FICTION

Challah Day!

by Charlotte Offsay (text) & illus. by Jason Kirschner
Holiday House. Aug. 2023. 40p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780823454112.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 3–A delightful picture book chronicling the love, unity, and joy braided into a family’s loaf of challah bread. From start to finish, challah is the focus of this story. Rhyming text propels it, keeping readers familiar and unfamiliar with this delicious, traditional Jewish bread engaged. The ingredients, steps for kneading, braiding, and a taste test at Shabbat dinner are all portrayed in whimsical, cartoony illustrations. One particularly adorable spread features a child set in miniature jumping from ingredient to ingredient like a challah fairy. Back matter includes information about the origins and role of challah in Jewish life, plus a recipe for readers to try at home. In a time when Jewish people are facing violence and antisemitism, this book is an oasis of Jewish joy.
VERDICT Not just for cultural collections, but for family shelves, children’s baking sections, and any collection that celebrates gatherings and love.
Reviewed by Maria Bohan , Aug 01, 2023

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?