For families seeking to introduce or deepen understanding of Shabbat traditions, this charming story explores the joy and preparations of the weekly celebration.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling a little lonely, or when seeking a gentle, narrative-driven introduction to Jewish traditions. Shoshi's Shabbat follows a young girl as she prepares to celebrate the Sabbath by herself, her initial solitude transformed into a joyful gathering as her animal friends arrive one by one. She teaches them the beautiful rituals of welcoming the day of rest. This early chapter book beautifully explores themes of hospitality, creating your own community, and the warmth of shared traditions. Its format is perfect for emerging readers aged 6 to 9 who are ready for a story with a bit more text but still crave the comfort of illustrations.
The core themes are religious (Judaism) and emotional (loneliness). The approach to Judaism is direct, celebratory, and educational, presenting rituals as joyful acts of connection. It is not proselytizing. The theme of loneliness is presented gently at the beginning and is fully resolved with a hopeful and heartwarming conclusion about friendship and chosen family. The resolution is optimistic and comforting.
Ideal Reader
This book is ideal for an emerging independent reader, around age 7 or 8, who is either part of a Jewish family and wants to see their traditions reflected in a chapter book, or a child from another background who is curious about different cultures. It's also perfect for a child who has experienced feelings of temporary loneliness and would benefit from a story about hospitality and creating community.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold as it explains the traditions clearly within the narrative. For families unfamiliar with Judaism, a parent might want to preview the Hebrew terms used (e.g., Shabbat Shalom, challah) to help with pronunciation, though the context makes their meaning clear. There are no scenes that require special preparation. A parent might seek this book after hearing their child say, "I feel left out," or "Why do we do things differently than my friends?" It's also a go-to for parents looking for a way to explain Shabbat that goes beyond a simple board book, especially as their child begins to read on their own.
Age Experience
A 6-year-old will likely focus on the charming, slightly silly premise of animals participating in a human celebration. They will enjoy the repetitive structure of guests arriving. An 8 or 9-year-old will appreciate the nuances of the story more deeply: Shoshi's agency in leading the rituals, the emotional shift from loneliness to community, and the underlying message that friendship can feel like family.
What Makes It Special
Unlike the vast majority of books about Shabbat, which are picture books for preschoolers, this is a thoughtfully crafted early chapter book. This format empowers newly independent readers to engage with cultural and religious topics on their own. The whimsical inclusion of animal friends makes the traditional subject matter exceptionally accessible and charming.
Read plot summary
Shoshi, a young girl, is preparing for Shabbat. She lights the candles, sets the table, and gets the challah ready, but she is sad because she is all alone. Her mood brightens when, one by one, her animal friends arrive: Bear, Gecko, and Snake. Shoshi teaches each of them the traditions and blessings associated with the celebration. Together, they share a meal and stories, transforming Shoshi's quiet evening into a warm, joyful celebration of friendship and community. The story ends with the group enjoying the peace of Shabbat together.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the beginning, Shoshi feels sad to be alone. How do her feelings change when Bear arrives? What does this tell us about how friends can help each other?
2
Each animal friend joins the celebration in their own unique way. If you were invited to Shoshi's Shabbat, what special song, story, or food would you want to share?
3
Shoshi teaches her friends the blessings for the candles, challah, and grape juice. Why do you think it is important to have special traditions for celebrations?
4
At the end of the story, Shoshi thinks, "Friends make the best family." What do you think she means by that? Can you have more than one kind of family?
