Something Sweet: A Sitting Shiva Story
Mar 2026 · Charlesbridge Publishing
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1 review
Ebook
32
Pages
About this ebook
From award-winning author Lesléa Newman comes a shiva story about grief and remembrance, Jewish culture and connection, and learning how to support a friend.
Something Sweet is a beautiful and touching picture book for 5 to 8 year-olds that handles the difficult theme of death with grace, humor, and honesty.
Lizzie’s never experienced shiva before. When she and her mom arrive at Joshua’s house, Lizzie is determined to cheer up her friend who is mourning the loss of his grandfather.
But Joshua isn’t in the mood for their usual puzzles or magic tricks. He misses his favorite baking partner. As Lizzie participates in the Jewish customs of shiva, she begins to learn a new meaning of friendship. Maybe all Joshua needs right now is someone to listen.
Something Sweet balances themes of processing grief, experiencing another culture, and learning how to be a good friend—and does so with tender care.
Something Sweet is a beautiful and touching picture book for 5 to 8 year-olds that handles the difficult theme of death with grace, humor, and honesty.
Lizzie’s never experienced shiva before. When she and her mom arrive at Joshua’s house, Lizzie is determined to cheer up her friend who is mourning the loss of his grandfather.
But Joshua isn’t in the mood for their usual puzzles or magic tricks. He misses his favorite baking partner. As Lizzie participates in the Jewish customs of shiva, she begins to learn a new meaning of friendship. Maybe all Joshua needs right now is someone to listen.
Something Sweet balances themes of processing grief, experiencing another culture, and learning how to be a good friend—and does so with tender care.
From award-winning author Lesléa Newman comes a shiva story about grief and remembrance, Jewish culture and connection, and learning how to support a friend.
Something Sweet is a beautiful and touching picture book for 5 to 8 year-olds that handles the difficult theme of death with grace, humor,...
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Ratings and reviews
1 review
Julie Ditton
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May 3, 2026
Something Sweet is a beautiful book about grief and the Jewish tradition of sitting shiva. It is also a story about family, friendship and being there for those who need you. Lesléa Newman has written a story about a young girl who tries to help her friend when his grandfather dies. By using a friend instead of a family member as the main character, the character is as new to these customs as many of the readers. Lizzie realizes that the best way to help her friend is just by being there for him
About the author
Lesléa Newman has written more than 70 books and anthologies, including Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail, winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the National Jewish Book Award. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she now resides in Massachusetts.
Sarita Rich is the illustrator of Havdalah Sky: A Poem for the End of Shabbat; Daddy, Me, and the Magic Hour; and Hypnosis Harry. She is from northern Alaska and currently lives in Hawaii. www.saritarich.com
Sarita Rich is the illustrator of Havdalah Sky: A Poem for the End of Shabbat; Daddy, Me, and the Magic Hour; and Hypnosis Harry. She is from northern Alaska and currently lives in Hawaii. www.saritarich.com
Lesléa Newman has written more than 70 books and anthologies, including Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail, winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the National Jewish Book Award. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she now resides in Massachusetts.
Sarita Rich is the illustrator of Havdalah Sky...
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