Love of books—and sushi

Another Jewish hallmark, he says, is abstract thinking (Shyfrin believes faith in an invisible God fosters one’s abstract-thinking ability), which is why his new book is not just an exciting fairy-tale fantasy (exquisitely illustrated by Tomislav Tomic) but weaves in ideas from quantum physics, Torah and Kabbalah. “This book has layers of meaning,” he says. “My challenge was not to write an easy book but to write a meaningful book.”

He originally wrote Travels with Sushi for his grandchildren – who love sushi. “I often tell them fairy tales and I try to include a hidden lesson for them in each one.

“We have a duty to introduce children to God, Jewish history, science and art. To teach them to think and how to deal with crises because everyone experiences crises in life.” (He himself experienced one in 2002, which was when he turned to the study of Torah — “I think God wanted to give me a little kick.”)

The book is soon to be published in Hebrew and Shyfrin is keen to see what Israeli reviewers make of the hidden meanings: “Many people tell me Travels with Sushi is not just for children. I suspect they are right.”

 

Angela Kiverstein is the JC’s children’s books editor