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Shoshi's Shabbat Hardcover – Picture Book, October 11, 2022

by Caryn Yacowitz (Author), Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator)
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 16 ratings
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The virtues of taking a break—and of being thankful—are extolled in the gentle story of a stubborn ox, an impatient farmer, and a day of rest.

Long ago, in the hills near Jerusalem, lived a young ox. For six days each week, she and her owner would toil in the fields, and on the seventh day both would rest. Then it came to be that this young ox was sold. For six days, she toiled in her new owner’s fields, and on the seventh day the farmer brought out the yoke and plow, expecting to spend another day hard at work. But Shoshi the ox had a different idea. In a warm, friendly narrative and vivid, humorous art, author Caryn Yacowitz and illustrator Kevin Hawkes bring to life a tale drawn from the ancient Jewish stories known as the Midrash, a story as relevant today as it was long ago. It’s a tale of encountering other cultures and learning from them, of paying attention to the world around you—sun, breeze, animals, people—and above all, of learning to slow down and take a break.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 8 years
  2. Print length
    48 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Dimensions
    11 x 0.35 x 9.38 inches
  6. Publisher
    Candlewick
  7. Publication date
    October 11, 2022
  8. ISBN-10
    1536216542
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1536216547
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3—The saying "dumb as an ox" does not apply to Shoshi. Many years ago in Jerusalem, Shoshi's first owner, Simon, would use the young ox to pull the plow as he tilled the fields. Simon and Shoshi worked hard six days a week, then rested on the seventh day, the Shabbat. On this day, Simon enjoyed his grandchildren's games and songs, and Shoshi appreciated her fresh hay and clean water while resting in the barn. When Simon grows too old to work the fields, he sells Shoshi to Yohanan, a new arrival who is not Jewish. Yohanan is happy with Shoshi's physical strength and compatible nature for the first six days he works with her, but is puzzled by her refusal to work in the fields on the seventh day. This pattern continues until Yohanan discovers that the ox is wise. There are merits to a day of rest. Based on a traditional Jewish tale, this story celebrates the value of taking a break, connecting with nature, and honoring religious observances. The acrylic paint illustrations depict the climate, architecture, and people of Jerusalem two thousand years ago. The author's note reveals that the story is based on a real person, Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta, and his conversion to the Jewish religion due to a behavior of a young ox who observed the Shabbat. VERDICT This title would be a good addition for any library building the diversity section of their picture book collection, and will be particularly welcomed by those serving Jewish communities.—Lynne Stover

Review

The author employs simple, accessible language that roots the story in time and place, with believable, sympathetic characters. Hawkes’ detailed acrylic depictions of Shoshi’s and the brown-skinned humans’ facial and body expressions are humorous and thoroughly delightful. . . . A lovely evocation of Shabbat traditions.
—Kirkus Reviews

The pleasures and importance of taking a break are sagely relayed in this picture book, set “long ago on a farm near Jerusalem.”. . . This warmly delivered message of making time for rest, reflection, and relationships is pertinent and heartening for all.
—Booklist

Based on Torah commentary, this pensive picture book is a welcome reminder of the importance of pausing to practice gratitude.
—Publishers Weekly

Based on a traditional Jewish tale, this story celebrates the value of taking a break, connecting with nature, and honoring religious observances.
—School Library Journal

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick (October 11, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1536216542
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536216547
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.08 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11 x 0.35 x 9.38 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 16 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Kevin Hawkes

    Kevin Hawkes

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    Kevin Hawkes (1959) was born in Sherman, TX to a creative family. There was a lot of music in his house, books, and homemade projects like toothpick constructions, paper mache' pinatas, and wooden models. Kevin moved a lot when he was little and lived in Europe and many parts of the United States. In school, he was that quiet kid who liked to read. He also drew a lot. He liked to draw space ships, race cars, castles, and monsters. He didn’t like to draw cats or bicycles. Kevin studied illustration at Utah State University in Logan, UT and begin his publishing career in Boston. He has written and or illustrated over 50 picture and chapter books including Library Lion, a New York Times Bestseller. Kevin has won numerous awards for his illustrations including the Kate Greenaway Metal, National Jewish Book Award, Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award, Lupine Award and the Mazza Medellion for Excellence. He lives in Southern Maine.

