A CCBC Choices Best of the Year 2026 selection
A heartwarming exploration of the beauty of Shabbat through the wonderfully diverse fabric of Jewish life and experience, for fans of The Proudest Blue and All Are Welcome.
What does Shabbat mean to you?
Is it making a big meal with your relatives on Friday night?
Singing songs on Saturday morning?
Or maybe it’s seeing all your friends after services.
Shabbat can mean different things to different people, even for those who attend the same temple! This timeless story by A. J. Sass explores the countless ways to celebrate the sabbath holiday through the wonderfully diverse fabric of Jewish life and experience.
Available in hardcover and audiobook!
Order: Hachette | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add SHABBAT IS … on Goodreads.
Praise for Shabbat Is …
“This affirming, inclusive story celebrates Shabbat as “unique and beautiful for every person,” a day that is especially lovely when it can be shared with a community.”
—CCBC Choices selection committee
“A picture book that’s as warm as fresh-baked challah…. A lovely affirmation of both individual practice and communal connection.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A uniquely inclusive celebration of the Jewish day of rest. Sass’ flowing text [depicts] a gender nonbinary celebration rarely represented in picture books. Kelner’s thickly outlined artwork has a scribbly, intimate feeling, reinforcing a sense of joy in rituals.”
—Kirkus Reviews