“This book beautifully emphasizes Sukkot as a celebration of the natural world’s bounty. Dominy’s text repeats the rhetorical refrain “What kind of house is this?” multiple times as the sukkah is gradually prepared, and one can easily imagine sharing this story with a group gathered in a structure like the one the book depicts. Teplow’s illustrations are verdant and active with flourishing flora and fauna, full of creative children and gentle adults observing meaningful rituals in loving community. VERDICT Sukkot celebrants will appreciate the affectionate reflection of their traditions in this perceptive picture book. A solid, soulful addition to an autumn holiday collection.”

School Library Journal

In this Sukkot tale, a child and a cat explore a “house with three walls. And no door.”

To encourage participation, an unseen narrator repeats the question “What kind of house is this?” Little by little, the specific nature of the structure is revealed. “Look up! The roof gives shade during the day and lets starlight shine in at night.” The lyrical language continues as the narrator asks, “Have you ever seen walls that dance?” “Have you ever heard walls that talk?” More children join the first youngster and adorn the house with handmade decorations, paintings, fruits and nuts. Still more people arrive, adding leafy branches to the roof. Soon, the house is ready for “everyone to gather round a table.” The table features an etrog (“a fruit that looks like a lemon that is not a lemon”) and a lulav (“three branches woven together”). Pets gather; grandparents join the family. The question is repeated and a reply given: “It’s a house that says, / ‘Come in, come in! We’re all part of the same / magical world. You and us and me and we.’” The house’s name—sukkah—is revealed on the last page; closing pages offer more information on Sukkot, the Jewish harvest festival at the center of this narrative. Dominy’s eloquent verse and Teplow’s cozy illustrations evoke the warmth and fun of family celebrations rather than the holiday’s religious or historical aspects, though the backmatter will fill in the gaps for those unfamiliar with Sukkot. Characters are light-skinned.

An inviting holiday story. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus

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