illustrated by Sarita Rich
publisher: Charlesbridge (2026)
Buy This Book
For an autographed copy of any of Lesléa’s books, please send an email directly to her.
Lizzie wants to cheer up her best friend Joshua, whose grandfather has just died. She and her mom walk over to his house where Joshua and his family are sitting shiva, a Jewish custom of mourning. The house is filled with Joshua’s friends and relatives. Everyone wants to comfort the mourners, but Lizzie isn’t sure what to do. Lizzie –and young readers—learn that there are many ways to offer comfort to a friend, including just being there and listening.
Why I wrote this book:
I wrote this book in honor of my beloved Uncle Terry, may his memory always be for a blessing. When he died, I realized that the custom of sitting shiva might be unfamiliar to many young readers, and what better way to learn about it than from a book? Joshua literally takes Lizzie (and the reader) by the hand, and with Queenie the dog leading the way, shows what sitting shiva is all about.
Excerpt
When Mom pulls a pan out of the oven, the whole house smells like a chocolate factory.
“Can I have a brownie?” I ask.
“Sorry, Lizzie,” Mom says. “These are for Joshua’s family. After supper we’re going to pay them a shiva call.”
“A shiver call? Brrrr.” I hunch my shoulders and rub my arms.
Mom smiles, “Not a shiver call, Lizzie. A shiva call. Joshua’s family is sitting shiva for his grandfather. It’s a Jewish custom that takes place after a family member dies.”
“I bet Joshua is really sad,” I say. “Maybe I can cheer him up. Maybe we can finish the puzzle we’ve been working on. Or maybe he can show me a new magic trick.”
“Maybe,” says Mom. “But Joshua might want to just sit quietly. Or he might want to talk about his grandpa.”
Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
“Newman handles the complexity of loss with care and authenticity in an age-appropriate way. Rich’s muted, expressive watercolors are well suited to the gently solemn tone of the story. A sensitive introduction to grief and Jewish mourning rituals.”