Mr. Belinsky's Bagels

Joan Buchanan is a children’s writer and storyteller. She is the
author of Taking Care of My Cold!, What If I Were in Charge?, Nothing
Else But Yams for Supper!, and The Nana Rescue.

Mr. Belinsky contents himself and his customers making delicious bagels
and nothing else. When a new bakery opens across the street, his shop
empties and he gives into pressure from his son to modernize and
diversify. Mr. Belinsky’s success presents him with a new dilemma—a
dilemma whose resolution is satisfying and logical, and that promotes
integrity without moralizing.

Ellen Schwartz writes well and clearly, developing character and plot
with seeming ease. Her opening is emphatic, direct, and tinged with
humor, and establishes a strong voice. Mr. Belinsky, for all his warmth,
compassion, and expertise, is very human in his moments of self-doubt.
Children and adults will be able to identify with the pressure he feels
to fit in with the rest of the world. Also effective is the pacing.
Plenty of believable dialogue, some of which has inferred inflections
that are recognizably Yiddish, keeps the story moving at

just the right speed. Balanced, simple sentences contribute to the
text’s pleasing rhythm. The language is accessible and fresh, yet
resonates with the clarity of a well-worn folktale: “Mr. Belinsky was
happy. So his little shop was old and cramped. Who cared? His customers
loved his bagels, and that was that.”

Stefan Czernecki’s vibrant colors and bold lines complement the text
well. The attractive compositions employ a broad variety of colors. The
book is well bound with an eye-catching, bright cover. Highly
recommended.