Koala Challah

August 14, 2017
Lila, a little koala, sees how her older sisters get to show off their eucalyptus-themed Shabbat specialties (Rachel makes eucalyptus oil candles, Naomi makes eucalyptus wine) and yearns to be part of the preparations. But as Mommy gently but firmly explains, her helpfulness can be a hindrance: “Every week we hurry to get ready for Shabbat, and every week you make a mess.” When Lila asks if she can make the challah, Mommy acquiesces—as long as Lila practices all week. Gehl (the Peep and Egg series) sensitively and subtly taps into children’s need to feel capable and appreciated, while reinforcing the importance of grit and high personal standards (Lila decides that her challah must be “better than fine” and adds eucalyptus flavoring). Mola’s detailed floral backgrounds and dense colors can muddy the pictures’ focus and action, but her characters have a winning earnestness, and Lila’s steely determination to prove she can make a contribution shines through her adorable, furry expressions. Ages 4–9. Author’s agent: Erzsi Deak, Hen & Ink Literary. Illustrator’s agency: T2 Children’s Illustrators.

August 1, 2017
Set in Australia, this take on baking a traditional Jewish food focuses on a family of koalas.Little sister Lila is eager to help her koala family prepare for the Friday night Shabbat celebration, but her efforts are more messy than useful. "Koala bears love eucalyptus!" and so Lila tries to make eucalyptus candles, unsuccessfully. Her attempts to make wine with eucalyptus leave a messy kitchen, as does her craft project to adorn the dinner table. Finally, Lila gets permission to bake a challah, the traditional braided egg bread served for the Sabbath, provided she practices. Each night, starting on Sunday, she bakes but puts in too much or too little from the ingredient list. On Friday, she finally succeeds in baking a delicious bread with the addition of that very special koala favorite, and the family sits down to a wonderful holiday dinner. Lila's father wears a kippah on his head, showing that they are observant. Both families who hold Sabbath dinners and those who do not will enjoy Lila's efforts to contribute. Placing the story in an unusual setting should lead to discussions about variations in food preparation and long-cherished customs. Mola's colorful, full-bleed illustrations fill in some of the details of the recipe not in the text and add to the enjoyment. Warm-spirited family holiday togetherness. (Picture book. 3-6)

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January 1, 2018
Youngest child Lila tries to help her koala family prepare for Shabbat, but she keeps making a mess. Finally, she offers to make the challah; she practices all week, and after several failed attempts, Lila bakes a delicious challah with a special koala-perfect ingredient: eucalyptus. Gehl's story offers a unique perspective on a weekly ritual, and Mola's textured illustrations reinforce the warm, supportive family environment.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)