July 15, 2022
Rivka and Bubbie are determined to bake a perfectly wonderful challah. Bubbie has always been too busy to cook, but now she has the time for a new Friday tradition, and granddaughter Rivka is an eager helper. Their first effort is a disaster. But Rivka's mother always says, "Practice makes progress," so every week there's more trial and error, with setbacks and some improvements. They patiently let the dough rise in a warmed oven and allow for a longer bake. But while they're having fun playing in the snow, they forget to listen for the timer, and the loaf is burned. So next time they set two timers and play a quiet game of cards. At last, they produce a delicious challah that receives rave reviews from the family. Rivka narrates the tale with enthusiasm and joy, describing the rhythm of the baking process ("We squish and smoosh and stretch and squeeze! We let our cozy dough rise, then we roll-pat it into ropes"). She optimistically repeats the title phrase after each effort, until it is gloriously true. A few Yiddish expressions are used throughout. Reul's bright, colorful cartoons perfectly capture the love and humor of learning to bake. Rivka's and Bubbie's large, round brown eyes, facial expressions, and body language dramatically express every emotion and reaction. Young readers and their grands will feel the love and connect to their own family traditions. Rivka, Bubbie, and their family are tan-skinned and Jewish. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Delightful and delicious. (recipe) (Picture book. 4-9)
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October 31, 2022
Intergenerational persistence defines Reul’s tale of a Jewish grandparent and grandchild tackling a new project in fresh-baked challah. Rivka’s grandmother is “not the cooking kind of Bubbie.” At the close of what seems to be the woman’s briefcase-toting career, she and Rivka share a goal: “Now we have time, so we’ll figure it out together. It’s our new tradition: to make a challah every Friday!” Their first tragic loaf (“flat and lumpy. And pale!”) sees them troubleshooting problems, leading to a well-risen but burned version (“Oy gevalt”), and finally, a puffy, perfectly burnished plait. Reul creates a delightfully chic Bubbie wearing draped scarves and bold jewelry, and Rivka’s gap-toothed delight at the duo’s time learning together is thoroughly endearing. The blend of hand-done and digital techniques echo the book’s theme of new-meets-old, and its iterative structure underlines the idea that “practice makes progress.” The characters are portrayed with tan skin. A challah recipe concludes. Ages 4–8.