A review by karenchase
Hereville: How Mirka Caught a Fish by Barry Deutsch

5.0

And in this adventure, Mirka learns the importance of family, even if you don't feel like it's your family, and that things are not always what they seem. After a magical fish is accidentally awakened from a long slumber by Mirka and her sister Layele, Mirka learns that her stepmother Fruma has a past that seems not so different from Mirka's own--and maybe even more strange. Chaos erupts as Mirka attempts to free her sister from the fish's malevolent grasp, and the family tries to find calm in their spiritual tradition. What I love about these stories is that Judaism is shown as the foundation for life, but not all actions are informed or dictated by religion, and spiritual connection can provide hope and comfort in times of stress. It is the kind of approach to the conversation that makes me feel like I could find that hope and comfort myself, but I know there is much more to Jewish faith than just that, things I don't think I could accept. However, I admire the portrayal of people of faith who still have crazy adventures that have nothing to do with their religion. I also wonder if we will ever meet Mirka's father, if there are more of these in the future!