Talia and the Very Yum Kippur by Linda Elovitz Marshall

Title: Talia and the Very Yum Kippur

Author: Linda Elovitz Marshall

Illustrations: Francesca Assirelli

Publisher:  Kar-Ben Publishing

ISBN:  9781467752367

Review:

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, comes ten days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Adults and children over the age of bar/bat Mitzvah fast, pray in the Synagogue, and ask for forgiveness for things they have said or done in the previous year that may have hurt others. Family and friends gather to “break the fast” with a festival meal after sundown.

Talia loves to visit her grandparents in the fall. Their home is filled with wonderful smells and tastes. Talia will be helping prepare food for Yom Kippur. She seems to be a little confused with the words. She thinks Yom is yummy for food and that fast for atonement is really breakfast. During her visit Talia asks her grandmother to tell her more about Yom Kippur. Once again the family sits together to celebrate. What do you think they will eat?

Author Linda Elovitz Marshall teaches young readers about family traditions and how to celebrate Yom Kippur. Round shapes and warm fall colors add an interesting appeal to the illustrations. Simple sentences make for a great beginner read. Readers will find a tasty recipe in the back. Parents and teachers can use this as a tool to teach Jewish culture and tradition.