Monday, February 13, 2023

Sitting Shiva by Erin Silver, illustrated by Michelle Theodore - ADVISABLE

Sitting Shiva
by Erin Silver, illustrated by Michelle Theodore.
PICTURE BOOK Orca. 2022. $22. 9781459827721 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

After the death of her mother, a young girl and her father are sitting shiva. They cover the mirrors, remove the cushions from the couch and light a yahrzeit candle which will burn for the whole week. The girl knows that people will visit, but tells her father she doesn't want them to come over. Her father tells her "It's not the time to be alone." 

Michelle Theodore's illustrations are sweet. Silver's text is beautiful, I cried along with the family. Sitting Shiva when someone has died has been a Jewish tradition for thousands of years. I loved seeing the practice of sitting shiva. I don't know about giving this to a child who has lost a loved one, but a great addition to your library to build empathy and understanding. The author's note includes some of the mourning traditions of other religions. The girl and her father are Jewish. 

Lisa Librarian

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