Review: One More Story, Tata!
One More Story, Tata!
by Julie Salamon, illustrated by Jill Weber
Minerva (imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers), 2024
Category: Picture Books
Reviewer: Shanna Silva
Ruby, the story’s precocious toddler protagonist, goes with her parents to spend each Friday with her grandparents, Yaya and Papa, and great grandmother, Tata, culminating in a celebratory Shabbat dinner. Ruby is fascinated with Tata, who is “very old,” and has many stories and dreams to share. Parallels between the young Ruby and the elderly Tata are subtly shown, such as the stroller/walker, naptime, and wanting to do things independently. While I found the names confusing at times, Weber’s illustrations help tell the story and depict a happy Jewish multi-generational family.
There is no conflict or problem solving in this book; rather, it focuses on the importance of family traditions, including sharing stories and photos, and Shabbat. I found it interesting that although Ruby’s father is depicted, he has no agency in the story. The grandfather reads Ruby a book, but otherwise, this story focuses on the four generations of females. Respect for the elderly is emphasized, and indeed, this story is a love letter to the author’s family, as explained in the end note along with her family tree. Another author’s note explains Shabbat. Judaism is prominently featured in the story, illustrations, and end papers. One More Story, Tata! contains positive, authentic, Jewish content in both the text and art. Positive Jewish values such as Shabbat observance, respect for the elderly, and generational ties are emphasized.
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Reviewer Shanna Silva is an award-winning author and Broadway producer. She has written three children’s picture books: A Dog’s Guide to Being Human, Hannah’s Hanukkah Hiccups and Passover Scavenger Hunt. Shanna is also the author of over 60 hi/lo books for emerging readers. Her work has been featured in Kveller, Bella Magazine, Twins Magazine, Multiples Illuminated I and II, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Shanna lives in New York with her family and a meshuggenah sheepadoodle.
There is no conflict or problem solving in this book; rather, it focuses on the importance of family traditions, including sharing stories and photos, and Shabbat. I found it interesting that although Ruby’s father is depicted, he has no agency in the story. The grandfather reads Ruby a book, but otherwise, this story focuses on the four generations of females. Respect for the elderly is emphasized, and indeed, this story is a love letter to the author’s family, as explained in the end note along with her family tree. Another author’s note explains Shabbat. Judaism is prominently featured in the story, illustrations, and end papers. One More Story, Tata! contains positive, authentic, Jewish content in both the text and art. Positive Jewish values such as Shabbat observance, respect for the elderly, and generational ties are emphasized.
Are you interested in reviewing books for The Sydney Taylor Shmooze? Click here!
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