Is It Shabbos Yet? Book

These books are especially designed with the very youngest children in mind. Bright colors, exciting images and rhythmic text make reading aloud a joy for the reader and child alike!

Malkie just can't wait for Shabbos. But there is so much to be done. This beautifully illustrated, full-color book helps children relate to Shabbos preparations with simple descriptions of all the household tasks that enliven the end of the week.

Children's Literature

Brightly colored, naïve drawings illustrate this simple picture book about the preparations for the Jewish Sabbath. Little Malkie helps her mother clean the house; go shopping for food; bake challah, the slightly sweet, egg-filled, braided bread some Jews eat on the Sabbath; prepare chicken soup, baked chicken, and salad; set the table with a white cloth and special dishes; donate money to charity; and finally light the Sabbath candles. At each point, Malkie asks, "Is it Shabbos yet?" The rhythmic, repetitive text will please little ones familiar with this ritual, but others may be struck more by the enormous amount of effort expended by Malkie's mother than by the pleasures inherent in the preparations. That is underlined by the fact that Malkie's father appears only to sit down and eat. 2001 (orig. 1990), Hachai Publishing, $9.95. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Miriam Rinn