Sheep Says Shalom (Hardback)
Imprint: Green Bean Books
Pages: 10
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout
ISBN: 9781784389079
Published: 31st May 2023
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The word ‘shalom’ means three different things: ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘peace’. In this sweet, simple tale, Sheep experiments with this triple meaning as she goes about her day on the farm.
The sun is rising, and we follow Sheep as she stops to say ‘shalom’ ('hello’) to each of her friends: ‘Shalom, Cat’, ‘Shalom, Cow,’ ‘Shalom, Horse’, ‘Shalom, Duck’. ‘Shalom, Sheep’, they all reply!
When the day comes to a close, Sheep realises she can use this same word to say goodbye to all of her friends, as well: ‘Shalom, Cat’, ‘Shalom, Cow,’ ‘Shalom, Horse’, ‘Shalom, Duck’. ‘Shalom, Sheep’, they reply once more!
As she tucks herself into bed that night, Sheep remembers that ‘shalom’ has one more meaning: ‘peace’. And with that, surrounded by the moon and the stars, she falls into a peaceful night’s sleep.
Sheep Says Shalom is a heartwarming story for young readers, introducing them to Hebrew, teaching them about the joys of learning a language and giving them insights into the Jewish faith and culture. Children will be captivated by this foldout board book with colourful illustrations of animals and nature.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Cat Strawberry
Overall this is a very simple but fun looking picture book with pages that fold out which can create extra fun for children looking through it. Although there is not much of an actual story in the book, for those wanting to teach young kids what the word ‘Shalom’ can mean.
'In this clever accordian-fold board book, deceptively simple text introduces the three meanings of the Hebrew word "shalom" - hello, goodbye, and peace. As a preschool librarian working with babies through five-year-olds, I am overjoyed with this book, which will work even with the youngest listeners!’
My Completely Unofficial 2024 Sydney Taylor Book Award Shortlist, The Book of Life podcast
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Leslie Hartman
Sheep Says Shalom by Ann D. Koffsky is a beautifully written and illustrated book for young ones. The Sheep says, “Shalom” to everyone he comes in contact with. I believe this book would be fun to read in any setting.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Rebecca R
Ann D Koffsky’s Sheep Says Shalom is a lovely, sweet, and short picture book that gently introduces little readers to Hebrew.
This easy-to-read and simple story follows a day in the life of a sweet little sheep who lives on a farm. As Sheep goes through her day, she interacts with her farm animal friends. Her daily activities explore the multiple meanings of the word “Shalom.” The word has three different meanings: hello, goodbye, and peace.
The very short sentences and simple dialogue are kid-friendly with approachable words. The comforting repetition as well as the familiar animal sounds will make this book a fun treat for young readers to read aloud. I also like how this book very gently, simply, and effectively introduces kids to a new language (Hebrew) and Jewish culture.
I absolutely love the super cute and colourful illustrations! I love all the joyfully drawn farm animals. Sheep is so sweet and fuzzy with her happy and friendly face! I love her fun and playful interactions with the other animals: I especially love the cheerful splashing duck and the cat chilling in the tree!
🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑 out of 5 sheep!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Emily Wolf
This book is a great introduction to the word Shalom! It's simple and straightforward and the illustrations are adorable.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Abe Carnow
Shalom, sweet, simple book, explaining the three meanings of the Hebrew word: Shalom. Peace, hello, goodbye. Good illustrations, a good addition to the young set.
I think it's an excellent starting point for discussion and can also be used with younger ages to review basic vocabulary such as animals, etc.
NetGalley, Ashley Sarvis
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Erica Lyons
This book is delightful. The farm animal illustrations are bright and joyful. The repetition and simple text is going to make this a well-loved book. The fact that it also introduces children to the word Shalom is an added bonus. It's the perfect bedtime book.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Sara Allison
Great introduction to the concept/word ‘Shalom’ for kids using farm animals and illustrations. Loved it & so did my 5 year old who helps me review children’s books.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Marley Banning
This book is so cute! I loved the illustrations. It does a great job of teaching kids what Shalom means, which opens a conversation with their parents about different cultures and language. That’s amazing! I think this book takes a familiar setting and adds a new word to it, which is great.
Sheep Says Shalom is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces readers to animal sounds and the many meanings of the word "shalom".
NetGalley, Shauna Prudenti
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Shannon Robinson
A very sweet picture book for young children, educational yet simple and easy for young readers. We really need more books like this one.
About Ann Diament Koffsky
Ann Diament Koffsky is the author and illustrator of more than forty books, including What’s in Tuli’s Box?, Under the Sea Seder, Sarah Builds a School, the Kayla and Kugel series, Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor and Shabbat Shalom, Hey. Several of her books have been PJ Library selections, and her book Noah’s Swimathon received a Sydney Taylor notable designation from the Association of Jewish Libraries. Ann lives in West Hempstead, New York, USA, with her family.
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