Ultman, Suzy. Shabbat Shalom: Let’s Rest and Reset. Suzy Ultman, Illus. Penguin Random House/Rise X Penguin, 02/2025. [22]pp. Picture Book. Trade $9.99. 978-0-5937-5193-0. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Simple digital illustrations showcase a light brown-skinned child with curly hair experiencing the joys of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. The child has a Shabbat meal with animal friends and then the book explains how Shabbat is a chance to relax from the busyness of the week. While the book is a useful tool for discussing what Shabbat means with young Jewish children, the generic illustration style and lack of diversity detract from the overall message of enjoying shabbat. A solid addition to the limited Shabbat books for this age group, but not a required purchase for secular library collections. Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Gold Medal for Picture Book.
Lillian Whithaus—Oakland Public Library