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Bone Button Borscht. Aubrey Davis, illustrated by Dušan Petričić. Toronto: Kids Can Press, Ltd., 1995.
On a dark winter’s night, a ragged beggar dreams of a warm hearth and a delicious meal—and sets out to find just that. In this retelling of the classic folk tale “Stone Soup,” a stranger teaches the poor villagers what can be accomplished with a few buttons and a little cooperation. With repeated reading and reflection, this bottomless tale could teach us all a whole lot more.
“Davis infuses his story with a playful good humour that will make Bone Button Borscht a delightful story to read and a rollicking good story to tell.” Canadian Children’s Book Centre News, 1995
“[I]t is a cheering experience to discover such a good picture book.” Quill & Quire, Starred Review, June 1995
1998 |
IBBY Honour List, illustration |
1997 |
Junior Library Guild Selection |
1996 |
Alcuin Society Book Design Award winner, First Prize |
1995 |
Notable Canadian Fiction for Children, Canadian School Library Association and Canadian Association of Children’s Librarians |
Ages: 4 to 8
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Sody Salleratus. Aubrey Davis, illustrated by Alan and Lea Daniel. Toronto: Kids Can Press, Ltd., 1996.
A simple trip to the store for a box of sody salleratus (baking soda) turns into a disappearing act for a boy, girl, old man and old woman. A little squirrel skippity skips down the road to find them. The simple plot, filled with lots of repetition and fun-to-repeat sounds, is perfect for reading aloud. Exuberant illustrations leap off the page, adding hilarious details that enhance this lively retelling of the traditional tale.
“This year’s Aubrey Davis adaptation is by far the finest…
[T]his Sody begs to be read over and over until its young audience can take up the performance on their own.” Quill & Quire, Aug, 1996
“Aubrey Davis’ story is finely written and humourous, but the combined illustration efforts of Alan and Lea Daniel boost this amusing tale into the realm of an instant classic.” Canadian Book Review Annual, 1997.
1997 |
Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award, shortlist |
1996 |
Governor General’s Literary Award, shortlist, Children’s Literature, Illustration category, Canada Council for the Arts |
1996 |
Mr. Christie’s Book Award, shortlist, 7 years and under category |
Ages: 3 to 7
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The Enormous Potato. Aubrey Davis, illustrated by Dušan Petričić. Toronto: Kids Can Press, Ltd., 1997.
The Enormous Potato begins with a farmer who plants an eye—a potato eye. It grows and grows into an enormous potato. Harvest time comes, but the potato is so big that the farmer can’t pull it out. So he calls for help, first to his wife, then to their daughter, then to the dog and so on. Energetic illustrations capture the growing determination of the family to free the potato from the soil, and the celebratory feast that follows their success.
“From the planting to the harvesting to the consumption to the last bit of cooked potato, this delightful story is a perfect read-aloud tale that will demand numerous repeat performances!” The Dallas Morning News, Sept. 1998
“A real feast for both the eye and the ear, this is a well-honed tale sure to be a storyteller’s favourite.” Calgary Herald, November 9, 1997
1999 |
Communication-Jeunesse, Winner of Palmares des livres preferes des jeunes (Children’s Favourite Books) |
1999 |
Parent’s Guide, Children’s Media Award |
Ages 3 to 7
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Bagels from Benny. Aubrey Davis, illustrated by Dušan Petričić. Toronto: Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2003.
Benny loves to help Grandpa in his bakery. And everyone loves Grandpa’s bagels. One day, Grandpa explains to Benny that God, not he, should be thanked for the wonderful bagels. But how do you thank God? Benny decides to leave God a bagful of bagels in the synagogue. Every week they disappear. Is God eating the bagels? Has a miracle occurred? Among other things, Benny and his bagels raise some provocative questions about belief, generosity and hidden possibilities.
“The book is a little masterpiece” Teacher Magazine, Oct. 2003
“Excellent for opening the discussion about ways of showing gratitude for the plenty we have. Do we thank the one who gave to us or give to those who need it most?” American Library Association Booklist, Oct. 2003
“When I first read Bagels From Benny, I sat down and cried. This warm, tender, and loving book will have you reaching for tissues.” American Booksellers Association Children’s Book Sense 76, Winter 2003/2004
2005 |
Blue Spruce Award, shortlist |
2004 |
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, honor book |
2004 |
National Jewish Book Award, shortlist |
2004 |
Mr. Christie Book Award, silver seal |
2004 |
Canadian Jewish Book Award, winner, children’s category |
2004 |
Toronto IODE Book Award winner |
2003 |
Sydney Taylor Book Award, winner, younger readers category |
2003 |
Best Bets, Ontario Library Association |
Ages: 4 to 8
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A Hen for Moishe Pippik. Toronto: Kids Can Press, Ltd., Spring 2010.
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Bone Button Borscht, a musical adaptation of Aubrey Davis’ book, with music by Sid Robinovitch and words adapted by Barbara Budd. Winnipeg Symphony with Klezmer soloists “Finjan,” narrated by Barbara Budd and conducted by Bramwell Tovey. Zabara Inc., 2003. Compact disc, available from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
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The Three Wishes, a short animated film by Sheldon Cohen, adapted by Aubrey Davis and set to music by Klezmer group Beyond the Pale. Voices Paul Soles and Linda Kash; Producers Kenneth Hirsch, Sheldon Cohen and Marcy Page. PMA Productions Inc., 2006. DVD, color, 4 min.; Distributed by National Film Board of Canada
Based on a traditional folk tale, The Three Wishes is about a poor couple who try to decide which of their dreams should come true after being granted special powers.
“In a time where animation seems synonymous with violence, NFB’s groundbreaking concept of entertaining the viewer and teaching at the same time would make this a great film to show in a classroom setting, or even a Sunday school session (of any denomination!).” AnE Vibe, July 2007
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