For ages 2 to 5

Written by Dina Rosenfeld, Illustrated by Rina Lyampe

You’re never too young to want to do a mitzva, especially one as important as visiting the sick. Little Eli would like to see his friend who missed school, but the boy has a cold that might be contagious. He asks to go along with his mother to the hospital to visit her friend, but the rule is: No children allowed. Then Eli’s father goes to see someone too weak for a lot of company, and once again, the little boy must be left behind.

In the meantime, Eli’s family consoles him with other ways of performing the mitzva of Bikur Cholim, such as making a phone call or sending a note. But for preschoolers and their parents, the suspense builds: Will little Eli ever be able to go on a Bikur Cholim visit and cheer someone up?

How this character finally resolves his problem is creative and refreshing – a solution that only a child can be brilliant enough to think of. The artwork that brings Eli, his family and their beautiful home to life is in colorful jewel tones and rich with detail.

Probably the only picture book that deals with Bikur Cholim in a way young children can appreciate.