Apple Days by Allison Soffer Book Review

Apple Days: A Rosh Hashanah Story by Allison Soffer

Illustrations by Bob McMahon

Publisher: Kar-Pen Publishing

Release Date: August 1, 2014

Katys favorite holiday is Rosh Hashanah, when she gets to pick apples and make applesauce with her mother. But what happens when the tradition is interrupted by the early arrival of her new baby cousin? 

L'shanah Tovah. May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year. For those people who are gentiles like me, Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and that was (according to the internet) a typical New Year greeting. Also, as a non-Jew, I also had to look up the significance of Apples and Honey during Rosh Hashanah. In addition to symbolizing the hopes for a sweet new year, the apple represents the Shekhinah (the feminine aspect of God). Eating honey with apples represents the hope that the Shekhinah will judge kindly and look down with sweetness. There is a lot of information on this subject, but I don't want to tarry too long as it as this is a book review.

A story that really encompasses family, tradition, and fun that is often associated with holidays. Katy, must learn not only to be patient and understanding, but she also learns how to be a part of the community as well. She may not be able to go apple picking as has been family tradition, but her neighbors embrace her and her family, pitching in like a version of Stone Soup. The illustrations were vibrant and fun, but perhaps the best part is the Applesauce recipe in the back of the book. Apparently, someone wanted this book from the library so I had to return it before I got to try out the recipe. However, I plan on getting it again just to try making my own applesauce. Sounds like the perfect thing to do for fall.  

Gut Yontiff!