A 

Rosh Hashanah apple 
cake bake-off fit for 
reality television and 
another installment in the 
Scarlet and Sam series from 
the award-winning author 
Eric A. Kimmel are among 
the highlights in the crop of 
new High Holiday books for 
children.
Six engaging and fun reads 
for kids of all ages seize the 
spirit of the Jewish holidays 
and the excitement and 
anticipation of beginning 
anew, reflecting on the past, 
and celebrating the warmth 
and joy of Jewish traditions 
with family and friends.
Kimmel’
s Whale of a Tale 
provides a modern-day riff 
on the biblical Book of Jonah 
read aloud in synagogues 
on Yom Kippur, preaching 
forgiveness over revenge. The 
master storyteller adds his 
laugh-out-loud wit to this 
ancient and intriguing story.
In Once Upon an Apple 
Cake, the children’
s book 
debut for author Elana 
Rubinstein, you get a zany, 
charming story of the 
meaning of family and the 
strength of Jewish tradition. 
Not to mention a terrific 
recipe, too.
Other offerings bring the 
Sesame Street characters led 
by Grover and a brilliantly 
colorful biblical story of 
Creation by another award-
winning author, Ann Koffsky. 
Not to mention for Sukkot, 
an elephant making his way 
into a sukkah.

The Jewish New Year begins 
on the night of Sept. 29.

Once Upon an Apple Cake: 
A Rosh Hashanah Story
Elana Rubinstein; illustrated 
by Jennifer Naalchigar
Apples & Honey Press; 
ages 7-10
In this humor-filled, 
heartwarming chapter 
book, readers meet Saralee, 
an endearing 10-year-old 
Jewish girl whose cute-
looking nose possesses the 
unusual superpower to sniff 
out scents and flavors. As 
Rosh Hashanah approaches, 
Saralee, whose family owns 
a restaurant, is excited to 
bake her zaydie’
s popular 
apple cake with a mystery 
ingredient that even Saralee 
can’
t figure out. Trouble lay 
ahead when a new family 
opens a restaurant and 
threatens to take over the 
apple cake business.

When zaydie bumps his 
head, he temporarily forgets 
the secret to the cake. Will 
Saralee rise to the occasion, 
bake the perfect cakes and 
win a contest judged by a 
famous food critic? More than 
anything, Saralee wishes that 
her grandfather returns home 
from the hospital for Rosh 
Hashanah.
The cartoon illustrations by 
Jennifer Naalchigar add zest 
to Rubinstein’
s efforts. The 
recipe is included at the end 
of the book.

Whale of a Tale
Eric A. Kimmel; illustrations 
by Ivica Stevanovic
Kar-Ben; ages 6-10
Travel back in time in 
the third installment of the 
Scarlett and Sam Jewish-
themed chapter book series 
for older readers by Kimmel 
(Hershel and the Hanukkah 
Goblins). The lighthearted 
adventure begins when the 
brother and sister twins offer 
to take their Grandma Mina’
s 
centuries-old carpet to be 
cleaned at the local rug shop. 
Engrossed in conversation 
with their mysterious ride-
hailing service driver, Jonah, 
they forget to take the prized 
carpet with its aura of magic 
that their proudly Iran-born 
grandmother brought with 
her as she fled tyranny in her 

country.
Suddenly, they find 
themselves transported to 
Jaffa in ancient Israel amid 
carpet sellers in the shouk 
(market). They stow away 
on a ship, where they reunite 
with Jonah, who they learn 
is the biblical prophet. The 
stormy caper shines with 
references to the biblical tale, 
as the kids and Jonah go 
overboard and are swallowed 
up in the slimy belly of a big 
fish (is it really a prehistoric 
shark, they fear?). With fierce 
determination, the clever 
kids prod the reluctant Jonah 
to travel to Nineveh, to be 
faithful to God and justice, 
and to speak out to the 
ruthless Assyrian king. 
Ivica Stevanovic’
s animated 
illustrations embellish the 
drama.

Shanah Tovah, Grover!
Joni Kibort Sussman; 
illustrated by Tom Leigh
Kar-Ben; ages 1-4
Join Grover, Big Bird and 
other beloved Sesame Street 
characters as they welcome 
Rosh Hashanah with honey 
and apples, a shofar, and a 
festive meal with songs and 
blessings. Joni Sussman’
s 
simple verse is perfect for 
reading aloud to little ones 
and for preschoolers eager 
to read on their own, paired 
with veteran Sesame Street 
artist Tom Leigh’
s delightful, 
colorful illustrations.

Seize the 
Spirit

Here are 6 new 
children’
s books for 
the Jewish New Year

PENNY SCHWARTZ JTA

48 | SEPTEMBER 19 • 2019 

continued on page 50

COURTESY OF APPLES & HONEY PRESS

COURTESY OF KAR-BEN

COURTESY OF KAR-BEN

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