Lenny and Benny

"A sweet story of friendship and forgiveness with which many readers can identify" ~Association of Jewish Libraries

"The midrashic story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza is a traditional Jewish morality tale used to illustrate the principle of baseless hatred, considered so egregious and widespread in the latter days of the Jerusalem Temple, that it was thought to be the source of the Temple’s destruction in 70 CE. Lenny and Benny, by Naama Benziman, is an updated version of this tale. The story takes place in a pristine forest populated only by wildlife, where envy, revenge, and betrayal continue to exist… In contrast to Lenny and Benny​’s happy ending, the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza ends on a tragic note, with no peaceful resolution. Benziman includes a summary of the traditional story and a note reminding the reader about the value of kindness, with tips on how to handle anger. The reader leaves knowing that a happier ending is not only possible, but is achievable through action. The lesson is gently told, with no didactic overtones, and Benziman’s seemingly simple line drawings are teeming with detail far more complex than is evident at first glance, using color to clearly differentiate the characters.  Overall, Lenny and Benny tells an important story for each succeeding generation to internalize and act upon. It would be of great use in both classroom discussions and in family settings, making this charming new version of an ancient tale highly recommended." ~Jewish Book Council

Lenny and Benny is a contemporary retelling of the Kamtza and Bar Kamtza midrash about the value of friendship and the dangers of baseless hate and anger… Lenny and Benny is richly illustrated with whimsical and deceptively simple blue-and-red line drawings that are bursting with detail. These images help ease the intensity of the anger and arguing for young audiences..The story is well crafted with positive and constructive Jewish content. It’s appropriate for picture book audiences, with an active storyline (jumping competitions! birthday party! animals!), vibrant illustrations, and accessible vocabulary. The blending of a contemporary tale with the ancient midrash give this book both religious and cultural relevancy.
~The Sydney Taylor Shmooze Blog

"Friendship and courage are centre stage in Lenny and Benny by Naama Benziman.We all know how problematic a broiges can be at a simcha. Even for Rabb its, Lenny and Benny are great pals. They drink cocoa, eat cookies and have the best time — until Benny beats Lenny at jumping. Cue accusations of cheating and adorable rabbit tantrums — escalating when Lenny is humiliated at Benny’s birthday party. Benziman deftly conveys the rabbit’s emotions, illustrating an enchanting forest world with an incredible intricacy, purely in red and blue on white.  After the touching (and instructive) denouement, a parallel is draw with the dispute of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza in 70 CE, said to have caused the destruction of Jerusalem." ~Angela Kiverstein, The Jewish Chronicle