For many children who regularly attend services at a synagogue, the person that makes them feel most welcome is not the rabbi or cantor but is instead the time-honored “Candy Man” or “Lollipop Lady,” the regular attendee who hands out free candy to any child who approaches. Though the idea of giving candy to entice children could be problematic, in The Candy Man Mystery, Rabbi Kerry Olitsky, author of Where's the Potty on this Ark? does a good job of showing that the reward is actually in the relationships and in the community, and not in the sweets. With the "mystery" of where the missing Candy Man went, the young reader is guided through the narrative in an age-appropriate manner, and is introduced to the people, places, and prayers that can be found and heard in the typical American synagogue. The narrative ends with a message that models important Jewish values of respecting the elderly and visiting the sick. In utilitarian illustrations by Christina Mattison Ebert, the images aptly display the mood of the narrative, adding some diversity that the text does not specify. Mattison Ebert also gives the young reader an added treat of prompting them to search on each page for the colorful candy always spilling from the Candy Man’s pockets. In the narrative itself, while I applaud the stab at diversity, the inclusion of a teen leader teaching the Shema in American Sign Language seems a bit didactic and a departure from the story. The Candy Man Mystery fits the Sydney Taylor criteria of authentic, positive Jewish content, and is a serviceable, conventional book that allows those children comfortable in a synagogue to see themselves in a story. For those who are new to a Shabbat service, it provides a helpful introduction and welcome, just as the Candy Man does. Hopefully reading the book will not set up some unrealized expectations of finding piles of falling candy!

– Dena Bach, The Association of Jewish Libraries / Sydeny Taylor Shmooze

What would synagogue attendance be like for a child without the venerable institution of the highly respected candy man (or sometimes candy woman)? The candy man is a fixture in many synagogues, and everyone seems to know who he is and that his pockets are filled with delicious treats that he loves to distribute. The candy man sweetens the synagogue experience for the community’s children and is esteemed by all. In The Candy Man Mystery, Mr. Sharansky, the candy man at Josh’s synagogue, also told silly jokes, taught the children words in his native Russian, helped the adults build the sukkah, participated in kitchen duties, and worked in the gift shop. Everyone loved Mr. Sharansky! One day Mr. Sharansky was nowhere to be found. Josh and his sister, Becky, searched everywhere. They asked the cantor if she knew where he was, but she had no idea. They asked the leader of the junior congregation, who was teaching the younger children to sign the Shema in American Sign Language, but she didn’t know either. A group of Mr. Sharansky’s pals were also in the dark about the whereabouts of their friend. The rabbi, when asked, was the only one who knew that Mr. Sharansky had been taken ill. The children and their parents, performing the important mitzvah of bikur cholim, visiting the sick, went to visit their dear friend in the hospital after services. Knowing how sad Mr. Sharansky had been to miss services, the children sang the Adon Olam right in his hospital room, and then Josh reached into his pocket and gave Mr. Sharansky a piece of candy he had been saving to sweeten the day of his elderly friend. This is a story filled with heart, with joy, and with the love of good deeds. A kind, generous gentleman who spent his days making people happy was treated to the same warmth and caring he regularly showed others. The values of giving, visiting the sick, community service, and inclusion are highlighted, providing myriad gen-tle lessons for the reader to absorb. The color illustrations feature sweet faces and the bustle of an active com-munity. Back matter includes the words of the Shema in English and Hebrew, a glossary of terms, and the American Sign Language instructions for signing the Shema. This story is even sweeter than the candy for which it is named.

– Michal Hoschander Malen, Jewish Book Council

In his new children’s book titled The Candy Man Mystery, author Rabbi Kerry Olitzky introduces us to Mr. Sharansky. Like every “candy man”, Mr. Sharansky is an important member of the Jewish congregation who happily dispenses candies and treats to the young ones. As he hands out the goodies, the candy man’s real agenda is to create positive memories, teaching Jewish holiday traditions and the value of kindness in the hope that the children will grow up to enjoy coming to synagogue. This beautifully illustrated story (by Christina Mattison Ebert) shows the various ways Mr. Sharansky helps around the synagogue – not only for the children, but for the adults as well. When he goes missing one day, young Josh and Becky Stein are determined to find out why. The Candy Man Mystery is a perfect story to share with young children of all religions. The author has included a glossary at the back of the book explaining many of the terms referenced in the story. There is also a section explaining American sign language for the Shema, one of the important Jewish prayers.

– Deborah Shlian, Multicutural Children's Book Day