Soosie: The Horse That Saved Shabbat
by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt
Soosie: The Horse That Saved Shabbat is a delightful and heartwarming children’s picture book that brings the joyous spirit of Shabbat to life with a dose of adventure, love, and a very special horse! Written by the talented Tami Lehman-Wilzig and brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Menahem Halberstadt, this book is perfect for young readers ages 4-8. Get ready for an unforgettable Shabbat journey with Soosie, the horse with a heart as big as Jerusalem itself!
Synopsis:
Every Friday afternoon in Jerusalem, Jacob and his trusty horse, Soosie, deliver fresh, golden challah bread to their neighbors in time for the start of Shabbat. But when Jacob falls ill, it’s up to Soosie to save the day. With determination and a little bit of horse sense, Soosie embarks on an exciting mission to ensure the bread arrives on time. Along the way, readers are introduced to a cast of multicultural characters who help Soosie on her journey, making this story a beautiful celebration of community, kindness, and the importance of embracing diversity.
Key Themes:
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Community and Kindness: Soosie’s journey teaches children the importance of helping others and showing kindness—because when one person needs help, the whole community pitches in!
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Shabbat Traditions: Through Soosie’s adventure, children are introduced to the beauty of Jewish traditions, from the lighting of the candles to the delicious challah on the table, making this a perfect read for families preparing for Shabbat.
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Multicultural Unity: The story showcases the rich diversity of Jerusalem’s neighborhoods, where people of different backgrounds come together in celebration and support.
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Problem-Solving and Determination: Soosie’s clever thinking and persistence show kids that no matter how tough a situation may seem, a little creativity and determination can go a long way.
Critical Acclaim:
Kirkus Reviews calls Soosie: The Horse That Saved Shabbat “a heartwarming tale with an abundance of kindness, love, and tradition,” praising the book’s lively pace, meaningful story, and cultural richness. The warm, folkloric tone and historical setting make it a perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf!
Awards and Recognition:
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Jewish National Book Award for Children's Literature—an honor recognizing exceptional books that reflect the Jewish experience and contribute to Jewish culture.
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A Best Jewish Holiday Book, Spring 2021 by the Association of Jewish Libraries.
Educational Value:
Soosie isn’t just a fun story—it’s a fantastic resource for parents, teachers, and religious leaders to share lessons about kindness, the importance of community, and the beauty of Jewish traditions. It’s a wonderful way for kids to connect with the values of Shabbat in an engaging and meaningful way.
Availability:
Soosie: The Horse That Saved Shabbat is ready to gallop onto your bookshelf! Grab a copy today from wherever you buy your books.
Product details
Publisher: Kalaniot Books (February 9, 2021)
Language: English
Hardcover
32 pages
ISBN-10: 0998852775
ISBN-13: 978-0998852775
Grade level: 1 - 2
Item Weight: 1.74 pounds
Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.25 x 11 inches
