What do you think?
Rate this book
Not So Fast, Max: A Rosh Hashanah Visit With Grandma
When Max and Emily’s spunky Savta comes from Israel for a Rosh Hashanah visit, she’s got some surprises up her sleeve. Max just wants to hurry up and get started, but he learns that sometimes new traditions can be worth the wait. You can start your own Rosh Hashanah traditions using the delicious recipes included in the book.
- GenresPicture BooksFamily
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 2, 2021
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 11, 2021
When Savta (grandma) visits from Israel, Max and Emily are excited to celebrate Rosh Hashanah together. Max wants to hurry up and make his favorite recipes but Savta has other plans and says, "Not so fast, Max." This story celebrates family traditions and allows for a slower pace and family togetherness. The illustrations are lovely, an recipes and information about the holiday add to the learning and fun. A must for anyone interested in a wonderful, intergenerational holiday story.
December 26, 2020
Each character is appealing in Annette Schottenfeld heartwarming story, Not so Fast Max, a Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma. The children show real and relatable emotions.
Emily “licks her lips” and says she loves dipping apples in honey.” She giggles and jokes as she responds with a cute pun. “A sticky New Year” refers to the stickiness of the honey.
Max is more challenging. He rushes to hurry Savta to get started and would rather dip apples in caramel than the traditional honey. He groans that the steps will take so long. The speech is perfect––just the right length of dialogue that mixes emotion and action. It tells the reader exactly what the journey is. Max groans, sighs, stomps––all part of being an active child.
The grandmother is spunky, visits each Rosh Hashanah from Israel, and drives the children to the orchard. She flies across the ocean, drives a car, and suggests that the children follow her. Savta helps Max put the brakes on, after she hears Max want to make caramel apples, and tells him “Not so Fast Max,” because she has plans. Many of us who have a Max or know a Max are immediately thinking ahead to situations that he may get into. Savta knows her grandchildren and plans ahead to make her visit an enjoyable one.
I loved the way the author handles time. The story begins “Each year when the leaves turned colors.”
There are many fabulous lines. “Gravel crunched under the tires as they drove into the orchard.” Not only do you hear sounds of the gravel, but you feel the car driving on the road.
Hebrew words are used and contextually explained in close proximity to the word even though a glossary is given. First, we learn that the grandmother is going to visit. Then Max addresses his grandmother, “Savta, are we really making caramel apples?” Savta is grandmother in Hebrew.
When Savta suggests picking more, Max suggests tossing more rotten ones. We are led to believe that something else might happen, especially since the children have had a long day, but the next spread reveals a charming gust of leaves circling in the wind and Max and Emily are swept into the enjoyment of the moment. Savta compares the circling of leaves to the way “one end of the year leads into the beginning of the next.”
Emily’s comparison of “around and around” of the leaves to a round challah,” lets us imagine good experiences that can happen when a family goes apple picking.
What we don’t expect is the twist showing how Savta shares her talents. Savta’s praise of Max as a quick learner helps Max feels so good about himself that he allows himself to listen to her tell a story about her childhood and together they make new traditions.
The author includes child friendly backmatter. The holiday of Rosh Hashanah is explained, and two recipes are given to further a child’s enjoyment. I imagine a child reading the book wanting to reread it after making each recipe.
Illustrations by Jennifer Kirkham are precious. Children will look for the bluebird on almost every spread. My favorite shows Max pulling on Savta’s arms to get going and Emily’s hand holding Savta’s hand as though she’s enjoying every moment. The illustrator creates a cozy spot in the orchard where the trio picks apples. The art takes the reader far into the world of apple orchards along with the two children and their grandmother.
A delightful book and a must to every family’s tradition of reading books together. Well done, Annette Schottenfeld and Jennifer Kirkham!
Emily “licks her lips” and says she loves dipping apples in honey.” She giggles and jokes as she responds with a cute pun. “A sticky New Year” refers to the stickiness of the honey.
Max is more challenging. He rushes to hurry Savta to get started and would rather dip apples in caramel than the traditional honey. He groans that the steps will take so long. The speech is perfect––just the right length of dialogue that mixes emotion and action. It tells the reader exactly what the journey is. Max groans, sighs, stomps––all part of being an active child.
The grandmother is spunky, visits each Rosh Hashanah from Israel, and drives the children to the orchard. She flies across the ocean, drives a car, and suggests that the children follow her. Savta helps Max put the brakes on, after she hears Max want to make caramel apples, and tells him “Not so Fast Max,” because she has plans. Many of us who have a Max or know a Max are immediately thinking ahead to situations that he may get into. Savta knows her grandchildren and plans ahead to make her visit an enjoyable one.
