Local resident, parent, and writer Jodie Sadowsky is set to introduce the Jewish holiday of Sukkot to a global audience with the release of her debut children’s book, A Sukkah for Bella. The book, intended for children ages 2-6, released this August through Lovevery, a popular early childhood development company known for their play kit subscriptions.

“I’m thrilled that this mainstream, non-Jewish-owned, play-based learning company will be sharing the holiday of Sukkot,” Sadowsky noted. A Sukkah for Bella is the newest title in Lovevery’s collection of Celebration Books, alongside standalone stories about Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Christmas, with a Chanukah story in the works.

The book features Lovevery’s signature realistic photography style, bringing the authenticity of the holiday straight from the Sadowsky family’s own backyard to readers everywhere. Lovevery’s Idaho-based production team traveled directly to Sadowsky’s CT patio to capture the images.

A Sukkah for Bella centers on the smallest of three siblings as she tries to find a way to help her family build a sukkah.

The author shared a humorous challenge she faced while preparing for the shoot: “I had some adventures trying to source the lulav and etrog weeks ahead of Sukkot, but a local florist at Moscarillo’s helped me nail it!”

The book is truly a West Hartford affair, as the star, Sadowsky’s niece Bella, and her family, who are all featured in the book, are also residents of the town.

While Bella was cooperative during the day-long photo shoot, her young mind was already focused on the future. Sadowsky recalled that the experience convinced Bella she’d “much rather write the words for her next book than be in the pictures.”

A Sukkah for Bella is available in hard copy on the Lovevery website and on Amazon. For more information on the book, upcoming events and how to build a sukkah, visit jodiesadowsky.com.