Yacowitz, Caryn. Shoshi’s Shabbat. Kevin Hawkes, Illus. Candlewick. 10/2022. [42]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Kindergarten – 3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. $18.99. 978-1-5362-1654-7.
Shoshi is an ox who begins the book as part of a Jewish family, but is sold to a nonJewish family and through her actions teaches them about the value of Shabbat, the weekly day of rest. The text is simple, with snippets of dialogue that keep the story engaging and an author’s note that explains the story’s origins. The book is set approximately two thousand years ago in Jerusalem, and the illustrations show characters with medium brown skin to reflect the setting. The acrylic paint illustrations highlight Shoshi as the main character, with funny facial expressions that emphasize the descriptive text. The text and illustrations create a cohesive narrative that celebrates Shabbat and the need for all creatures to rest.
Lillian Whithaus — Temple Isaiah Library