I loved the way the author handles time. The story begins “Each year when the leaves turned colors.”
There are many fabulous lines. “Gravel crunched under the tires as they drove into the orchard.” Not only do you hear sounds of the gravel, but you feel the car driving on the road.
Hebrew words are used and contextually explained in close proximity to the word even though a glossary is given. First, we learn that the grandmother is going to visit. Then Max addresses his grandmother, “Savta, are we really making caramel apples?” Savta is grandmother in Hebrew.
When Savta suggests picking more, Max suggests tossing more rotten ones. We are led to believe that something else might happen, especially since the children have had a long day, but the next spread reveals a charming gust of leaves circling in the wind and Max and Emily are swept into the enjoyment of the moment. Savta compares the circling of leaves to the way “one end of the year leads into the beginning of the next.”
Emily’s comparison of “around and around” of the leaves to a round challah,” lets us imagine good experiences that can happen when a family goes apple picking.
What we don’t expect is the twist showing how Savta shares her talents. Savta’s praise of Max as a quick learner helps Max feels so good about himself that he allows himself to listen to her tell a story about her childhood and together they make new traditions.
The author includes child friendly backmatter. The holiday of Rosh Hashanah is explained, and two recipes are given to further a child’s enjoyment. I imagine a child reading the book wanting to reread it after making each recipe.
Illustrations by Jennifer Kirkham are precious. Children will look for the bluebird on almost every spread. My favorite shows Max pulling on Savta’s arms to get going and Emily’s hand holding Savta’s hand as though she’s enjoying every moment. The illustrator creates a cozy spot in the orchard where the trio picks apples. The art takes the reader far into the world of apple orchards along with the two children and their grandmother.
A delightful book and a must to every family’s tradition of reading books together. Well done, Annette Schottenfeld and Jennifer Kirkham!
January 1, 2021
I truly enjoyed reading, "Not So Fast, Max: A Rosh Hashanah Visit With Grandma," a "sweet" new picture book written by Annette Schottenfeld and illustrated by Jennifer Kirkham. This is a warm story that focuses on the value of family and tradition.
When Emily and Max's spirited and loving Savta (Grandma) visits from Israel to celebrate the religious holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the stage is set for family adventure. Savta and the children are eagerly looking forward to making the traditional sweet apple treats together for the holiday. But when Max is a bit impatient and wants to get started right away, Savta cleverly says, "Not so fast, Max." Savta has plans to first take them to an apple orchard to select just the right apples. As the day progresses, Max discovers how special it is to spend time together. Max begins to appreciate the joy of sharing old traditions while starting new ones.
This book presents a wonderful age appropriate introduction to the significance of the Rosh Hashanah holiday and the meaning of some of the holiday's traditions.
What also makes this story special is that while clearly intended for the enjoyment of readers of the Jewish faith, it takes the time and effort to explain the meaning and customs of Rosh Hashanah to readers of other faiths, as well.
I especially loved the symbolism of the circle of leaves representing the end of one year transitioning into the next.
Jennifer Kirkham's charming illustrations beautifully complements the author's lyrical text and sets just the right tone in every illustration.
"Not So Fast, Max: A Rosh Hashanah Visit With Grandma," is a perfect holiday story that will be enjoyed year after year. To continue the fun, the back matter includes a history of Rosh Hashanah, a glossary of Hebrew words and two delicious recipes to help start your own traditions.
This book will definitely hit your "sweet" spot. Kudos to Annette Schottenfeld and Jennifer Kirkham! 5 out of 5 stars.
When Emily and Max's spirited and loving Savta (Grandma) visits from Israel to celebrate the religious holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the stage is set for family adventure. Savta and the children are eagerly looking forward to making the traditional sweet apple treats together for the holiday. But when Max is a bit impatient and wants to get started right away, Savta cleverly says, "Not so fast, Max." Savta has plans to first take them to an apple orchard to select just the right apples. As the day progresses, Max discovers how special it is to spend time together. Max begins to appreciate the joy of sharing old traditions while starting new ones.
This book presents a wonderful age appropriate introduction to the significance of the Rosh Hashanah holiday and the meaning of some of the holiday's traditions.
What also makes this story special is that while clearly intended for the enjoyment of readers of the Jewish faith, it takes the time and effort to explain the meaning and customs of Rosh Hashanah to readers of other faiths, as well.
