On Friday Afternoon: A Shabbat Celebration

Sundown is only a few hours away, and young Leelee and dog Pickles are theoretically helping their family prepare for Shabbat. Animation-style digital artwork by Halberstadt ([em]A Basket Full of Figs[/em]) tells a different story, however. As the pair moves from room to room, they leave a mess in their wake—crumbs from taste-tested challah rolls, and detritus around a newly decorated tzedakah container. But between the time crunch and the anticipation (soon, “there are only ten minutes until candle lighting”), arriving guests—led into the house via procession by Leelee and Pickles—immediately lend a hand. “A cousin adds flavorful food to the table.... Friends dig up extra chairs, plates, and glasses.... Mom watches over the roast and the kugel, and everyone watches the clock,” writes Babay (The Incredible Shrinking Lunchroom). At last, sundown arrives, and with Leelee at her side, Mom strikes a match to light the Shabbat candles, and text wishes “Shabbat Shalom.” While the reason why all the preparations must be completed by sundown is never fully explained, the eager-eyed characters, portrayed with various skin tones, sweetly convey gifts of shared ritual, connection, and gratitude. An author’s note concludes. Ages 5–8. Author’s agent: Laurel Symonds, Bent Agency. (Apr.)