This is not a Cholent

Amira loves cholent and is eager to share her Nana’s Iraqi recipe in the “Best Cholent Competition Down Under.” Everyone gasps when Nana takes out a needle and thread and stitches the stuffed chicken, and adds eggs to the stew. “This is not a cholent!” the crowd says. Amira holds Nana’s hand and shuts her eyes when the judges come. “This is not a cholent,” the judges say “..but it’s delicious. What is it? “This IS a cholent,” Amira says. “It’s an Iraqi stew that Nana and I make every Friday.” Everyone agrees it is the best cholent, and the winner of the contest.

Forthcoming with Kar-Ben Publishing, May 7 2024

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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.- Kirkus Reviews
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.- Sydney Taylor Shmooze

Reviews

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.

Interviews

Interview This is Not a Cholent Jewish Books for Kids with Barbara Beitz

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