I especially loved the symbolism of the circle of leaves representing the end of one year transitioning into the next.
Jennifer Kirkham's charming illustrations beautifully complements the author's lyrical text and sets just the right tone in every illustration.
"Not So Fast, Max: A Rosh Hashanah Visit With Grandma," is a perfect holiday story that will be enjoyed year after year. To continue the fun, the back matter includes a history of Rosh Hashanah, a glossary of Hebrew words and two delicious recipes to help start your own traditions.
This book will definitely hit your "sweet" spot. Kudos to Annette Schottenfeld and Jennifer Kirkham! 5 out of 5 stars.
January 24, 2021
In "Not So Fast, Max," author Annette Schottenfeld does an incredible job of taking readers along the journey of Max and Emily as they learn about Rosh Hashanah traditions! When their Savta from Israel comes to visit, Max is eager to make caramel apples with her. Upon visiting the orchard to gather their important ingredients, readers are drawn in, just as Max and Emily were, as they learn about their Savta's Rosh Hashanah traditions and hear incredible childhood stories from her past. From the special relationship portrayed between Savta and her grandchildren, to the wonderful lessons spread throughout the story (patience, importance of family, tradition), Annette wrote a book that all children and their families will be able to enjoy together. As a 4th grade teacher, I know my students will absolutely fall in love with and relate to Max and Emily as they go on a journey to learn about their culture. I am SO excited to read this book to them, so we can share the magic together! (I am also so excited to try the incredible recipes at the end of the book! Such a fun and interactive way to continue to share the joy of Max and Emily's adventure!)
February 24, 2021
Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish New Year. In 2021, the celebration will take place September 6-8. Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish religion celebrating hope and renewal. Apples are often chosen as a food of choice for celebrations.
When Max and Emily’s grandma comes to visit from Israel to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Max just wants to get to the fun part of making the caramel apples. But Grandma has other plans first.
While Max and Emily gather apples at the orchard, Grandma is able to work on other lessons about their faith and culture as well as memories from her own childhood. Finally, Max and Emily choose their own memorable traditions to celebrate with their family.
The illustrations invoke the fun of fall including beautifully colored trees and the fun of an apple orchard. Max’s expressive reactions during his time with his grandma and sister change from frustration to joy and kids will be able to pick that up.
The end of the book includes an explanation of Rosh Hashanah, some Hebrew words, and recipes for Apple Cake and Caramel Apples. Even families who don’t celebrate Rosh Hashanah will enjoy creating these recipes in the fall or any time of year.
When Max and Emily’s grandma comes to visit from Israel to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Max just wants to get to the fun part of making the caramel apples. But Grandma has other plans first.
While Max and Emily gather apples at the orchard, Grandma is able to work on other lessons about their faith and culture as well as memories from her own childhood. Finally, Max and Emily choose their own memorable traditions to celebrate with their family.
The illustrations invoke the fun of fall including beautifully colored trees and the fun of an apple orchard. Max’s expressive reactions during his time with his grandma and sister change from frustration to joy and kids will be able to pick that up.
The end of the book includes an explanation of Rosh Hashanah, some Hebrew words, and recipes for Apple Cake and Caramel Apples. Even families who don’t celebrate Rosh Hashanah will enjoy creating these recipes in the fall or any time of year.
January 19, 2021
Annette Schottenfeld utilizes Rosh Hashana to make memories take center stage and illustrator Jennifer Kirkham brings them to life. When Max and Emily's grandma visits for Rosh Hashana, she wants to start a new tradition of making caramel apples with her grandchildren. Max is in a hurry to get to the sugary treat, but Grandma is not rushing this event. Instead, they take a long drive to pick the apples themselves rather than using store-bought apples. Max gets impatient until he starts learning new things about his grandmother who lives far away in Israel. Woven into the story are details about Rosh Hashana, but the message is to make memories with those that you love. Our holidays do some of that for us, but sometimes it helps to actively build a new tradition. That way, when a loved one is no longer with us, or if we can't celebrate with someone during a given year, the memories bring those experiences back to us and we are keep the person's spirit with us. This is a very sweet book with a message that many will understand.
January 18, 2021
Annette Schottenfeld has written a truly magical book for both children and adults. In Not So Fast, Max, Emily and Max spend time with their Savta who is visiting from Israel as she takes them apple picking to prepare for the Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah. The book explores the special relationships between a grandmother and her grandchildren (however impatient they may be!), while teaching the readers about Rosh Hashanah. Best of all, the book doesn't have to end when the story does! The recipes that Max and Emily bake with Savta are included so that children and adults can continue their discussion about the book over these unique recipes that they just read about.
