Annie's Shabbat [Hardcover]

Sarah Marwil Lamstein (Author), Cecily Lang (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

"Shabbat is like a present that we open every week," Annie says. "I'm glad it comes again and again."

From sunset on Friday evening to Havdalah on Saturday night, Annie and her family joyfully celebrate Shabbat. Annie's story of her family holds other Shabbat tales, including one of the "hidden Jews" of fifteenth century Spain, who had to hide their celebration of Shabbat or risk losing their lives.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3. In six very short chapters, a family prepares for the weekly observance, enjoys the Shabbat meal and its accompanying ceremonies and songs, attends the synagogue service, and participates in the Saturday evening Havdalah ritual. The story is merely a vehicle for coveying information about the Sabbath, either through Biblical and historical stories, or as explained by Annie, the youngest of the three children. Full-page, jewel-toned illustrations made from rice paper that is cut, painted, and glued onto solid backgrounds help to clarify the narrative and create a cheery, appealing format. Lamstein's very basic introduction to the holiday, despite its appended glossary, will leave non-Jewish children confused about various practices, while Jewish children whose families observe the Sabbath each week may find in the story a comfortable reflection of their own experience. Fran Manushkin's Starlight and Candles (S & S, 1995) includes the customs of giving money to charity and inviting others to share in the Sabbath meal. Manushkin's use of family reminiscences rather than the Bible lessons gives that book a cozy warmth that relays the essence of the feeling of Sabbath joy to its readers.?Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

*A warm story captures the essence of the Jewish Sabbath. -- Ilene Cooper, Booklist, starred review, October 1, 1997

...a sense of peace and gentleness that encourages the reading of this book each Shabbat. -- Contra Costa CA JCC's Centerlines, October 1997

...beautifully described and illustrated..... -- MultiCultural Review, September 1998

Lively illustrations bring to life each page of this charming book. -- Hadassah Magazine, December 1997

Shabbat as a special time of togetherness and warmth glows through this chapter/picture book. -- Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter, December 1997

Should you ever feel frazzled, sit down and read ANNIE'S SHABBAT. -- Jewish Book World, Vol.15 No.3

Through Annie's young and enthusiastic voice, Lamstein conveys the practices of a contemporary Jewish family. -- Publisher's Weekly, August 25, 1997

What distinguishes this book from other descriptions of cultural experience is the clear sense of episode ... -- Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books, Recommended, February 1998

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807503762
• ISBN-13: 978-0807503768
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,522,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)