Is It Rosh Hashanah Yet?

In this latest installment of their series highlighting Jewish holidays, Barash and Psacharopulo chronicle a family’s preparation for the Jewish New Year. The family picks apples “for Daddy’s applesauce,” nibbles on pomegranates (“We hope to do a mitzvah for each of the seeds inside”), and makes cards for loved ones. The children and their classmates listen to the shofar, greetings of “Shanah Tovah” are in the air, and there’s a festive meal (cue the brisket) with a big crowd to usher in the holiday at sundown. The story begins and ends in the outdoors, and all vignettes (save the last) conclude with the refrain “Rosh Hashanah is on its way.” Barash brings a light, cheery touch to the celebration. Ages 3–5. [em](July) [/em]