Sammy Spider’s First Shabbat, by Sylvia A. Rouss

Sammy Spider watches longingly as the Shapiro family prepares to celebrate the Jewish Sabbath, and when the day finally arrives, even he observes one of its customs. Publishers Weekly Only very young children will appreciate simple lessons of this book that explains the Shabbat from a spider’s point of view. While watering the flowers in his mother’s garden one Friday morning, Josh breaks Sammy the spider’s web. When Sammy asks his mother what Josh is doing, she tells him that Josh’s family is preparing to celebrate Shabbat. Sammy watches Josh set the table with candles, wine, and the kiddush cups. As he watches Josh and his mother braid the Shabbat challah, Sammy decides to try the same braids on his torn web and, unknowingly, repairs his web. After a brief nap, Sammy wakes to the sounds of the Josh’s family singing “Shabbat Shalom.” Kahn’s papercut figures, though colorful, are blurry, disproportionate and cold, making the characters appear unrealistic and stiff. The final page contains a recipe for “Josh Shapiro’s Favorite Challah” as well as the “Challah Blessing” and a “Blessing Over Bread.” Paperback, 32 pages, isbn 978158013006