Shabbat Hiccups

February 1, 2016
Jonah's incessant hiccupping during the weekly Shabbat observance prompts members of his family to suggest a solution. Through the early-evening preparations, the candle lighting, blessings, and dinner, Jonah unsuccessfully tries to ignore or control his hiccups. Cousin Eden attempts to scare them away, and Grandma Sue suggests eating some sugar. Grandma Sue then offers a better remedy: to drink a glass of water all in one gulp. This does the trick--until the next evening, after the concluding Havdalah ceremony, when not only does Jonah have a hiccupping setback, but Grandma Sue also seems to need to follow her own advice. The story's arc nicely folds in all the elements and practice of the weekly Shabbat celebration while maintaining a slightly understated air of amusing angst. In addition, the inclusion of the traditional Havdalah at sundown to bring the daylong observance to an end is effortlessly described, creating a complete picture for the weekly ritual. Animated faces in gouache and crayon depict a youthful family, including a contemporary grandmother with highlighted auburn hair. Jonah and his dad have pale skin and light-brown hair, while his mom and little sister have olive skin and black hair. A pleasantly satisfying modern addition to the collection. (Picture book. 5-7)

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March 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-While most picture books about the Jewish Sabbath focus on the Friday night customs-lighting the candles, blessing the wine (or grape juice) and the bread, and enjoying a special family meal-Newman's includes all of this and more. Hers stars a contemporary, multigenerational family who enjoy the Friday night rituals but also observe a quiet day of rest on Saturday by playing with blocks and reading books. They take a walk outside to look for the first three stars in the sky, signifying the end of the Sabbath. The family then returns home to conduct the ceremony of Havdalah, which separates the Sabbath from the rest of the week. They again bless the grape juice ("Sweet juice to remember our sweet Shabbat together"), light the braided candle ("A special light to brighten and warm our week"), and smell the Shabbat spices (to "help carry our Shabbat memories into the week"). However, throughout it all poor Jonah is suffering from the hiccups despite all of his efforts to get rid of them: his cousin tries to scare him, he eats a spoonful of sugar, and he takes a drink of water and grape juice. By the end of Shabbat his hiccups are finally gone, but now Grandma Sue has them! The charming, colorful gouache illustrations perfectly complement the text and beautifully depict a warm and loving family. It's refreshing to see Grandma Sue portrayed as a hip, modern, stylish redhead. Dad and Jonah wear kippot (head coverings), and the women and girls are all in skirts, but there is no mention of the family attending synagogue. The story is slight, but teachers in Jewish schools will especially welcome this complete portrayal of a family's Shabbat observances. VERDICT A fresh, new offering for libraries serving large Jewish populations.-Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

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