Book excerpt: Every holiday has two parts: its historical background and its laws. This unique new offering from Shmuel Blitz - especially for children - presents both. He begins by telling us the story. We'll learn the history of the Exodus from Egypt; the heroism of the Maccabees, Chana and her seven sons; and Yehudis; the story of Rabbi Akiva and his rise from unlearned shepherd to the great sage of our people. So it is with every one of our festivals. And then - once we know the story - we learn the laws. Everything is presented simply, accurately, and clearly, in the famous Shmuel Blitz manner. With Tova Katz's beautiful illustrations, it's a treasure house of fun-filled learning. Read it to your little ones. Before long they'll know it by heart and read it to you. Bring a sparkle to your holidays with this hit from a master storyteller.