As an elementary school teacher, I am so excited to read this book to my class when we learn about different holidays!
As an elementary school teacher, I am so excited to read this book to my class when we learn about different holidays!
December 21, 2020
Not So Fast, Max A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma by Annette Schottenfeld portrays a fun blend of old and new holiday traditions shared by different generations. When Max and Emily’s hip Savta visits from Israel and takes the kids to an orchard, impatient Max and eager Emily have different ideas about how the day should go. Colored with a beautiful autumn palette by illustrator Jennifer Kirkham, the kids discuss the cornerstones of Rosh Hashanah such as apples and honey and shofar blowing as they make their way through the orchard. Max and Emily learn more about their Savta and the history and traditions they ultimately choose to embrace and make their own. This sweet story depicts the love between the family, and the valuable lesson that it’s important to take the time to listen to one another and be open to learning new things. Not So Fast, Max A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma will surely become a favorite book for readers of all ages. A bonus recipe and holiday section is a welcome end cap to this wonderful story.
January 27, 2021
Rosh Hashanah is just around the corner. When Max and Emily’s grandmother comes to visit they are excited and Max is in a hurry to get started making caramel apples. Grandma has planned an adventure to pick apples, but Max is impatient during the long drive to the orchard. Picking the apples takes time and care, again Max is impatient. When Grandma tells the children of her family traditions when she was a child do you think Max will realize that patience is required when starting new traditions?
Parents and teachers will love sharing this story of family and traditions in Jewish culture. This book can also be used as a tool to teach patience and mindfulness. Colorful illustrations depict the characters as a family.
Parents and teachers will love sharing this story of family and traditions in Jewish culture. This book can also be used as a tool to teach patience and mindfulness. Colorful illustrations depict the characters as a family.
March 3, 2021
I liked this book a lot. It gave me a peak into what it’s like to be Jewish and to celebrate Rosh Hashana. I would have bought it when I was still teaching because it lets kids peek in . . . using food, and traditions!
Savta, or Grandma, is visiting from Israel. She takes Max and his sister to the apple orchard. Max wants his apples now, but Savta persists in dragging her grandchildren through her favorite traditions. Max persists in trying to hurry things up. Don’t worry! There’s a happy ending, plus back matter! It includes how to celebrate Rosh Hashana and learn a little Hebrew, how to make apple cake and caramel apples. Sounds YUMMY to me!
Savta, or Grandma, is visiting from Israel. She takes Max and his sister to the apple orchard. Max wants his apples now, but Savta persists in dragging her grandchildren through her favorite traditions. Max persists in trying to hurry things up. Don’t worry! There’s a happy ending, plus back matter! It includes how to celebrate Rosh Hashana and learn a little Hebrew, how to make apple cake and caramel apples. Sounds YUMMY to me!
December 22, 2020
Annette Schottenfeld has written a delightful book that reminds us of the importance of family traditions. While at the same time learning about another culture and how two cultures can compliment each other. The importance of patience is shown throughout the book with the way that Grandma loving replies to Max's requests of are we done yet. The book is filled with fun that the characters share together. Annette's lyrical language and authentic dialogue moves the story along. Jennifer Kirkham's illustrations are colourful, fun and emotive. I love the end papers and there are some great recipes at the end of the book. Well done Annette and Jennifer.
January 15, 2021
Max and Emily's grandma visits from Israel and boy-oh-boy are they ready to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. But before they step into the kitchen to make the holiday treats, Savta (grandma) has an adventure planned for the three of them. Max is anything but eager for an adventure. He is only eager to get down to cooking. A relatable, and heartwarming story of love and tradition, and the pleasant perks that can come with waiting. A yummy story with great recipes to try too.
February 24, 2021
Not So Fast, Max is a lovely story about traditions, both old and new. Max and Emily’s savta (Hebrew for grandmother) arrives from Israel to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, with her grandchildren. On a trip to an apple orchard, Max and Emily learn more about their fun grandmother, including some of her childhood traditions for Rosh Hashanah. I love that Savta is youthful, fun, and energetic. Also, there are several recipes at the end that readers will love making with their children.
March 28, 2021
When Max and Emily' grandmother visits from Israel, she has something special planned. Max, however, has other ideas and begrudgingly comes along. But as they pick apples and learn about grandma's childhood, Max comes to appreciate the traditions that are a part of their family.
