Stories about weddings intrigue young children. Kids preparing to attend a wedding or who have just experienced one enjoy seeing the sequence of events laid out on the page. Even those who haven’t been to a wedding are captivated by the fantasy-filled details, from elegant clothing and towering cakes to the warm, love-filled atmosphere.
Tami Lehman-Wilzig’s The Henna Helper, with its focus on Yemenite Jewish wedding customs and its sensitive portrayal of a young girl navigating big emotions during family transitions, offers even greater enchantment than a typical children’s wedding book. When Gali is chosen as the flower girl for her cousin’s wedding, she eagerly dreams of the stunning dress her grandmother will make. But her excitement fades when she discovers her grandmother is focused not on her dress, but on preparing for a pre-wedding henna ceremony.
At first, Gali questions why her family continues to observe what she sees as “silly old customs.” But as she helps her grandmother create jewelry, decorate the bride’s headpiece, and prepare the henna paste that will adorn the bride’s hands, she comes to appreciate the meaning of and beauty behind these centuries-old practices. By the end, Gali joyfully declares that she, too, will have a henna ceremony when she gets married. Yinon Ptahia’s detailed illustrations of Yemenite embroidery, intricate beadwork, and elaborate henna designs highlight the depth, joy, and craftsmanship of these traditions.
We hope your family will enjoy this newest addition to our growing collection of books celebrating the rich diversity of Jewish traditions.
June 1, 2026