One of the books from HaChai’s classic Yossi and Laibel series has now been adapted into a board book for the very young. In this simple tale, the two boys want to help prepare the Shabbos meal for their family, and they creatively use what they can find: peanut butter, jelly, bagels, and applesauce. Their grandmother saves the day by walking in the door with more appropriate fare, but the boys’ offerings are accepted and appreciated — making the meal fuller and more fun, and teaching them that help, offered wholeheartedly, is always valued.
Rhyming language and colorful illustrations in the spirit of the story, with the boys’ good-natured grins, add to its mood of joy.
Recommended for ages 1 to 3.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.
