Vampires Don't Observe Shabbos

by Michelle Franklin, Jonathan Burrello (Illustrator)

Vampires don’t observe Shabbos, but they do make excellent dinner guests. They have to be invited into the house, but they know bring the wine for kiddush and leave their ghouls outside during zmirot.

A funny and informative book about Shabbos, the Jewish day of rest.

Written by author and nice girl Michelle Franklin. Illustrated by the ghoulish Jonathan Burrello.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires

27 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2023

Reviews

[Rebecca Crunden]

The word Shabbat means ‘rest’ in Hebrew, and on Shabbos, Jewish people take a break from all forms of work. Vampires don’t need a day of rest, because they’re general layabouts who rest ninety percent of the time. They aren’t tired; it’s just that their coffins are simply far too comfy.

Once again Michelle Franklin is amazing. Once again I am in awe of Jonathan Burrello’s artwork. I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO GIVE ALL THESE CREATURES A HUG. AND BUBBEH YENTA. MUSN’T FORGET DEAR BUBBEH.

We have Schmuley the ghoulie. Guys. Schmuley the ghoulie. Like, c’mon. I dare you to come up with something cuter. Schmuley. The. Ghoulie. ^---^ Also, the vampire staring at the candles might be the most adorablest drawing of all time.

And shout out to the werewolf cameos! You know, from her other adorable book Werewolves Don’t Celebrate Hanukkah.

Despite Bubbeh Yenta’s contributions to the sport, vampires are still the standing champions of naps, because when they say ‘just five more minutes’, they really mean ‘just five more centuries’.

I really don’t think I can emphasise enough how much adore these sweet little books. Like I’ve always really wanted Jewish children’s books and there were never enough of them when I was growing up. Seeing this series continue with every new volume to shine a light on Jewish traditions and holidays in such a fun, colour, wholesome way just makes my heart full.

Lightbulbs lack the pizzazz and danger of natural light sources, and therefore lamps are cowards.

They’re also really, really funny.

Truly, I am recommending these books to everyone.

Thank you to the author for a review copy!

My review of Werewolves Don’t Celebrate Hanukkah is here.
My review of The Orc Who Saved Christmas is here.
My review of Gryphons Don’t Celebrate Shavuot is here.
My review of Dragons Don’t Celebrate Passover is here.

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[Julie]

This is a cute illustrated kids’ book that I picked up at my local indie book store. It’s by a local author, and I got a signed copy. Apparently there’s a whole series of these books, including Werewolves Don't Celebrate Hanukkah and Dragons Don't Celebrate Passover. I read through the whole thing in 20 minutes. It appeals to a very particular audience: geeky Jews. You really need to be both of those things to appreciate this book. Some of the Jewish terms and traditions were esoteric even for me, and I went to Jewish private school for 12 years. That said, it’s very cute, and if you do happen to know a child in that very niche demographic, it’s worth picking up for them.

[Lucy DeRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A copy of this book was sent to me in return for an honest review~

I always really enjoy reading these books! Each book in this series uses fantasy creatures and humour to introduce a Jewish topic. They are quick reads filled with cute funny pictures throughout. I love finding out more about each event. For this book, it was Shabbos. We learn about when it is, how long it is for, what Jews do during it (and what they can't do).

This book was so fascinating and a really good experience. I learnt more and I had a fun time reading.

I highly recommend all of the books in this series!