Annie's Shabbat

Annie and her family make all the traditional preparations for the weekly Jewish Shabbat in this informative picture book. From bathing and wearing a special dress to setting out silver wine goblets and helping Mama with the chicken dinner, Annie prepares for the important Friday evening rituals of her faith. Mama lights candles, Daddy sings the kiddush and everyone enjoys a delicious meal topped off by apple pie. A Saturday visit to the synagogue with Grandma and Grandpa becomes part of the Shabbat celebration. Through Annie's young and enthusiastic voice, Lamstein conveys the practices of a contemporary Jewish family. Brimming with facts and sprinkled with Hebrew terms, Lamstein's text explores such essential symbols of the day as the Torah, challah and Shabbat candles, and relays the ancient stories of their origins. Lang's figures, painted on rice paper and glued onto painted backgrounds, convey the warmth of a loving family and their joy in their beliefs. Jewish families will find much that is familiar here, while those outside the faith may deepen their understanding of the Jewish sabbath. A short glossary is included. Ages 6-10. (Sept.)