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  2. Caryn Yacowitz

    Caryn Yacowitz

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Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5
16 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

N. Bivas
5.0 out of 5 stars We all need a day of rest
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2022
Verified Purchase
In popular culture, we are told that we need to take a break from our electronic devices, and to appreciate what is around us without distraction. We learn from Shoshi, a little ox on a farm near Jerusalem, that the idea of powering-down is an ancient idea for animals as well as for people. With delightful illustrations and lyrical text, Shoshi teaches her human counterpart that we all need Shabbat, a day of rest to reconnect with our family and to appreciate the world around us. In Jewish tradition, even animals must be given a day off. Author Caryn Huberman and illustrator Kevin Hawkes have reshaped a traditional midrash, a teaching parable, into a fresh children's picture book.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story educating & celebrating Shabbat
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2022
Verified Purchase
We loved this story & the illustrations. We enjoyed how the story showed the value of taking a day of rest. We also enjoyed the last part of the book where it is explained that this is semi-based on a true story. I recommend this book to any family looking to have a Shabbat story in their reading rotation.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A great teaching book
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
A great teaching tool. Illustrations are beautiful. And story flowed wonderfully. I loved that the story gave plenty of opportunity to explain why we believe what we believe ❤❤❤ Yah is Great!
One person found this helpful
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D_in_CA
5.0 out of 5 stars Shoshi's Shabbat is a wonderful book!
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book is wonderful. The story is so sweet, instructive, and the cadence is just perfect. The illustrations are beautiful, and the printing is first rate.
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wordjellyreview
5.0 out of 5 stars Shoshi's Shabbat: A warm hearted, endearing tale
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2023
#wordjellyreview: The heartwarming book 'Shoshi's Shabbat', by author Caryn Yacowitz, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, exemplifies the fact that a human being, an intelligent species can learn a virtuous life lesson from an animal.

A beautiful hardworking ox named ‘Shoshi’, teaches a farmer to enjoy a day of rest, a Jewish tradition called ‘Shabbat’ after 6 days of hard work. Through her book, she teaches us to meet and know other cultures, express gratitude for what we have, respect animals, and pay close attention to the nature around us. Inspired from an old Jewish tale known as midrash, most importantly, the book teaches us through 'Shoshi' to rest and rejuvenate occasionally to move on ahead in life. I strongly recommend 'Shoshi’s Shabbat', to teach children to enjoy restful moments in nature and understand the importance of spending times with family- #wordjellyreview
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CyA
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read tale about a cow teaching his human a lesson about taking a rest day!
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2023
The importance of taking a break is told in this humorous & endearing tale of a stubborn cow who refuses to work on the Shabbat. As we hustle & bustle, it’s a great reminder on why resting is important for our well-being.
One person found this helpful
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mountaineer
5.0 out of 5 stars An Ox to Cherish
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2022
SHOSHI'S SHABBAT is a warm tale of a little ox whose new master cannot understand why one day, the usually hard-working ox won't work. Through the old master's example, the new master begins to understand that Shoshi needs the sabbath, the day of rest.
Yacowitz has taken the brief midrash about Rabbi Yochanan ben Torta (son of the ox) and spun a charming story with humor and compassion.
Hawke's illustrations pick up on these qualities. Look at Shoshi's firm expression as she refuses to work.
Story and illustrations together make a truly delightful book.
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KerryWA
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and educational story on the importance of rest
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2022
The lyrical text in this book is absolutely gorgeous, and the art gives the main character--an ox named Shoshi--so much character. The sweet story helps little ones understand the meaning of Shabbat and reinforces the important notion that restful moments in nature and with family enriches all of our lives.
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