At story hours or in more casual settings, readers will come away from these two charmers hungry. In each, family and friends—woodland animals or human dear ones—gather, and beautiful loaves of challah are enjoyed by all.

Ackerman, Sara Holly. Challah for Shabbat Tonight. illus. by Alona Millgram. 32p. Algonquin. Sept. 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781643753577.
PreS-Gr 2–The aroma and warmth of fresh baked challah permeates each page of this charming picture book as a grandmother and her granddaughter work together to prepare for a Shabbat supper. Starting with a simple mixture of yeast, sugar, and water, the challah dough starts to take shape as eggs, flour, honey, and oil are added. Summoned by a series of tightly rhymed couplets and alliterative phrases, readers follow the pair of bakers as they knead and stretch, rest and split, twist and bake. As family and friends gather for Shabbat in a room filled with laughter and love, a freshly baked challah loaf is enjoyed by all. Ackerman uses a gentle, rhythmic flow to guide readers through each meticulous step of the bread-making process. The lilting text is matched by a snug, inviting kitchen scene rendered in warm hues of yellow, brown, and washed-out green. Detailed insets illustrate various stages; these visual aids not only support the text but also provide an engaging way for children to follow along. The oversized text and a combination of phrases and short sentences enhances accessibility for children. VERDICT An excellent option for a food-themed shared reading.–Louie Lauer

Bietz, Barbara & June Sobel. Challah, Challah for You and Me. illus. by Ruth Waters. 24p. Apples & Honey. Sept. 2024. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781681156668.
Toddler-PreS–A celebration of the many ways to enjoy challah, from the creators of Apples, Apples, All Year Round. In a rhyming text, a group of forest animals enjoy eating their challah in many ways: with honey, at a picnic, as part of Jewish Shabbat traditions, and as delicious French toast. The collage-style art is colorful and cheerful. The sparse black text and bright illustrations stand out against a white background, making it a great choice for a read-aloud. VERDICT A quick yet joyous read, this is a sweet addition to libraries looking to expand any inclusive picture book section.–Marissa Lieberman