Kayla and Kugel's Super Sweet Rosh Hashanah

Ann D. Koffsky has written and/or illustrated more than fifty books for children, including Kayla and Kugel, Kayla and Kugel’s Almost-Perfect Passover, Kayla and Kugel's Happy Hanukkah, Kayla and Kugel's Silly Sukkot, Kayla and Kugel's Playful Purim, The Peddler and the President, What's In Tuli's Box? and Under-the-Sea Seder all published by Apples & Honey Press. She lives in West Hempstead, New York.

"A young girl prepares for the Jewish New Year by picking apples, buying honey and round challah bread at the market, and listening to Daddy practice blowing the shofar. Her playful puppy wants to help, too, but ends up running around in circles, knocking over the honey jars, jumping into the pond, and howling at her dad. Integrated into the simplistic plot, Kayla provides explanations for some of the holiday customs and rituals; others are explained in the author’s note. Bright, expressive cartoon illustrations complement Kayla’s cheerful disposition and Kugel the puppy’s adorable antics. This series title is cute, but rather didactic and uninspiring. VERDICT Fans of Kayla and Kugel, as well as libraries looking for basic Rosh Hashanah picture books for the youngest readers, may welcome this new addition."—School Library Journal"This book is sixth in the Kayla and Kugel series and it's just as perfect as the others. Kayla and Kugel are preparing for Rosh Hashanah gathering apples, honey, and round challah breaks. Uh oh! Kugel manages to get covered in honey, jump in a pond to wash off and soak Kayla. Kayla tells him tashlich is not today, but tomorrow. Back at home Kugel howls loudly to join Daddy and Kayla's shofar practicing. Kayla shares that the holiday is a time to apologize for our mistakes of the past year, pray for a sweet year, and think about ways to be a better person. All is calm by the time Bubbie and Grandpa arrive to start the New Year.The artwork is bright and cheery, the text is beginner reader friendly with clear large font and simple language. Backmatter includes a glossary, brief information about the holiday and ideas for discussion. This series is great for home, school, or library collections for Purim, Sukkot, Passover, Hanukkah, and Shabbat as well as Rosh Hashanah."—Association of Jewish Libraries"This is Koffsky's sixth 'Kayla and Kugel' book, and it's another holiday winner. Kayla and her frisky dog Kugel highlight Rosh Hashanah symbols like round challah, shofar, apples, and honey and the importance of asking forgiveness during Tashlich. Highly recommend the entire series."—Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle