In this lively picture book, Jonah battles hiccups while he and his family celebrate Shabbat. Various members of his family suggest remedies of all kinds: his cousin Eden tries to scare him, his Grandma Sue suggests eating sugar and drinking water, even shouting “Boo” is suggested, but nothing seems to work.
The surprise ending adds a nice touch to the already humorous situation. Much is learned about celebrating Shabbat in a family setting. The bright, colorful gouache illustrations enhance the rhythmic text. The story depicts the various Sabbath rituals without being didactic. This is an entertaining story for 4 to 8 year olds.
Sandy Lanton, a former teacher, earned a BA in Psychology and an MS in Early Childhood Education from Queens College. She is the author of Daddy’s Chair (Sydney Taylor Award), The Happy Hackers, Lots Of Latkes, Still a Family: A Young Child’s Book About Divorce (Gittle Honorable Mention), and The Littlest Levine (named one of the best Jewish Children’s Books of 2014 by Tablet Magazine). Her work has appeared in magazines as well as several anthologies. When she isn’t writing stories or visiting schools, Ms. Lanton likes to crochet, line dance, play bridge and pickleball, spend time with her grandchildren, and read, read, read.
