Rising

Written by Sidura Ludwig · Illustrated by Sophia Vincent Guy

A mother and child bond over making challah, embracing patience and tradition.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 232 ratings

40 pages· 389 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In a serene kitchen, a mother and child embark on a weekly ritual of baking challah. As they measure, mix, and knead, they weave a tapestry of patience and tradition. The dough, tucked under a towel like a sleeping baby, rises with anticipation. This quiet moment of creation culminates in a Shabbat gathering, where the bread is shared with loved ones. Through poetic narration and warm illustrations, this story invites readers to savor the beauty of slowing down and cherishing family bonds. Discover the joy of tradition and the simple pleasure of baking together.

From the publisher

An Association of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Honor Book A quiet, joyful story celebrating a Jewish mother’s tradition of making challah with her child merges a lyrical text with stunning illustrations–and includes the author’s favorite recipe. Melt into the nooks and crannies of this book’s unhurried pages, offering a place to rest and a pregnant pause for counting your many blessings–current and imminent! Here, a child and a mother measure, mix, knead, shape, and tuck their dough under a towel like a sleeping baby. Then, as they do every week, they wait while their dough rises, soon to be baked and gratefully shared at a Shabbat gathering with loved ones. Author Sidura Ludwig’s poetic narration captures the experience of a Jewish family as they make challah–a lesson in patience, slowing down, faith, and family. Illustrator Sophia Vincent Guy brings light and warmth to the scene, from a sun-bleached, gossamer curtain to the rising steam from the bread, all rendered in delicate, decorative patterns. Whatever their background, readers will be happy to find the author’s go-to recipe for challah at the end, along with a glossary and an author’s note describing the personal meaning of her family’s weekly ritual.