The New York Times - Sarah Harrison Smith
Katherine Janus Kahn's collage illustrations, reminiscent of Eric Carle's work, are simple and sweet…For children unfamiliar with the activities or significance of the Day of Atonement, Rouss's account provides clearly stated facts and a believable story about how even a well-intentioned little boy might cause the kind of turmoil he'd want his parents—and the spiders who live with them—to forgive him for.
From the Publisher
"Sammy the Spider lovers will enjoy watching Sammy learn about the meaning of Yom Kippur and the importance of saying 'I'm sorry.'
As Josh Shapiro breaks the rules in his house by bouncing a ball inside and breaking a honey dish - he also snaps Sammy and his mother's web loose from the ceiling, causing them to fall to the floor.
Later that evening, when Josh apologizes to his parents for not following the rules, he decides he also wants to say 'I'm sorry' to the little spiders he disrupted.
Filled with lively illustrations, children will be engrossed by this animated tale, while they learn the importance of reconciliation." -- Jewish Journal
Children's Literature - Emily Griffin
Sammy Spider's sleep is disrupted when Josh comes home from school loudly blowing a horn he had made. Sammy's spider mom explains that Josh is blowing a shofar. She goes on to explain that the rabbi will sound the shofar at Rosh Hashanah services and at the end of Yom Kippur. Sammy wants to know all about Yom Kippur. Sammy thinks this all sounds fun and wants to join in. But Sammy's mom tells him "silly little Sammy. Spiders do not blow shofars. Spiders spin webs." Sammy listens in to Josh and his mom talking about Yom Kippur. Josh must write a list of the people he wants to say sorry to. The lesson becomes all the more relevant when Josh accidentally knocks over a shelf of while playing inside the house with his ball. Also a victim of the accident is the spider web. Tearfully, Josh apologies to his parents and to the spiders. Everyone accepts his apology. Another solid addition to the large "Sammy Spider" series. A read aloud for young children celebrating Yom Kippur. Reviewer: Emily Griffin
