Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! Today’s featured book is a recent addition to bookstore and library bookshelves…it launched in September and we were supposed to celebrate HERE with a Book Birthday post…but because of my eye surgery and slow-healing eyes, I had to step back…and author Danielle Sharkqn has been waiting patiently. Thank you so much, Danielle, for your wonderful understanding. And also for offering a GIVEAWAY of a copy of the book. So, dear readers, please make sure you leave a comment and share the post on your social media for extra chances in the giveaway hat.

SAVING SHALOM

Written by Danielle Sharkan

Illustrated by Selina Alko

Published by Holiday House (September 2024)

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Jewish culture, racism, friendship

Synopsis: From Amazon:
A girl’s community joins hands to fight intolerance in this richly illustrated picture book that sings with hope for young readers.

Leila loves going to Hebrew school and hearing stories of mighty kings and quick-witted queens. Being Jewish is a part of her story, and learning Hebrew connects her to her ancestors. L’dor V’dor! From one generation to the next!

But when Leila’s synagogue gets vandalized, she isn’t sure what she wants. Something that used to make her feel special now just makes her feel different.

Then Leila’s classmates and community come together to repair the synagogue. This compassionate gesture makes Leila realize that everyone around her is different—and that’s a beautiful thing.

Lyrical text and gorgeous, textured collage art by award-winning illustrator Selina Alko enhance this uplifting story about honoring a diverse community. Back matter provides a springboard for age-appropriate conversations about inclusion and bridge-building between cultures. Perfect for fans of All Are Welcome and The Proudest Blue.

Why I Love This Book
1. I love books that help children feel seen and heard!
2. I love books that are lyrical read-alouds!
3. I love books with illustrations that will keep children engaged from the first page to the last.

SHARING SHALOM has received many fabulous reviews!
“The creators address an act of antisemitism with candor and sensitivity, reassuring readers that one can belong to multiple communities without hiding one’s beliefs or identity.”—Publishers Weekly

“Ren­dered with sen­si­tiv­i­ty and col­or­ful, dra­mat­ic images, this is a cau­tion­ary tale about anti­semitism, and a hope­ful one about com­mu­ni­ty support.”—Jewish Book Council

“A crucial story for our time. Sharing Shalom is the perfect introduction to the topics of discrimination, othering, and religious-targeted hate. A compelling look at the tendency to hide what makes us different, and a celebration of the people who make it safe to be who we are.” —Elisa Boxer, Sydney Taylor Honor author of Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust

RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Recycled Paper

Celebrate trees on Tu B’Shvat or on any day: Make recycled paper here: https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/tu-bishvat/make-recycled-paper

Here are a couple of links for articles with ways to fight antisemitism
https://www.hadassah.org/story/eight-ways-you-can-fight-antisemitism
https://facultydevelopment.cornell.edu/faculty-development/belonging-and-equity/resources-for-conversations-on-racism-antisemitism-and-islamophobia/resources-for-conversations-on-antisemitism/
https://www.adl.org/resources/tools-and-strategies/resources-address-and-challenge-antisemitism
https://www.weareteachers.com/antisemitism-in-schools/

Dear friends…we can help beautiful important books like SHARING SHALOM become a success. Here’s what we can do:
Review the book
Buy the book
Put the book on your Goodreads Want to Read Shelf
Share this post on social mediaPerfect
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection

Thank you for sharing your precious time with us!
I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend…and as the many holiday of lights approach, I wish you all a New Year filled with light, love, and laughter.