Any book starring a dinosaur is likely to be a hit with three- and four-year-olds. So a Jewish dinosaur? Even better. Dinosaur on Shabbat introduces some of the basics of Shabbat observance in a funny rhyming story that’s great to read aloud.
Dino arrives, dressed up for Friday night dinner and licking his lips in anticipation of the delicious meal to come. But Shabbat doesn’t run so smoothly with Dino around: he spills the wine at Kiddush, falls asleep in shul and sneezes on the Havdalah box. The comic elements of the text are reflected in humorous, kid-friendly illustrations. The klutzy dinosaur is a stand-in for a real-life toddler, and young readers get to see themselves in the role of the dinosaur’s knowledgeable “older sibling”. But it’s not just humour here. Beneath the slapstick there is a sense of family togetherness that makes the Shabbat rituals very appealing, and this warm atmosphere is sure to inspire children to celebrate Shabbat eagerly in their own home.
June 18, 2018