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Goodnight Bubbala: A Joyful Parody
This festive parody reimagines a classic bedtime book as a lively Jewish family gathering complete with bubbies and zeydes, a dreidel, and a shmear on a bagel. Includes an exclusive latke recipe by Ina Garten, TV's Barefoot Contessa!
In the small blue room there was a bubbala, and a little shmatta,
and then--oy vey!--came the whole mishpacha!
This zesty parody of one of America's favorite picture books offers a very different bedtime routine: one that is full of family exuberance and love. Instead of whispers of "hush," this bedtime includes dancing and kvelling, and of course, noshing--because this little bunny is a Jewish bunny, and this joyous book celebrates the Jewish values of cherishing your loved ones, expressing gratitude, and being generous.
Filled with Yiddish words, the book includes a phonetic glossary and even an easy latke recipe by beloved cookbook author Ina Garten, who calls the book "brilliant, beautiful, important, and so much fun!"
In the small blue room there was a bubbala, and a little shmatta,
and then--oy vey!--came the whole mishpacha!
This zesty parody of one of America's favorite picture books offers a very different bedtime routine: one that is full of family exuberance and love. Instead of whispers of "hush," this bedtime includes dancing and kvelling, and of course, noshing--because this little bunny is a Jewish bunny, and this joyous book celebrates the Jewish values of cherishing your loved ones, expressing gratitude, and being generous.
Filled with Yiddish words, the book includes a phonetic glossary and even an easy latke recipe by beloved cookbook author Ina Garten, who calls the book "brilliant, beautiful, important, and so much fun!"
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2019
6 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 8, 2025
Cute story book that teaches the Yiddish language as well as tells a story. Easily teaching basic Yiddish to all who read it as well as broadening your knowledge.
I received this ARC copy of Goodnight Bubbala from Penguin Publishing Group - Dial Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Goodnight Bubbala is set for publication October 15, 2019.
I received this ARC copy of Goodnight Bubbala from Penguin Publishing Group - Dial Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Goodnight Bubbala is set for publication October 15, 2019.
August 30, 2021
In the small blue room
There was a bubbala
And a little schmatta
And, then the relatives arrived, including two little bubbies schlepping their hubbies.
And, for a little while, chaos reigns, but don't kvetch - things settle down again for a quiet good night.
This is a pretty cute parody of a title I'm sure you're familiar with, and thankfully, there's a glossary at the back.
There was a bubbala
And a little schmatta
And, then the relatives arrived, including two little bubbies schlepping their hubbies.
And, for a little while, chaos reigns, but don't kvetch - things settle down again for a quiet good night.
This is a pretty cute parody of a title I'm sure you're familiar with, and thankfully, there's a glossary at the back.
April 10, 2021
My Yiddishe mama sent me this adorable book as a surprise gift, and it was so sweet! A fun Jewish parody of Goodnight Moon, set on an evening during Hanukkah with the whole mishpacha coming over to celebrate. So instead of a little toy house and a young mouse, we have little tchotchkes and tzedakah boxes, and instead of a comb and brush and bowl full of mush, we get "one dozen bagels and a pot of kneidels."
(Fun side-note: My mom's name is Nadine, and her family nickname was Kneidela, and growing up (and even as an adult) mine was "the little kneidel." Yes, it means matzo ball, which might seem like an odd pet name, but it's definitely a term of endearment for my people.)
The artwork is really lovely, very bright and almost a collage-style to it, and the characters are all still rabbits, just wearing clothes and glasses (including "old Zeyde, asleep in his suit"). I also liked that it has a glossary at the back of all the Yiddish terms it uses, for any kids who either aren't Jewish or haven't learned much of the language. And it has a latke recipe from Ina Garten, if you are a culinary person. (I am..........not.) I loved this note from the author: "Zesty and expressive, Yiddish phrases such as "Oy! What a schlep!" often involve the hands, and even the heart and soul." ACCURATE.
This is fun and sweet and a great one to read to kids, or yourself!
