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Something Sweet

A Sitting Shiva Story

Author Leslea Newman
Illustrated by Sarita Rich
Hardcover
$18.99 US
Charlesbridge
11"W x 8-1/2"H
On sale Mar 24, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9781623545710
Grades K-3
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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.
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
Leslea Newman View titles by Leslea Newman
Sarita Rich View titles by Sarita Rich

About

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.

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
Leslea Newman View titles by Leslea Newman
Sarita Rich View titles by Sarita Rich

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