The narrator's Uncle Jake practices blowing the shofar - the ram's horn used during the Jewish High Holy Days - in this simple holiday picture-book intended for younger, preschool children. The narrative describes one family's observance of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), while a very brief author's note at the rear gives more information...

Apparently the family in Sound the Shofar!: A Story for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur has also appeared in Leslie Kimmelman's Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights and Hooray! It's Passover, neither of which I have read to date. Although I wouldn't describe it as particularly strong, in the storytelling department, I do think this book would work very well as a basic introduction to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for younger children. The accompanying artwork by John Himmelman is cute, although (like the text) not particularly noteworthy. Recommended to those seeking simple picture-books about the Jewish High Holy Days. ( )

Almost makes me want to be Jewish – the two holidays of their New Year are celebrated with delightful traditions. This is a short & simple explanation, with iconographic drawings of a modern Jewish community. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing special.
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This book reminds me of something kids would be taught in Jewish Sunday School. I like this book for a few different reasons. The first reason is that it helps students understand about the holiday and Jewish tradition. Second is that each illustration matches perfectly with the writing on the page. You are able to see what the author is explaining and talking about. I think the main message in this book is to teach students about a Jewish holiday and different traditions taken place. ( )

This book was very informational in a child friendly way which is one of the reasons why I liked it. Coincidentally, I read this book on Rash Hashanah! It taught me some Jewish phrases/words and holidays. One phrase I learned was "Shanah Tovah" which means, "may it be a good and sweet year." I also got to learn about the Jewish culture. For example, Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New year. This book is helpful because it sheds insight to what the Jewish culture does. Another example is Yom Kippur which was explain as, "Grown-ups don't eat at all, and we kids only a little" and also, "We spend the day praying and thinking." The illustrations inhance the book because it shows different foods, places, people, and instrument used during these holidays. For example, it shows challah (bread), synagague (place of worship), a rabbi, and the shofar. I enjoyed learning about the Jewish culture especially during the actual time of their holidays! ( )

This is a good primary informational narrative about The Day of Awe, the days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur. It covers the holiday traditions that are common and what the purpose of the holiday is. It's a good book for reading aloud to an auience that only needs the basics to understand the purpose of the holiday. ( )