.

About the Author

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Richard Michelson is a poet, an author of children’s books, and the owner of R. Michelson Galleries, known for its extensive collection of children’s illustrations. His books have been listed among the 10 Best Books of the Year by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and The New Yorker; and among the 12 Best Books of the Decade by Amazon.com and have received Sydney Taylor Gold and Silver medals.

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Joe Cepeda studied engineering at Cornell University before receiving a BFA in Illustration from Long Beach State. The recipient of Pura Belpre and Geisel Honors, he has illustrated more than thirty books for children.