(Fun side-note: My mom's name is Nadine, and her family nickname was Kneidela, and growing up (and even as an adult) mine was "the little kneidel." Yes, it means matzo ball, which might seem like an odd pet name, but it's definitely a term of endearment for my people.)
The artwork is really lovely, very bright and almost a collage-style to it, and the characters are all still rabbits, just wearing clothes and glasses (including "old Zeyde, asleep in his suit"). I also liked that it has a glossary at the back of all the Yiddish terms it uses, for any kids who either aren't Jewish or haven't learned much of the language. And it has a latke recipe from Ina Garten, if you are a culinary person. (I am..........not.) I loved this note from the author: "Zesty and expressive, Yiddish phrases such as "Oy! What a schlep!" often involve the hands, and even the heart and soul." ACCURATE.
This is fun and sweet and a great one to read to kids, or yourself!
May 9, 2022
not funny and unnecessary.
Read
June 13, 2020We have read this book about 100 times since getting it at the beginning of 2020.
gey shlofn!
gey shlofn!
December 21, 2022
Wow, an absolute masterpiece! A buoyant celebration of Yiddish and Margaret Wise Brown’s most classic literary contribution. The cross-lingual rhymes alone are worth the read, and the detailed illustrations are over the top. Not buying this book would be a shande. 10/10. Would read again. And again… and again.
November 28, 2023
As a big fan of Goodnight Moon, I was hyped to read the Hanukkah version of the book and it did not disappoint! It's so cute and includes language that might be new to some readers. Absolutely love.
November 23, 2019
In the small blue room
There was a bubbala
And a little shmatta
And then, oy vey!, came –
The whole mishpacha!
Anyone who grew up with Margaret Wise Brown’s classic picture book Goodnight Moon, or read it to their own children, will immediately notice the similarities in the newly released picture book by Sheryl Haft and Jill Weber, Goodnight Bubbala (subtitled A Joyful Parody).
Goodnight Bubbala takes the familiar structure and setting of Goodnight Moon and introduces a large, joyous, fun-loving Jewish family. In rather absurd but hilarious fashion, aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents all pile into the bedroom of the little bunny main character, bringing bagels and latkes, a flute, a lute, spinning dreidels and much more.
A riotous party ensues, with the various bunny characters eating, singing, playing, dancing and thoroughly enjoying themselves. The closeness of the family is evident in the many hugs and kisses and smiles.
Unlike Goodnight Moon, this is for the most part not a relaxing bedtime book, and it’s not supposed to be – it is, after all, a parody. However, at the end the party-goers do get tired (“geh schlofn” says one of them, which made me smile because it sounds identical to the Austrian German way of saying “go to sleep”!). The visitors take their leave, allowing the main little bunny to snuggle up in bed in the light of the moon, streaming past a Hannukah menorah.
Goodnight Bubbala is an exuberant celebration of Jewish culture, which can be enjoyed by Jewish and non-Jewish families alike. It’s also a fun way to learn a bit of Yiddish!
The vibrant illustrations bring the party atmosphere and the closeness of the family members to life, while at the same time being very much reminiscent of Goodnight Moon (which was first published in 1947!).
As a bonus: At the end of the book there’s a useful Yiddish-English glossary, a note from the author and even a recipe for easy latkes – yum!
There was a bubbala
And a little shmatta
And then, oy vey!, came –
The whole mishpacha!
Anyone who grew up with Margaret Wise Brown’s classic picture book Goodnight Moon, or read it to their own children, will immediately notice the similarities in the newly released picture book by Sheryl Haft and Jill Weber, Goodnight Bubbala (subtitled A Joyful Parody).
Goodnight Bubbala takes the familiar structure and setting of Goodnight Moon and introduces a large, joyous, fun-loving Jewish family. In rather absurd but hilarious fashion, aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents all pile into the bedroom of the little bunny main character, bringing bagels and latkes, a flute, a lute, spinning dreidels and much more.
A riotous party ensues, with the various bunny characters eating, singing, playing, dancing and thoroughly enjoying themselves. The closeness of the family is evident in the many hugs and kisses and smiles.
