Finally a realistic story about siblings that is saying, “Are you really being that naughty?” and “That is kinda funny.” I’m Sorry for the Bagel Burps: A Yom Kippur Apology by Jacob Sager Weinstein and Jason Kirschner (illustrations by) might not be out until September 2026, but you can appreciate this review (or at least I hope).
Benji and his older brother Aaron, have the perfect sibling relationship: they obviously love each other. Love to tease each other that is. And when Yom Kippur rolls around, Benji being too young to fast that year, loves rubbing it in that he can eat all the wonderful things out there, but all Aaron can do is have his stomach rumble. Of course, when they go to service that night, Benji has an experience that makes him realize that maybe he did go a bit too far, and might just need to apologize to Aaron.
Usually I am not a huge fan of children being a bit on the bratty side, but I do appreciate reality. I like how Benji realizes that being mean was not nice, and how Aaron acknowledges his role in starting things in the first place. The idea of the celebration comes out without having to tell you that Benji must do “this” to atone for his sins. Of course, Weinstein does explain the reason behind Yom Kippur, but it is more of a narration saying this is what happens and then gives you the allegory to go with that theme.
The only thing I am not a hundred percent behind is that the illustrations were a smidgen too “cute” for me. However, with that said, I think they work well with the tone of the story and the point that is being made. The colors and details are well done by not overwhelming the story and complimenting it. Read via an online reader copy.
