The Sydney Taylor Shmooze

Challah, Challah, For You and Me by Barbara Bietz and June Sobel, illustrated by Ruth Waters Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House), 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Sarah Aronson Buy at Bookshop.org Everyone loves challah! And because of that, everyone will love this new book for the very young, Challah, Challah, For You and Me . In the simple and joyful text, Bietz and Sobel offer young readers all the yummy ways to make and enjoy challah. Rhymes are pleasing. The art is bright and definitely helps keep the reader engaged. Kids will love pointing out the colorful challah, a heart-shaped chocolate chip challah, and of course, challah French toast (my favorite). In their author’s note, Bietz and Sobel write: "Challah has been a special—and yummy—part of Jewish traditions for thousands of years. The blessing for challah reminds us to be grateful for the bread we eat. From classic braided challah on Shabbat and round challah on Rosh Hashanah to heart-shaped and ra

Apples, Apples, All Year Round: A Year of Jewish Holidays by Barbara Bietz & June Sobel, illustrated by Ruth Waters Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House), 2022 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Suzanne Grossman Buy at Bookshop.org Apples join the joy of Jewish holiday celebrations in this rollicking, perfectly rhymed journey through the Jewish year. Traditional apple treats include apples and honey for Rosh Hashanah, apple decorations for the Sukkah, applesauce to accompany Hanukkah latkes, apples in the Passover charoset and more, making this a book to share all year long. The artwork is bright and cheery, with lots of holiday symbols. Lively animal characters celebrating the special days will have young readers turning pages and coming back for more. Yum! This book is eligible for Sydney Taylor Book Award consideration. The book has literary merit with its spot-on, smoothly rhyming, memorable text. Bright, lively digital art with adorable animal characters and bold