Unlike Goodnight Moon, this is for the most part not a relaxing bedtime book, and it’s not supposed to be – it is, after all, a parody. However, at the end the party-goers do get tired (“geh schlofn” says one of them, which made me smile because it sounds identical to the Austrian German way of saying “go to sleep”!). The visitors take their leave, allowing the main little bunny to snuggle up in bed in the light of the moon, streaming past a Hannukah menorah.
Goodnight Bubbala is an exuberant celebration of Jewish culture, which can be enjoyed by Jewish and non-Jewish families alike. It’s also a fun way to learn a bit of Yiddish!
The vibrant illustrations bring the party atmosphere and the closeness of the family members to life, while at the same time being very much reminiscent of Goodnight Moon (which was first published in 1947!).
As a bonus: At the end of the book there’s a useful Yiddish-English glossary, a note from the author and even a recipe for easy latkes – yum!
December 15, 2019
It should come as no surprise that I think books make great presents for Hanukkah, birthdays or as a way of saying, “I’m thinking about you.” That’s because you can find a book suitable for everyone. (Yes, even non-readers might like comic strip books or graphic novels or books of photographs – you get the idea. You just have to be creative.) Below are a few gift ideas that include a picture book, a short story in book format for young (and young at heart) readers, a new encyclopedia that’s definitely for adults and something for the literary scholar.
See the rest of my review at http://www.thereportergroup.org/Artic...
See the rest of my review at http://www.thereportergroup.org/Artic...
November 3, 2019
Although I am not familiar with the Jewish culture, traditions, or community at all.... I kind of loved this. Having the Yiddish glossary in the back was extremely helpful because I was flipping from that to the story and I thought it was a cute book, will give you a couple of chuckles, and I think parents who can relate to this are going to really enjoy it. It would make a really cute baby shower gift or even a fun one for upcoming holidays and celebrations.
December 22, 2019
This is such a delightful and joyful celebration of Jewish culture and an introduction to the Yiddish language. The wonderful Yiddish glossary in the back aids with pronunciation and meaning. This book is great for anyone who wants a new take in the classic Goodnight Moon.
I am so excited to give this book as a gift, and I would definitely recommend it!
I am so excited to give this book as a gift, and I would definitely recommend it!
January 20, 2020
This was a "joyful parody" indeed! I have not had much experience with the Yiddish language so I enjoyed being immersed in it in this book. I also found this book full of life, love, and family-what wonderful things! The recipe at the end is one I will be keeping and I will definitely be sharing this book.
November 9, 2019
What a cute book about loud, large families! We are not Jewish, but I like buying books for my toddler that expose him to other cultures. The glossary in the back was very helpful for both pronunciation and definition of the Yiddish words.
December 13, 2021
Story - sweet, a parody that does an okay job of holding onto its parody status, but also introduces a lot of vocabulary and other storylines 0.5/1
Art - not soft, not scary, but not really my style; points for bunnies 0.5/1
Accuracy - teaches great Yiddish vocabulary (incl. a glossary at the back), no bunnies with toe beans; not necessarily a Chanukah book, but does feature Ashkenazi Chanukah imagery--could easily be an all-the-time bedtime book 1/1
Read-Aloud-Ness - was the original Goodnight Moon this non-rhymey when the reader is expecting rhymey? I feel like I kept anticipating a rhyme and then being thrown a curveball. Adorable otherwise. 0.5/1
X Factor - a Jewish (plus) parody (plus) of a classic book, and it's got bunnies (plus)? 1/1
Total 3.5/5 = 4 stars
--
What do we learn
- families are mostly the same color
- bubbies have hubbies
- binary gender norms of dress without ascribing gender to the characters
- bunnies don't wear kippot, but mice do
- some variations in fatness/thinness
What do we not learn
- what holiday it is...
- that latkes have a different status than bagels & shmear and kneidelach
- what a menorah is and why one's in the window
- why this poor rabbit child is having a family party during bedtime routine, oy vey!
