Anyada Buena, Shanah ­Tovah

PreS–Ladino singer-songwriter Aroeste introduces the Sephardic traditions of the Jewish New Year in this simple, charming board book. “When leaves begin falling/ the shofar comes calling.” “Then apples we eat/ dipped in honey so sweet.” “The halá golden brown,/ is shaped round like a crown.” “New fruits of fall? Yes!/ And eight foods that we bless.” “With family dear,/ we greet the new year.” Each verse is followed by the Judeo-Spanish and Hebrew phrase “Anyada Buena! Shanah Tovah!,” which means “Happy New Year!” Sweet digital illustrations in muted tones of pink, orange, and teal green depict young children with dark hair and tan skin engaging in the holiday rituals, such as blowing the shofar, tasting apples dipped in honey, baking a round challah bread, and enjoying the holiday meal with family. With no author’s note or explanations, this book is most fitting for Jewish children already familiar with Rosh Hashanah. Families with a Sephardic background will particularly appreciate seeing their distinct customs, such as a fish head in the center of the table, represented. The back cover’s QR code leads to a recording of the author singing “Anyada Buena” in both Ladino and English.