Not So Fast, Max – A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma

The only thing I like better than visiting an apple orchard is reading a book that takes me there. And, when recipes are included, I know it’s a book for me.

NOT SO FAST, MAX – A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma

By Annette Schottenfeld (author) and Jennifer Kirkham (illustrator)
Kalaniot Books
Picture book for ages 4-7
Themes –Jewish family traditions, apple picking, Rosh Hashanah
Setting – An Apple Orchard

The story begins…

Each year when the leaves turned colors, Max and Emily’s grandma visited from Israel.
“Savta, are we making carmel apples?” asked Max.
“On sticks?” Emily chimed in.
“Yes, with special toppings too,” Satva added.
“Yum!” said Max, pulling Satva by the arm “Hurry up, let’s get started.”
“Not so fast, Max. I have something planned first.”

 

Max is not excited to learn that his grandma was taking them to a visit to an orchard to pick apples, or Tapuchim in Hebrew. He groans and stomps and proceeds to have a miserable time. But Savta knows how to win over young boys and makes a game out of apple picking.

As the day proceeds, colorful leaves blow, they pick apples, and Savta shares stories of her childhood and family traditions. Then, they return home ready to continue the traditions by making caramel apples and apple cake.

Why you need to add NOT SO FAST, MAX to your picture book collection:

• This a lovely story of family traditions and a warm and loving intergenerational relationship between children and the grandmother.
• The celebration of Rosh Hashanah is gently woven through the story in a way that makes it extra special for children.
• Hebrew words are sprinkled within the text and the make matter includes a section to encourage readers to learn some Hebrew.
• Recipes for Max’s Caramel Apples and Savta’s Apple Cake are included in the book.
• The bright and lively illustrations combined with the well written, child-friendly text makes this a wonderful book that needs to be shared.
• I love the apple endpaper illustrations!

Of course, I needed to bake the cake in the book. It is fabulous!!!! In fact, I think it is quickly becoming our family favorite.

 

Visit author Annette Schottenfeld’s website to learn more her and the inspiration for NOT SO FAST, MAX.

NOT SO FAST MAX – A Rosh Shashana Visit with Grandma is available on Amazon or through your favorite independent bookstore.