Review: Anyada Buena, Shanah Tovah

Anyada Buena, Shanah Tovah

by Sarah Aroeste, illustrated by Maria Mola

Kar-Ben Publishing (imprint of Lerner), 2025

Category: Board Books

Reviewer: Lauren Kasiarz

 

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With rhyming text, this Rosh Hashanah board book softly welcomes in the Jewish new year and walks young readers through Sephardic new year traditions, such as the blessing over eight symbolic foods. Readers also learn how to say happy new year in both Ladino and Hebrew with the refrain “anyada buena, shanah tovah”. The story concludes with the family coming together to celebrate the new year.

For ages one to four, Anyada Buena, Shanah Tovah honors accessible Rosh Hashanah traditions that young readers can participate in such as blowing (or listening to) the shofar, eating apples dipped in honey, and having a round challah. Maria Mola’s illustrations are youthful with muted, warm tones that are reminiscent of the autumn season during which Rosh Hashanah occurs. Readers may also scan the QR code on the back of the book to watch a music video of the song "Anyada Buena" performed by author and musician, Sarah Aroeste.

Anyada Buena, Shanah Tovah is a sweet ode to Sephardic Jewish Rosh Hashanah experiences for young readers. Featuring key elements of Rosh Hashanah such as the shofar, kiddush cup, apples and honey, challah, and the eight symbolic foods, this book will be a great addition to synagogues and Jewish preschools looking to expand their collection of diverse holiday stories. 

Editor's Note: This book was named to the Fall 2025 Holiday Highlights list by the Association of Jewish Libraries. 

 

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Reviewer Lauren Kasiarz is a writer who celebrates diverse representation in Jewish kidlit on her Instagram page @diversejewishbooks. She’s been published in Kveller, is a #PBParty 2025 Finalist, and was selected to participate in the PJ Library Picture Book Summer Camp at the Highlights Foundation.