“Once upon a time” … there lived a girl called Jessie.
Jessie lives with her grandmother in a little village in “the old country”. The rabbi teaches Jessie to read and write and Jessie teaches her grandmother … who, in turn, teaches Jessie to sew lace. And then, one day, Jessie has the chance to go to America. The new world brings new friendships and new opportunities. Jessie sews lace and saves money. She learns to read and write again – in English. And she writes to Grandmother about her new life.
“When Jessie Came Across the Sea” is told partly in words and partly in pictures. Through the words and through the pictures the reader is drawn into Jessie’s life – in the old world AND the new world. Jessie’s experiences and friends come to life – Cousin Kay and Lou … and even the ladies who buy Jessie’s lace and the man who sells her a special ticket.
Jessie is Jewish and that’s one reason why I love her story, but that part of her story is not such a big thing that it makes the story inaccessible for anyone. On the contrary, Jessie’s personal, real story is the story of anyone who has said goodbye to loved ones, traveled far from home to a new life in a new world, said hello to new friends, hoped, worked and waited … and, finally, been rewarded with love.
Children love the simple words and detailed pictures in “When Jessie Came Across the Sea” that give a glimpse into the hearts of those who leave our country for a new world and those, from around the world, who find a home in our country.
Adults appreciate the beauty of the story – told in words AND pictures – and the deeper, touching themes of family love and commitment, of sacrifice and of reward.
“When Jessie Came Across the Sea” is a compelling and rewarding story for everyone. Read it! I’m sure you’ll love it too!
Oh, yes, I’ve read it! It’s in our picture book home library! I was thrilled to see a review of it here, and you did a great job on the review! The blue background for the book is gorgeous; is that a bedspread or a carpet or rug? Thanks for doing this review!
By the way, I found Marguerite Makes a Book! (It was in a bin that I’d overlooked in the garage.) I flipped through it a few minutes ago and was awed by how beautiful and detailed the illlustrations were. The story made me want to mix up egg-white based paints of my own and give illuminating a try. So if you find me hunting ’round the world for vermillion and lapis lazuli, you’ll know what I’m up to.
Blessings~
Elisabeth from America
Thank you – this review was a lot of fun because I enjoy the book so much …
The blue background in the pictures is the carpet in my bedroom! It IS pretty!
Oh … your comments about Marguerite made me laugh! I know exactly what you mean! I have a definite desire to write a book with illuminated borders now! The idea of hunting round the world for vermillion and lapis lazuli is delightful! Maybe we’ll go together – parchment pages and paintbrushes in hand!
I guessed that the background was carpet! You did a great job on that picture; something about the blue makes the dark red and browns of the cover stand out. (However, these are comments from a non photographer who just enjoys pretty pictures!)
Love the idea of a trip around the world with you! Of course, we’d have to look for some gold leaf too. I don’t suppose we could make it in eighty days…
Blessings~
Elisabeth from America
I think we’d have to go for vermillion, lapis lazuli and gold leaf OR making it round in 80 days!
Sounds like fun though … 
If given a choice, I’d rather look for the materials than squeeze such a trip within a time limit!
Blessings~
Elisabeth from America
I inter-library loaned this because I was intrigued. It came in just yesterday and it’s such a lovely book! Thank-you for the review and for introducing us to a “keeper”!
Oh … yay … I’m so glad you borrowed it and loved it – that makes me happy!
It IS so lovely. I’m excited about sharing it with others! 
I, too, had to check this book out at the library! Lovely pictures and a sweet story!