This lovely story shares Jewish family traditions and a warm and loving intergenerational relationship between children and the grandmother.
The celebration of Rosh Hashanah is woven through the story along with Hebrew words in this lively and well-written picture book.
Recipes for Max’s Caramel Apples and Savta’s Apple Cake are included in the book. (I made the cake - it's delicious.)
This lovely story shares Jewish family traditions and a warm and loving intergenerational relationship between children and the grandmother.
The celebration of Rosh Hashanah is woven through the story along with Hebrew words in this lively and well-written picture book.
Recipes for Max’s Caramel Apples and Savta’s Apple Cake are included in the book. (I made the cake - it's delicious.)
January 12, 2021
Heartwarming intergenerational story! Max is impatient to make caramel apples with his sister and their grandma (Savta) who's visiting from Israel. But waiting means a fun-filled trip to the orchard where Max witnesses Savta's unexpected talents and learns more about her childhood. I loved learning about this family's Rosh Hashanah traditions and readers can learn more, including some Hebrew vocabulary, in the fabulous back matter. And don't miss the apple recipes; I can't wait to bake Savta's Apple Cake -- yum!
January 26, 2021
I love everything about this book. It would be great for storytime, and it is a lovely story about family, patience, tradition, and Rosh Hashanah. The recipes and explanations at the back are perfect additions, too.
March 1, 2021
Poor Max, he has to keep waiting! All he wants to do is make caramel apples. And yet, in this lovely family story about time and tradition, Max learns more about his savta (the Hebrew word for grandmother), his family’s tradition, and even has a little fun. At last, when they return from the orchard, he doesn’t have to wait any longer.
January 5, 2021
I really enjoyed reading "Not so Fast, Max," and learning more about the Rosh Hashanah traditions. A well-paced book, the story takes you on a lovely journey to collect the perfect ingredients for a traditional celebratory meal. Interwoven throughout are the juicy tidbits which inform the audience all about the Jewish New Year (and without being didactic!) Max's Grandma is so sweet in her actions & conversation, and kids will definitely relate to Max's eagerness/impatience! And the book ends with a lovely surprise that any foodie will appreciate!
December 31, 2020
I like books that highlight intergenerational relationships. This one is particularly endearing and just as charming for the adult reader as the child.
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
September 3, 2021
T really connected with Max. In a hurry to eat treats? Check. Grandmother who visits from out of town? Check. Has gone apple picking with grandmother from out of town? Check. T also commented on the caramel apples Max makes and pointed out that he is interested in Max's recipe (included in back matter). We have some dessert plans now!
In Not So Fast, Max, the titular Max and his sister are excited for their grandmother's annual visit from Israel. She has come to celebrate Rosh Hashanah stateside, but the focus is more on time spent together picking apples than the holiday itself. This is no jump-on-a-holiday-bandwagon book, but rather a story about intergenerational connections, the beauty of New England in the fall, and the joy of a journey. Yes, Rosh Hashanah is in the subtitle and is the impetus for the grandmother's visit, but the characters' religion is only one aspect of the story. In a nutshell, the plot is the process of making caramel apples, beginning with a trip to the local orchard. Mr. In-a-hurry-Max's relationship with his grandmother grows during the time they spend picking apples and preparing the caramel apples, and he finds out that he can enjoy the process and not just the product.
This would have been ideal for T to read with his Grammy before they baked cookies when she visited – I wish I'd thought of this last week. It's a good book in its own right, and a great book to coincide with a grandparent visit, a trip to the orchard, or the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. Back matter includes the caramel apple recipe, the grandmother's apple cake recipe, an explanation of Rosh Hashanah, and a glossary of Hebrew words with a pronunciation guide.
When shopping for holiday books – I should say holy day – I've found so many along the lines of "Willy Wombat Waits for Santa" or "Millie Mouse Finds the Matzoh" where the depicted celebrations have become so far removed from the religious observance that I must question the aim in publishing it. I am really pleased, therefore, with the new Jewish publishing house, Kalaniot Books; their books feature characters whose religion is not necessarily a focal point, but certainly a vital aspect to their lives. Kalaniot's mission is "sharing the rich mosaic of Jewish culture and history with children." We've reviewed several books from this publisher and been pleased with each. Everyone agrees on the importance of seeing one's race, gender, and abilities reflected; I think it is no less important for children of faiths to see characters of faith. That's part of why this Catholic mom seeks out books with humans observing religious holidays.
