Challah, Challah, for You and Me
by Barbara Bietz and June Sobel, illustrated by Ruth Waters
Apples & Honey Press, 2024
Challah can warm a table with love, whether it’s a part of a Shabbat meal or Sunday morning French toast or shared with friends on a picnic. This rhyming sequel to Apples, Apples All Year Round! introduces young children to the joys of making, eating, and sharing challah in its variety of forms.
*Featured on Publisher’s Weekly 2024 list of Jewish Holiday Books for Children*
What reviewers are saying…
“A celebration of the many ways to enjoy challah, from the creators of Apples, Apples, All Year Round. In a rhyming text, a group of forest animals enjoy eating their challah in many ways: with honey, at a picnic, as part of Jewish Shabbat traditions, and as delicious French toast. The collage-style art is colorful and cheerful. The sparse black text and bright illustrations stand out against a white background, making it a great choice for a read-aloud. VERDICT A quick yet joyous read, this is a sweet addition to libraries looking to expand any inclusive picture book section.” School Library Journal
“The authors reinforce these associations through lively text, lilting rhythm and rhyme, and colorful art depicting friendly animals, delicious treats, Shabbat closeness, and a variety of Judaic symbols. All the salient features of challah are included: its squishiness, sweetness, warmth, color, and, most important, its association with ritual and the participation of caring family members and friends. These details provide readers and listeners alike with a sense of comfort and joy.” Jewish Book Council
“In the simple and joyful text, Bietz and Sobel offer young readers all the yummy ways to make and enjoy challah. Rhymes are pleasing. The art is bright and definitely helps keep the reader engaged. Kids will love pointing out the colorful challah, a heart-shaped chocolate chip challah, and of course, challah French toast (my favorite).” The Sydney Taylor Shmooze
“Challah is also one of the first foods a Jewish child might help bake. If you think about it, this makes sense. It’s pretty resilient, and is even meant to be pounded a bit. Which is why Challah, Challah For You and Me, written by Barbara Bietz and June Sobel is likely to be a topic of interest for picture book readers. The illustrations by Ruth Waters feature a variety of animals baking and eating challah, adding a little charm for our young readers who might also enjoy pointing out the different creatures and naming them.” Bookishly Jewish