Review: Shabbat in a Nest

Shabbat in a Nest

by Chris Barash, illustrated by Sydney Hanson

PJ Publishing, 2025

Category: Board Books

Reviewer: Sarah Clarke

Shabbat in a Nest is a sweet board book featuring Yanni, a young owlet, as he shares his favorite time of the week: Shabbat. His family gathers, coming from near and far, to light candles, feast, rest, and spend time together. His uncle comes on Friday night for Shabbat dinner. On Saturday, his aunt and cousins come to play. Yanni’s father tells the owlets a story about King Soloman, as Yanni notes that it’s the only time his father has to tell stories. As night falls, the owls look for the first three stars in the night to signal the end of Shabbat. At the end of the night, after the HavdalahcCandle is put out, Yanni’s family fly off into the night. As Yanni falls asleep, he thinks about the upcoming week, and next Shabbat. 

This story is fantastic for young children celebrating Shabbat. The text is clear and concise, and it has a clear perspective that children will be able to identify with. The book makes no note about the medium that is used for the art, but the art does represent the text well, clearly depicting the actions and imagery that is noted in the story. The illustrations are cute and have a very soft palette that makes this book a great bedtime story, or one that is for a relaxing time, such as Shabbat. 

 

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Reviewer Sarah Clarke is the Head of Children’s Services for Great Neck Library, on Long Island, NY. When she’s not working, or reading, she can be found at home with her family (probably still reading).