PreSchool-Grade 2?The Jacobsons celebrate the Sabbath with a traditional homemade family dinner. On Saturday morning, they attend services at the synagogue, followed by lunch at Grandma's house, a walk in the park, and an afternoon of rest and play. Throughout, Manushkin mentions traditions, songs, and terminology that help to explain the weekly ritual as well as aspects of the religious service. There is one confusing detail in the story. Mama mentions that Papa always brings home guests for Shabbat (a tradition emanating from Eastern Europe). Indeed, readers see a man, a woman, and a little girl arrive, but they are neither introduced nor included in the dinner conversation or the illustrations of the meal. Three blessings are included at the story's end, along with a glossary?a nice touch that makes the book more accessible to general audiences. Artistically, the book is exceptional. Chwast's attractive illustrations, which look at first glance like bold linoleum-block prints, are really created from cut black paper outlines filled in with jewel-toned watercolors. All things considered, Starlight and Candles will make an appealing addition to both general and Judaic collections.?Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 5^-8. A gentle story that uses the Sabbath traditions of one Jewish family as a springboard for introducing the holiday. On Friday evening, Rosy and Jake and their parents and grandparents celebrate the coming of "the Sabbath Bride," sharing in the joy of the blessings, the good food, the family togetherness, and the stories and songs. On Saturday the family goes to the synagogue to celebrate with others and to reaffirm its ties with God and its roots in the Jewish community. The story is thin, but the book is still an amiable introduction to the holiday, made more so by the striking watercolor-and-cut-out illustrations. Chwast's manipulation of crisp black shapes and details makes the pictures both dramatic and intense. A brief glossary defines special terms presented in the story, and the three traditional Friday-evening blessings (candles, bread, wine) are presented in English versions. It would have been nice had the words and music to the songs Manushkin mentions been included. Stephanie Zvirin
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