Art - not soft, not scary, but not really my style; points for bunnies 0.5/1
Accuracy - teaches great Yiddish vocabulary (incl. a glossary at the back), no bunnies with toe beans; not necessarily a Chanukah book, but does feature Ashkenazi Chanukah imagery--could easily be an all-the-time bedtime book 1/1
Read-Aloud-Ness - was the original Goodnight Moon this non-rhymey when the reader is expecting rhymey? I feel like I kept anticipating a rhyme and then being thrown a curveball. Adorable otherwise. 0.5/1
X Factor - a Jewish (plus) parody (plus) of a classic book, and it's got bunnies (plus)? 1/1
Total 3.5/5 = 4 stars
--
What do we learn
- families are mostly the same color
- bubbies have hubbies
- binary gender norms of dress without ascribing gender to the characters
- bunnies don't wear kippot, but mice do
- some variations in fatness/thinness
What do we not learn
- what holiday it is...
- that latkes have a different status than bagels & shmear and kneidelach
- what a menorah is and why one's in the window
- why this poor rabbit child is having a family party during bedtime routine, oy vey!
December 26, 2019
Just adorable, and so cleverly written, this parody on Good Night Moon includes so many Yiddish words that the glossary at the end of the story is a welcome surprise. Children will love learning exactly what these words mean if they've heard them before, but aren't exactly sure what they mean. Goodnight Bubbala even includes an Easy Latkes recipe by Ina Garten. This is a must buy for all elementary libraries! The warm acrylic gouache, and colored pencil illustrations give it a collage appearance that brings this delightful story to life.
October 29, 2019
This is such a cute book!!! The illustrations are amazing and there are some hidden yiddish words throughout the story. The glossary is a wonderful resource for readers who are not familiar with Yiddish. I also love that a Latke recipe is in the back of the book. I'm excited to share this story with my patrons!
September 29, 2023
Learn some Yiddish words, if you like, Goodreaders. Or use "Goodnight Bubbala" to simply meet an over-the-top exuberant Jewish family celebrating Hanukkah.
Friendly and festive, this is the largest community of Jewish rabbits I've ever met. Altogether I found this book FIVE STAR delightful.
Thank you, author Sheryl Haft and illustrator Jill Weber. Reading this book I was kvelling.
Friendly and festive, this is the largest community of Jewish rabbits I've ever met. Altogether I found this book FIVE STAR delightful.
Thank you, author Sheryl Haft and illustrator Jill Weber. Reading this book I was kvelling.
October 14, 2021
I really like this book. I think this book presents some fun ideas about family and also Yiddish words. It is also a takeoff from the classic "Goodnight Moon." I like the illustrations, as well. It also touches on Hanukkah traditions.
December 31, 2025
A adorable adaptation of Good Night Moon, but set in a Jewish household. I loved the whimsical and fun illustrations, the details were fantastic and the usage of Yiddish was perfect. I also appreciated the recipe by Ina Garten on the back of the book.
Want to read
July 1, 2019Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
October 4, 2019
A parody with lotsa Yiddish.
October 19, 2019
Absolutely adorable book for all ages! An excellent teaching tool for the Yiddish language. And, a delicious latke recipe by Ina Garten!!!
October 30, 2019
what a cute read! I loved that at the end she lists all of the Yiddish words used and the meanings. Learn something new and fun!
November 2, 2019
4 stars for this delightful book
November 26, 2019
what a cute read! I loved that at the end she lists all of the Yiddish words used and the meanings. Learn something new and fun!
December 6, 2019
Spoiler Alert!!! I found this parody very disappointing. It turns going to sleep into a family party, instead of the calm, quiet, and thoughtful nighttime space conjured up in the original book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2019
Loved all the Yiddish!
December 19, 2019
Great little rhyming book, it is a Yiddish version of Goodnight Moon. Adorable and has a recipe for potato latkes, from Ina Garten, (which is why I had to have it!).
December 26, 2019
3.5 Jewish Goodnight Moon!
December 31, 2019
We got a Hanukkah book for Christmas. I'm going to have to read the glossary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews