Something New for Rosh Hashanah

Like many youngsters, Becca dislikes trying any new foods, whether the options are meat, fish, or greens. Even chicken soup, kugel and Honey cake, traditionally served at Rosh Hashanah, are treated with scorn and greeted with an emphatic no, yuck, ick, and never! Becca takes being a “picky eater” to a very high level.

But when Mom and Dad suggest that they are embarking on trying something new for themselves, such as no moustache for Dad and a new hobby for Mom, they inspire Becca to try one new food item. Low and behold, she gobbles it right up and asks for more!

The title aptly describes the importance of this festival of Rosh Hashanah as it highlights a new beginning, a new season, a new year in the Jewish calendar and truly marks the idea of a fresh start. This story will be more successful with those who are quite familiar with this holiday and the array of foods served. An author’s note at the end of the story is helpful for readers who are not aware of this holiday. However, the story does centre more on an eating issue rather than the significance of this important celebration.

The somewhat odd repetitive and rhyming pattern might be less awkward when read aloud. The comical, colourful and lively drawings are delightful and feature Becca’s red hair and amusing facial expressions, copied by her red cat. Battuz’s illustrations certainly do justice to Yolen’s text.

Both author and illustrator are well-known and prolific creators of wonderful stories for the younger set.

The publisher’s suggested age range of up to 10 really is not accurate as Something New for Rosh Hashanah is really meant for early years ages 4-7.