STARLIGHT AND CANDLES

Manushkin (My Christmas Safari, 1993, etc.) affectionately depicts a contemporary Jewish family keeping Sabbath. The preparation begins on Thursday night when Rosy and Jake help Papa bake challah bread; the scent fills the house, ``a sweet hint of the Sabbath to come.'' Friday afternoon is for final preparations and soon all is ready for Mama to light the candles as the Sabbath officially begins. At dinner both Rosy and Jake lead in the singing of songs. Family stories are told and soon it's time for bed. The next day the entire family goes to services and spends the day in simple pleasures like visiting, taking walks, and snoozing. All too soon Sabbath is over, ``but next week there will be another.'' Chwast's illustrations show amiable figures in bold black outlines around clear-hued watercolor shapes. The book is well- designed; the art is wonderfully matched to the story's quiet mood and consistently appealing, sprinkled with amusing details. This fond introduction, full of information, effectively conveys the warms spirits of one family's weekly rituals. (Picture book. 4-8)