Review: Sweet Babe!

Sweet Babe! A Jewish Grandma Kvells

written and illustrated by Robin Rosenthal

Tundra Books, 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Arlene Schenker

 

Buy at Bookshop.org

This grandma is over the top in kvelling. She is the biggest kveller ever!

With illustrations that jump off the page and Yiddishisms sprinkled liberally throughout, Robin Rosenthal has captured the joys of Jewish grandmahood in words and pictures. There can’t be enough smooching, cheeks-squishing, or feet-nibbling to satisfy this Bubbe.

 
This is a funny book and a fun read-aloud, as long as the reader is energetic and animated! I loved seeing the baby’s—and the puppy’s—reactions mirroring Bubbie’s outbursts.

I applaud Robin Rosenthal for integrating so much Yiddish into the story. While not as many Bubbies use the colorful language as this Bubbe, Yiddish is having a renaissance in university language departments and elsewhere. 

The story is followed by a Yiddish glossary. But Yiddish aside, I think any grandma reading this book will relate to the overwhelming love this grandma has for her sweet babe.

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN REVIEWING BOOKS FOR THE SYDNEY TAYLOR SHMOOZE? CLICK HERE

 

Reviewer Arlene Schenker has a degree in Child Development from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor from New York University Law School. She has worked as a New York City primary grade teacher, a lawyer, divorce mediator, and a community activist and volunteer. Her debut picture book, CALL ME GEBYANESH, was published by Apples & Honey Press on April 29, 2025.