Challah Day
Illustrated by: Jason Kirschner
Published by: Holiday House
It’s Challah Day! A family mixes, kneads, and braids bread in this joyful, rhyming story about a Jewish holiday food that’s baked with love.
From kneading sticky dough to gathering with family around the table, Challah Day celebrates family, food, heritage, and tradition! Join this happy family as they bake delicious braided egg bread for their Friday night Shabbat dinner.
Yeast and sugar – water’s warm,
mix and watch those bubbles form!
Crack the eggs – one… two… three… four
Extra if some hit the floor.
Messy flour and laughter abound. The scent of warm bread fills the house. Grandma and Grandpa bring the candles and hugs. Parents, kids, and baby too, can read this kid-friendly, rhyming recipe together.
Inspired by memories author Charlotte Offsay and illustrator Jason Kirschner have of baking Challah with their children, Challah Day celebrates the sweetness of sharing homemade food as a family.
In the back of the book, read about the cultural importance of Challah and Jewish traditions. This read aloud can be a joyful introduction to a new culture or a cozy way to celebrate a familiar one. Perfect for any occasion as a holiday gift or the start of a new weekly tradition.
A Challah recipe is included.
Reviews
“A timeless Shabbat tradition sweetly told.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“Challah Day! is a scrumptious celebration of family traditions. By the end, your mouth will be watering.”
– BookPage
“In a time when Jewish people are facing violence and antisemitism, this book is an oasis of Jewish joy.”
– School Library Journal
“Retro cartoon styling and smooth digital art in a color palette of green, blue, yellow, and pink give the illustrations a graphic pop-art feel that complements its warmth and whimsy. Light and fluffy as a fresh challah, this book would be useful as an educational lead-in to a program on Jewish holiday traditions.”
– The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
“Verve reminiscent of a vintage musical number, and crisp digital artwork that nods to 1960s animation. . . .”
– Publishers Weekly
More Praise!
- December, 5, 2023 – The Best Picture Books of 2023 by GrowingBookByBook
- November, 30, 2023 – The Best Jewish Children’s Books of 2023 – Tablet
