Kirkus Reviews – This is a charming story about the beauty of honoring one’s culture even in the face of those who don’t understand. Sassoon closes with her own grandmother’s recipe for t’bit, as well as information on Australia’s Jewish population. The lively, colorful illustrations are delightful.
Sydney Taylor Shmooze -The diversity and shared traditions of Jewish heritage and communities are at the heart of the narrative and in the brightly colored, unfussy illustrations. The careful and thoughtful writing makes the story equally accessible to a full range of readers, from religiously observant to secular Jews. It could also serve as a sensitive introduction to Jewish tradition that would broaden the horizons of non-Jewish readers. The storyline offers a sturdy and sensitive model of a child determined to to be true and proud in sharing her family heritage. Amira overcomes her own doubts. Reassured by her grandmother, she succeeds in educating the adults in her community. The story has a well-earned happy ending. This book is gently and authentically educational for children and adult readers of all backgrounds.
Jewish Journal – Jewish Diversity Simmers in New Children’s Picture Book, ‘This Is Not a Cholent
“At a young age, many Jews are exposed to narratives that highlight only half of the Jewish world, and that is why Jewish children’s books that feature Sephardic and Mizrahi stories, characters and settings are so critical. In this vibrant, mostly new landscape of storytelling — with its absence of Eastern European shtetls, predictable Jewish names, and references to matzah ball soup that are common to many Jewish children’s picture books — Sarah Sassoon is leading the way in captivating young readers with stories about the Jews of the Middle East.”
Point of No Return: Jewish Refugees from Arab and Muslim Countries – How a children’s book can challenge Ashkenormativity in the kitchen
This is not a cholent, beautifully illustrated by Viviana Garofoli, has a simple but effective message: the Jewish world is colourful, exotic and different. Already Middle Eastern food has established itself firmly on the Israeli palate. Time to take on the diaspora!
The Jerusalem Post – ‘This Is Not a Cholent’: Stories of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa – review
“The book shows how one can preserve and convey identity through taste, smell, and culinary traditions.
Through the medium of food, she gives voice to family, culture, and tradition and demonstrates how through these senses, one can maintain and preserve continuity despite displacement.
Sassoon, a descendant of Iraqi refugees, was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She explores themes of displacement, migration, and Jewish identity in a book that is enticing to a young audience.
She conveys the Iraqi Jewish narrative by telling the story of Jewish persecution and resilience in a way that inspires young audiences to embrace their heritage and cultural traditions.
Amira, the young protagonist, enters the “best cholent” contest, hoping to highlight her delicious yet different recipe to the other contestants. She is both exuberant about the chance to share her special recipe and hesitant about exposing her “difference.””
