Shoshi's Shabbat

The author employs simple, accessible language that roots the story in time and place, with believable, sympathetic characters. Hawkes' detailed acrylic depictions of Shoshi's and the brown-skinned humans' facial and body expressions are humorous and thoroughly delightful. . . . A lovely evocation of Shabbat traditions.

The pleasures and importance of taking a break are sagely relayed in this picture book, set "long ago on a farm near Jerusalem.". . . This warmly delivered message of making time for rest, reflection, and relationships is pertinent and heartening for all.

In fields near Jerusalem, a winsome brown and white ox named Shoshi works hard six days a week for her Jewish human, Simon. On the seventh day, Shabbat, she rests along with Simon's family, all portrayed with brown skin, eating sweet hay and playing hide-and-seek with his grandchildren. Eventually, Simon grows too old to guide the plow, and he sells Shoshi to recent arrival Yohanan, who "did not always understand the ways of his Jewish neighbors." Shoshi's refusal to work on the seventh day ("She tossed her head to the left. She stamped her feet"), perplexes and angers Yohanan, until, seeing Simon walking on the Sabbath, he realizes, "I am a clever man... Yet I work seven days a week, with no day to rest, no day to give thanks. Perhaps Shoshi is the clever one." Openhearted directness from Yacowitz (I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel) and visually playful acrylic art by Hawkes (There's a Dodo on the Wedding Cake) make a lovely match, as in one spread that affirms Shoshi's work ethic by showing her dutifully ploughing Yohanan's fields as if circling a clock ("Shoshi plowed for six days. Yohanan was pleased"). Based on Torah commentary, this pensive picture book is a welcome reminder of the importance of pausing to practice gratitude. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3--The saying "dumb as an ox" does not apply to Shoshi. Many years ago in Jerusalem, Shoshi's first owner, Simon, would use the young ox to pull the plow as he tilled the fields. Simon and Shoshi worked hard six days a week, then rested on the seventh day, the Shabbat. On this day, Simon enjoyed his grandchildren's games and songs, and Shoshi appreciated her fresh hay and clean water while resting in the barn. When Simon grows too old to work the fields, he sells Shoshi to Yohanan, a new arrival who is not Jewish. Yohanan is happy with Shoshi's physical strength and compatible nature for the first six days he works with her, but is puzzled by her refusal to work in the fields on the seventh day. This pattern continues until Yohanan discovers that the ox is wise. There are merits to a day of rest. Based on a traditional Jewish tale, this story celebrates the value of taking a break, connecting with nature, and honoring religious observances. The acrylic paint illustrations depict the climate, architecture, and people of Jerusalem two thousand years ago. The author's note reveals that the story is based on a real person, Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta, and his conversion to the Jewish religion due to a behavior of a young ox who observed the Shabbat. VERDICT This title would be a good addition for any library building the diversity section of their picture book collection, and will be particularly welcomed by those serving Jewish communities.--Lynne Stover

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.