I'M SORRY FOR THE BAGEL BURPS

A youngster learns a lesson in contrition on the Jewish day of atonement.

Big brother Aaron treats Benjamin like a baby, and Benjamin is sick of it. But on Yom Kippur, being younger seems to give Benjamin an advantage: Benjamin doesn’t need to fast, but Aaron does. Benjamin takes every opportunity to taunt Aaron, even directing a lox-and-cream-cheese-scented belch at Aaron during services. Eventually, Benjamin takes the teasing too far, and Mom intervenes: “Apologize, right now!” Instead, Benjamin slams the door and refuses to speak at all. That evening at the synagogue, the rabbi blows the shofar, reminding Benjamin of times when Aaron was truly supportive. Benjamin decides to say sorry after all, and in turn, Aaron apologizes for calling Benjamin a baby. In true sibling fashion, Aaron returns the burp-bomb that night when everyone breaks the fast, but this time the kids are quick to apologize and laugh it off. Benjamin’s first-person voice occasionally sounds too adult, especially when trying to insert explanations of the holiday traditions. But Kirschner’s art enhances the protagonist’s emotional arc and supports pacing. Most pages use simple or monochromatic backgrounds that keep the focus on the characters’ expressions, while occasional pages with detailed settings encouraging readers to slow down at key moments. The family is dark-haired and pale-skinned.

A sweet and funny mix of sibling dynamics and Yom Kippur traditions.