Bright primary-color illustrations accompany metered rhyming text as we watch young children from visibly Orthodox families prepare for the start of the Jewish New Year. The Rosh Hashanah symbols make their appearances: shofar, pomegranate, apple and honey, New Year’s wishes, round raisin challah are all there. A trip to a lake to symbolically cast off old sins to teach about the custom of Tashlich and an emphasis on the mitzvos that can be done in the coming year bring this light rhythmic read-aloud full circle.
Recommended for ages 2 – 15.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.
