Shabbat is . .

"Shabbat can mean different things to different people, even for those who attend the same temple," writes Sass (Just Shy of Ordinary), following the Shabbat rituals of three children in a picture book that's as warm as fresh-baked challah. Abby, portrayed with light brown skin, walks to temple with Mommy and Daddy each Friday. Pale-skinned Ilan watches a sister's basketball game before stopping at the market with their two moms. And dark-brown-skinned Tehila gathers for a big meal with "all my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins," who follow Shabbat electricity restrictions before enjoying a Mizrahi repast. Digitally finished pencil and ink cartooning by Kelner (Afikoman, Where'd You Go?) offers casual comfort: a bird's-eye triptych shows all three families at their respective tables. On Saturday morning, everyone joins as "one congregation, together, our joy loud and clear," to witness the b'nai mitzvah of Tehila's cousin, and a social hall celebration fortifies everyone, promising that by week's end, "we'll have each other to look forward to again." It's a lovely affirmation of both individual practice and communal connection. An author's note and glossary conclude. Ages 3--6. Author's agent: Jordan Hamessley, JABberwocky Literary. Illustrator's agent: Tracy Marchini, BookEnds Literary. (Sept.)

A look at the rituals that make Shabbat special to a wide variety of communities. Three families each observe the day in their own way. One child walks to temple with Mommy and Daddy. Another watches a sibling's basketball game with Mama and Mommy; the family then shops and cooks a meal while singing along to their favorite songs. A third child gathers with a large extended family for a meal and games at home. Each family is different. Some are big, while others are small. Some observe traditional religious practices; others make their own. Featuring cheerful colors and patterns, smiling faces, and moments of quiet connection, Kelner's thickly outlined artwork has a scribbly, intimate feeling, reinforcing a sense of joy in rituals that include eating, dancing, and reading Torah. Characters vary in skin tone and hair style and texture. Some wear kippot (skullcaps) and tallitot (prayer shawls), including some who present female or who are nonbinary. One Shabbat finds all the families gathered at the synagogue to celebrate a b'nai mitzvah--notably, a gender nonbinary celebration rarely represented in picture books. Sass' flowing text is punctuated by the refrain "Shabbat is unique and beautiful for every person"; this loving message is made abundantly clear throughout and echoed in the author's note. A uniquely inclusive celebration of the Jewish day of rest. (glossary)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.