In Not So Fast, Max, the titular Max and his sister are excited for their grandmother's annual visit from Israel. She has come to celebrate Rosh Hashanah stateside, but the focus is more on time spent together picking apples than the holiday itself. This is no jump-on-a-holiday-bandwagon book, but rather a story about intergenerational connections, the beauty of New England in the fall, and the joy of a journey. Yes, Rosh Hashanah is in the subtitle and is the impetus for the grandmother's visit, but the characters' religion is only one aspect of the story. In a nutshell, the plot is the process of making caramel apples, beginning with a trip to the local orchard. Mr. In-a-hurry-Max's relationship with his grandmother grows during the time they spend picking apples and preparing the caramel apples, and he finds out that he can enjoy the process and not just the product.
This would have been ideal for T to read with his Grammy before they baked cookies when she visited – I wish I'd thought of this last week. It's a good book in its own right, and a great book to coincide with a grandparent visit, a trip to the orchard, or the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. Back matter includes the caramel apple recipe, the grandmother's apple cake recipe, an explanation of Rosh Hashanah, and a glossary of Hebrew words with a pronunciation guide.
When shopping for holiday books – I should say holy day – I've found so many along the lines of "Willy Wombat Waits for Santa" or "Millie Mouse Finds the Matzoh" where the depicted celebrations have become so far removed from the religious observance that I must question the aim in publishing it. I am really pleased, therefore, with the new Jewish publishing house, Kalaniot Books; their books feature characters whose religion is not necessarily a focal point, but certainly a vital aspect to their lives. Kalaniot's mission is "sharing the rich mosaic of Jewish culture and history with children." We've reviewed several books from this publisher and been pleased with each. Everyone agrees on the importance of seeing one's race, gender, and abilities reflected; I think it is no less important for children of faiths to see characters of faith. That's part of why this Catholic mom seeks out books with humans observing religious holidays.
August 4, 2021
I loved it! Every word, every illustration took me on a journey that I didn't get to make with a grandparent, but a journey I've taken with my kids —apple picking for Rosh Hashanah, baking yummy treats for the holiday, spending time together talking about the meaning of this special time of year. This picture book touched me deeply.
When Safta (Hebrew for Grandma) comes to visit Max and Emily for the Jewish holidays, she knows just what to do to make their time together special, fun, and meaningful. The simple but touching prose coupled with bright, lively illustrations draw readers in. This picture book is the perfect segue to talk about your own traditions. Recipes are included, which is another way to engage children. Highly recommend. It's a winner!
When Safta (Hebrew for Grandma) comes to visit Max and Emily for the Jewish holidays, she knows just what to do to make their time together special, fun, and meaningful. The simple but touching prose coupled with bright, lively illustrations draw readers in. This picture book is the perfect segue to talk about your own traditions. Recipes are included, which is another way to engage children. Highly recommend. It's a winner!
September 16, 2021
Annette Schottenfeld's Rosh Hashanah tale is adorable for families to enjoy and for teachers to read aloud to their classes. The story is fast paced and fun. Grandma, Max and Emily celebrate the New Year by going apple picking together. The illustrations of the fall scenery are bright and inviting. Max, is impatient, but Grandma keeps him occupied as they pick apples, which will later be baked in a pie and made into caramel apples to have a sweet New Year. The back matter of the book features recipes and a guide to some of the Hebrew words used in the text. The book is fast paced and will have kids following along as they relate to Max's adventure. Highly recommend.
July 21, 2021
Not So Fast Max is a warm and cozy read for the Rosh Hashanah holiday. I love how the author incorporates the cycle of the new year with nature's season, and the love of traditions that are passed down from one generation to the next. It's a sweet story to include for the holiday - as sweet as Max's dipped caramel apples!
September 8, 2021
Heart warming story about tradition and the rewards of patience. Very colorful and engaging illustrations. Love the easy recipes too!
September 30, 2024
Every year Max's grandma comes to visit during Rosh Hashanah. This year, she has special plans. The Jewish new year is often celebrated with apples and honey or other apple treats that symbolize the start of a sweet new Year. Savta has promised Max and Emily that they are all going to make caramel apples together. But first they travel to an orchard to pick their own apples. Max is impatient, but soon he learns that Savta has a few surprising skills. As the day progresses, his attitude changes and they have a lot of fun together. This book may take place at Rosh Hashanah, but the story is really about enjoying family activities and making memories. The afterward talks about Rosh Hashanah and includes recipes for caramel apples and apple cake, thus providing two activities for the family to do together.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews