Happy Book Birthday: CHALLAH DAY! Plus Giveaway

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Usually when there is a birthday, we celebrate with cake…but today, for this book birthday, we will share some yummy…CHALLAH! Challah is probably one of the most delicious breads in the world – and if you haven’t had French Toast made with challah bread, you are missing something quite glorious! When my kids were in elementary school, I made challah wreaths for the teachers as Christmas gifts…they looked so pretty – and tasted even better!

But, enough about my challah experiences…it’s time to sing Happy Book Birthday to CHALLAH DAY! a brilliant rhyming read-aloud written by Charlotte Offsay and illustrated by the talented Jason Kirschner.

Doesn’t that cover fill you with joy? And make you hungry?

Here’s a little bit about the book from the Amazon sales page:
It’s Challah Day! A family mixes, kneads, and braids bread in this joyful, rhyming story about a Jewish holiday food that’s baked with love.

From kneading sticky dough to gathering with family around the table, Challah Day celebrates family, food, heritage, and tradition! Join this happy family as they bake delicious braided egg bread for their Friday night Shabbat dinner.

Yeast and sugar – water’s warm,
mix and watch those bubbles form!
Crack the eggs – one… two… three… four
Extra if some hit the floor.

Messy flour and laughter abound. The scent of warm bread fills the house. Grandma and Grandpa bring the candles and hugs. Parents, kids, and baby too, can read this kid-friendly, rhyming recipe together.

Inspired by memories author Charlotte Offsay and illustrator Jason Kirschner have of baking Challah with their children, Challah Day celebrates the sweetness of sharing homemade food as a family.

In the back of the book, read about the cultural importance of Challah and Jewish traditions. This read aloud can be a joyful introduction to a new culture or a cozy way to celebrate a familiar one. Perfect for any occasion as a holiday gift or the start of a new weekly tradition.

A Challah recipe is included.

I spoke to Charlotte recently and she shared a bit about the story behind the story.

CHARLOTTE: I began making challah regularly with my daughter when she was very young. In the early days we went through quite a large number of eggs as my daughter learned how to crack them without simply squeezing them in her hands or dropping them on the floor. The line in the book “Crack the eggs – one… two… three… four. Extra if some hit the floor” is a nod to her.

I love that! I’ve always encouraged parents to invite their kids into the kitchen…it’s a great bonding experience…but also an opportunity for a lot of science and math learning as you measure and mix.

Dear friends, the book launches TODAY! And you can grab a signed copy from Charlotte’s local indie bookstore: Children’s Book World in San Francisco, CA: https://www.childrensbookworld.com/charlotte-offsay-signed-books

And guess what? Charlotte is offering a giveaway of a copy of CHALLAH DAY! Please leave a comment (maybe you can share about a favorite memory of baking or cooking with family) and also please share the post on your social media platforms – that’s the best way to spread the word about beautiful new books!

23 thoughts on “Happy Book Birthday: CHALLAH DAY! Plus Giveaway”

  5. I look forward to reading this. It instantly reminded me of my 3-year old grandson. His class makes challah every Friday in nursery school. I picked him up from school one Friday and he insisted I share his piece with him. When I unwrapped it, it was covered in rainbow sprinkles! Interesting but delicious. Mostly because we shared it together.

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    • I operated a home day care for teachers’ kids when my own children were growing up…and twice a week, we baked bread. The kids would help measure and mix…and then each child received a piece of dough to knead and shape and place in a little loaf pan that we baked…and each child brought home a little loaf of bread to share with family – it was a big hit! And we definitely made challah…what fun they had rolling the ropes and then braiding them.
      But we never tried sprinkles. 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  7. This looks Beautiful!
    We eat it.
    We celebrate with it. (Shabbat)
    But, we’ve never made it!
    This book is just the inspiration I need to get baking with my family creating traditions. Can’t wait to read it !

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  9. Yay, the book is at my library! I’ve requested it and can’t wait to read it! I remember the children’s cook book my aunt gave me and making Bird in a Nest from it. Congratulations and happy book birthday!

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  15. Congrats, Charlotte! Can’t wait to read this. Love the sweet memory of your daughter’s earliest baking days. It can be messy at times, but what fun for children to be part of making something special.

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  18. I love baking and can’t wait to try the recipe in this fun book. My kids and I love to bake together too. The book I’m currently reading features Jewish characters who work and/or live above a Jewish bakery–they rave about French Toast made with challah bread too. I shared on tumblr to help spread the word about this delicious book: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/724564266608459776/via-happy-book-birthday-challah-day-plus

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  19. Challah is indeed one of the world’s best breads! I am regularly known to have eaten an entire loaf, by myself, in one sitting! Bread is my happy place. And challah always brings me a smile! I have made it on several occasions and have a couple bakeries near me that make a good one! Can’t wait to check this book out!

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  20. Happy Book Birthday! Looking forward to reading your book, Charlotte!
    We love baking, especially around the holidays! Sourdough bread from scratch is one of my husband and son’s favorite baking project! 🙂

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