Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 09/01/2022 The pleasures and importance of taking a break are sagely relayed in this picture book, set “long ago on a farm near Jerusalem.” For six days a week, Simon and his ox, Shoshi, labor in the fields. On the seventh day, both man and animal set down their heavy burdens and observe Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. In Hawkes’ expressive acrylic illustrations, Simon leisurely relaxes under shady fig trees with his grandchildren, and Shoshi enjoys a refreshing repast of sweet hay and cool water. When Simon retires from farming, he sells the young ox to a man who “did not always understand the ways of his Jewish neighbors.” Impatient, unmindful Yohanan works all week, but Shoshi refuses to budge every Shabbat. Initially misbranded as ill, lazy, and stubborn, the clever little ox eventually imparts life-enriching lessons. A detailed author’s note explains the tale’s ancient origins, based on the story of Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta. This warmly delivered message of making time for rest, reflection, and relationships is pertinent and heartening for all. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 10/28/2022 K-Gr 3—The saying "dumb as an ox" does not apply to Shoshi. Many years ago in Jerusalem, Shoshi's first owner, Simon, would use the young ox to pull the plow as he tilled the fields. Simon and Shoshi worked hard six days a week, then rested on the seventh day, the Shabbat. On this day, Simon enjoyed his grandchildren's games and songs, and Shoshi appreciated her fresh hay and clean water while resting in the barn. When Simon grows too old to work the fields, he sells Shoshi to Yohanan, a new arrival who is not Jewish. Yohanan is happy with Shoshi's physical strength and compatible nature for the first six days he works with her, but is puzzled by her refusal to work in the fields on the seventh day. This pattern continues until Yohanan discovers that the ox is wise. There are merits to a day of rest. Based on a traditional Jewish tale, this story celebrates the value of taking a break, connecting with nature, and honoring religious observances. The acrylic paint illustrations depict the climate, architecture, and people of Jerusalem two thousand years ago. The author's note reveals that the story is based on a real person, Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta, and his conversion to the Jewish religion due to a behavior of a young ox who observed the Shabbat. VERDICT This title would be a good addition for any library building the diversity section of their picture book collection, and will be particularly welcomed by those serving Jewish communities.—Lynne Stover - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.