'In this clever accordian-fold board book, deceptively simple text introduces the three meanings of the Hebrew word "shalom" - hello, goodbye, and peace. As a preschool librarian working with babies through five-year-olds, I am overjoyed with this book, which will work even with the youngest listeners!’

My Completely Unofficial 2024 Sydney Taylor Book Award Shortlist, The Book of Life podcast

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sheep Says Shalom by Ann D. Koffsky is a beautifully written and illustrated book for young ones. The Sheep says, “Shalom” to everyone he comes in contact with. I believe this book would be fun to read in any setting.

NetGalley, Leslie Hartman

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Ann D Koffsky’s Sheep Says Shalom is a lovely, sweet, and short picture book that gently introduces little readers to Hebrew.

This easy-to-read and simple story follows a day in the life of a sweet little sheep who lives on a farm. As Sheep goes through her day, she interacts with her farm animal friends. Her daily activities explore the multiple meanings of the word “Shalom.” The word has three different meanings: hello, goodbye, and peace.

The very short sentences and simple dialogue are kid-friendly with approachable words. The comforting repetition as well as the familiar animal sounds will make this book a fun treat for young readers to read aloud. I also like how this book very gently, simply, and effectively introduces kids to a new language (Hebrew) and Jewish culture.

I absolutely love the super cute and colourful illustrations! I love all the joyfully drawn farm animals. Sheep is so sweet and fuzzy with her happy and friendly face! I love her fun and playful interactions with the other animals: I especially love the cheerful splashing duck and the cat chilling in the tree!



🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑 out of 5 sheep!

NetGalley, Rebecca R

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is a great introduction to the word Shalom! It's simple and straightforward and the illustrations are adorable.

NetGalley, Emily Wolf

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Shalom, sweet, simple book, explaining the three meanings of the Hebrew word: Shalom. Peace, hello, goodbye. Good illustrations, a good addition to the young set.

NetGalley, Abe Carnow

I think it's an excellent starting point for discussion and can also be used with younger ages to review basic vocabulary such as animals, etc.

NetGalley, Ashley Sarvis

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is delightful. The farm animal illustrations are bright and joyful. The repetition and simple text is going to make this a well-loved book. The fact that it also introduces children to the word Shalom is an added bonus. It's the perfect bedtime book.

NetGalley, Erica Lyons

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Great introduction to the concept/word ‘Shalom’ for kids using farm animals and illustrations. Loved it & so did my 5 year old who helps me review children’s books.

NetGalley, Sara Allison

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is so cute! I loved the illustrations. It does a great job of teaching kids what Shalom means, which opens a conversation with their parents about different cultures and language. That’s amazing! I think this book takes a familiar setting and adds a new word to it, which is great.

NetGalley, Marley Banning

Sheep Says Shalom is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces readers to animal sounds and the many meanings of the word "shalom".

NetGalley, Shauna Prudenti

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A very sweet picture book for young children, educational yet simple and easy for young readers. We really need more books like this one.

NetGalley, Shannon Robinson