Shabbat Is...

“Shabbat can mean different things to different people, even for those who attend the same temple,” writes Sass (Just Shy of Ordinary), following the Shabbat rituals of three children in a picture book that’s as warm as fresh-baked challah. Abby, portrayed with light brown skin, walks to temple with Mommy and Daddy each Friday. Pale-skinned Ilan watches a sister’s basketball game before stopping at the market with their two moms. And dark-brown-skinned Tehila gathers for a big meal with “all my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins,” who follow Shabbat electricity restrictions before enjoying a Mizrahi repast. Digitally finished pencil and ink cartooning by Kelner (Afikoman, Where’d You Go?) offers casual comfort: a bird’s-eye triptych shows all three families at their respective tables. On Saturday morning, everyone joins as “one congregation, together, our joy loud and clear,” to witness the b’nai mitzvah of Tehila’s cousin, and a social hall celebration fortifies everyone, promising that by week’s end, “we’ll have each other to look forward to again.” It’s a lovely affirmation of both individual practice and communal connection. An author’s note and glossary conclude. Ages 3–6. Author’s agent: Jordan Hamessley, JABberwocky Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Tracy Marchini, BookEnds Literary. (Sept.)