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Shabbat Is...
CCBC Review:
Shabbat looks different for three young members of one Jewish congregation in this unconventional story about the day of rest. On Friday night, a red-haired child cheers their sister on at her basketball game; afterward, the siblings and their two moms shop for groceries. Others have more traditional observances. A brown-skinned child walks to Friday-night services to welcome in Shabbat with their parents, and a Black child savors a big family meal at home; their uncle sets the oven to shut off on its own, and their aunt places tape over the light switches. On Saturday morning, the three families attend services on a particularly special day: one of their cousins is having their b’nai mitzvah ceremony. This affirming, inclusive story celebrates Shabbat as “unique and beautiful for every person,” a day that is especially lovely when it can be shared with a community. The narrative invites the reader to consider what Shabbat means to them. It “can be a walk. Eating challah. Dinner with relatives. Maybe for you it’s something different.” An Author’s Note and extensive glossary are included. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Noa Kelner
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Faith, Spirituality and Religion
Families
Jewish People
Traditions
Diversity subjects:
Black/African
Brown Skin Unspecified
Jewish
Publisher:
Little, Brown
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780316446716
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Sass