Sitting Shiva

There are many different ways to mourn. Humans do it, even animals mourn the loss of a pack member. We all mourn death in different ways. In Sitting Shiva, Erin Silver and Michelle Theodore explore the Jewish mourning process called shiva.

Dad and his daughter prepare the house for shiva. It’s not a time to be alone except that’s all the little girl wants, that and her mother back. Relatives, friends and neighbours arrive with casseroles, trays and bakery boxes, there is so much food. It’s still okay if they need a little bit of time to themselves.

Erin Silver takes readers through the process of shiva in this gentle and age appropriate story. It’s comforting, moving and simple in its text. She talks about the process of ripping ones clothes, the yahrzeit candle, the shrouding of mirrors when sitting shiva. Although the story is specific to the Jewish grieving process, there are elements that are universal, which all readers will recognize and take comfort. Erin Silver acknowledges the importance of community in the grieving process and invites readers of all faiths to join in the ritual of sitting shiva. Having picture books that acknowledge the grieving process are so important to young readers. Death is a confusing and often scary part of life for young readers so the more we can give them space and knowledge the loss, the less confusing and scary it becomes. Erin Silver holds readers hands and walks them through with kindness and love.

Erin Silver also provides further information about shiva in the author’s note at the end of the story for adult readers.

Michelle Theodore’s illustrations are moving and diverse. By illustrating diverse members of the child’s community, she is showing how everyone can be a part of shiva, not just those of the Jewish faith. Simple muted colours and backgrounds set the tone.