Review by Booklist Review
The pleasures and importance of taking a break are sagely relayed in this picture book, set "long ago on a farm near Jerusalem." For six days a week, Simon and his ox, Shoshi, labor in the fields. On the seventh day, both man and animal set down their heavy burdens and observe Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. In Hawkes' expressive acrylic illustrations, Simon leisurely relaxes under shady fig trees with his grandchildren, and Shoshi enjoys a refreshing repast of sweet hay and cool water. When Simon retires from farming, he sells the young ox to a man who "did not always understand the ways of his Jewish neighbors." Impatient, unmindful Yohanan works all week, but Shoshi refuses to budge every Shabbat. Initially misbranded as ill, lazy, and stubborn, the clever little ox eventually imparts life-enriching lessons. A detailed author's note explains the tale's ancient origins, based on the story of Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta. This warmly delivered message of making time for rest, reflection, and relationships is pertinent and heartening for all.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In fields near Jerusalem, a winsome brown and white ox named Shoshi works hard six days a week for her Jewish human, Simon. On the seventh day, Shabbat, she rests along with Simon's family, all portrayed with brown skin, eating sweet hay and playing hide-and-seek with his grandchildren. Eventually, Simon grows too old to guide the plow, and he sells Shoshi to recent arrival Yohanan, who "did not always understand the ways of his Jewish neighbors." Shoshi's refusal to work on the seventh day ("She tossed her head to the left. She stamped her feet"), perplexes and angers Yohanan, until, seeing Simon walking on the Sabbath, he realizes, "I am a clever man... Yet I work seven days a week, with no day to rest, no day to give thanks. Perhaps Shoshi is the clever one." Openhearted directness from Yacowitz (I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel) and visually playful acrylic art by Hawkes (There's a Dodo on the Wedding Cake) make a lovely match, as in one spread that affirms Shoshi's work ethic by showing her dutifully ploughing Yohanan's fields as if circling a clock ("Shoshi plowed for six days. Yohanan was pleased"). Based on Torah commentary, this pensive picture book is a welcome reminder of the importance of pausing to practice gratitude. Ages 4--8. (Oct.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Shabbat is always a welcome day of rest. Farmer Simon and his ox, Shoshi, plow his land in the hills near Jerusalem for six days every week. Shabbat is a day to put work aside and take time for quiet pleasures with his grandchildren; it's also a day of rest for Shoshi, who is rewarded with fresh hay and cool water. When Simon decides that he is too old to continue working his farm, he sells his ox to Yohanan, a recent arrival who does not understand his Jewish neighbors' traditions. Shoshi works tirelessly with Yohanan for six days but each Shabbat refuses to move. Yohanan wonders if the ox is stubborn, lazy, or ill. But when he sees his children playing with Shoshi and notices Simon with his prayer shawl, he realizes that clever Shoshi knows that Shabbat means no work. So Yohanan embraces the tradition and makes Shabbat his day of rest, too. In an author's note, Yacowitz states that the book is based on Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta, "a beloved teacher who lived in Israel almost two thousand years ago, when the Romans ruled the Holy Land" and who, according to lore, converted to Judaism after buying a cow from a Jewish farmer. The author employs simple, accessible language that roots the story in time and place, with believable, sympathetic characters. Hawkes' detailed acrylic depictions of Shoshi's and the brown-skinned humans' facial and body expressions are humorous and thoroughly delightful. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A lovely evocation of Shabbat traditions. (author's note) (Religious picture book. 4-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
