Reading One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story by Ruth Spiro (with breathtaking illustrations by Victoria Tentler-Krylov) to my class was nothing short of magical. The moment I read the first page—“Imagine the world you want to live in. If that’s not the world you see, will you create it?”—the room fell into pin-drop silence. The words were poignant and profound, inviting quiet reflection and an undeniable sense of purpose.
This heartwarming picture book introduces the beautiful Jewish concept of tikkun olam—“to repair the world.” Through the eyes of a young girl, we see how a simple concern for her local park sparks a movement, proving that even the smallest actions can create ripples of change. The poetic, comforting text is a gentle nudge for readers, young and old, to recognize that we all hold the power to make a difference.
The illustrations? Pure magic. They breathe life into the narrative, using expressive details and soft colors that mirror the journey from quiet concern to vibrant community action. The subtle yet powerful imagery reminds us how one spark can light up the world, becoming something much bigger than initially imagined.
What struck me most was how this book resonates far beyond its cultural roots. Tikkun olam is a universal message—repairing the world isn’t tied to a specific faith or background. It’s a call to all of us, regardless of age or circumstance, to notice what’s broken and have the courage to fix it. As I read, I couldn’t help but feel that this is a message our younger generation especially needs right now: that their small actions, their voices, and their dreams truly matter.
Highly recommended!!!
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