SAN DIEGO — Not So Fast, Max, A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma is a sweet holiday story written by Annette Schottenfeld and illustrated by Jennifer Kirkham. Max and Emily love when Safta visits. Max is delighted when she promises they can make caramel apples and is eager to get started. But Safta has a surprise for them. They’ll have to go to an orchard and pick their own apples.
Max is impatient—picking apples will take a long time. As they stroll through the apple trees, Safta gently draws him into the adventure. Rosh Hashanah symbols and traditions swirl through the story as Max discovers a fun journey with family is far better than the destination itself.
Jewish terms used in the story are explained at the end, along with a short description of Rosh Hashanah and two wonderful recipes.
Not So Fast Max might be a Rosh Hashanah story, but its theme is universal. It is a book to be enjoyed not only as a special High Holy day treat, but all throughout the year. This will quickly become a favorite read for children ages 5-8.
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Sadie’s Shabbat Stories, written by Melissa Stoller and illustrated by Lisa Goldberg, is a delightful introduction to a bit of Jewish history as well as a view of the Shabbat traditions through a young girl’s eyes. Sadie’s Nana tells wonderful stories. Nana has a story for each of the special Shabbat symbols. There are candlesticks that journeyed with Great-Grandma from Europe, a kiddush cup that fled Russia with Great-Grandpa and a challah cover made by Sadie’s mother when she was young. The stories surrounding each item help Sadie picture the struggles and triumphs of her ancestors.
The tender relationship between Nana and Sadie, as well as the additional focus and explanation of the blessings that accompany the objects from Nana’s stories, create a loving, peaceful tale for readers ages 5-8. Sadie’s Shabbat Stories will be a favorite for many years to come, perhaps inspiring families to create their own Shabbat stories.
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Marcia Berneger is a retired elementary school teacher. She loves writing stories for children. She is the author of such children’s books as Buster the Little Garbage Truck, and A Dreidel in Time.
Thank you, Marcia, for this beautiful article. You captured the essence of Not So Fast, Max and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories. I hope readers everywhere enjoy both books!