One Small Spark : A Tikkun Olam Story

A young girl is inspired to make a difference in this thoughtful and lyrical exploration of the Jewish philosophy tikkun olam or repair the world.

Imagine the world you want to live in. If it’s not the world you see, will you create it?

So begins a young girl’s journey to solve a problem she notices one rainy day while walking to school. In that moment, the small spark inside her grows and then connects her to others who are inspired to make a change and help the world become a better place.

This lyrical and very personal text from beloved author Ruth Spiro, with breathtaking and imaginative illustrations from Victoria Tentler-Krylov, explores the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, or taking part to repair the world. It’s sure to inspire young readers to nurture their own small spark, taking action today that will change the world tomorrow.

Ruth Spiro is the author of the popular Baby Loves Science series and the Made by Maxine series. She lives with her family in Chicago.

Victoria Tentler-Krylov grew up in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and studied architecture and urban design at Cooper Union and Columbia University. She has illustrated several acclaimed pictured books and lives with her family just outside Boston, MA

★ "Tentler-Krylov . . . an exuberant, choreographic chronicler of city life, fills digitally enhancedwatercolor spreads with bright colors and a host of energized, roll-up-their-sleeves characters . . . Spiro vividly evokes [tikkun olam]’s galvanizing power throughout." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "The artwork is spectacular . . . A stunning reminder that we all have the power to make the world a better place." —Kirkus, starred review

"A lovely picture book sure to inspire the youngest changemakers to create the world they want to live in, and a reminder that cultural and even religious adages or tenets are worth pondering and enacting." —School Library Journal