LITTLESTORY MAGIC

John & Julia's Family Days

Julia Saves a Seat

Julia arranges soft toys beside a set dining table as John arrives through the doorway.

One saved seat. Three soft toys. No room for John.

Listen3:13Pictures19 illustrated pagesEnjoy itRead or listen together
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Written by J. Ladis & Haley Dell

A little look inside.

Julia sets John's place at her family's Shabbat table. Bear, Bunny and Elephant would like to stay for the singing too. A very full chair and an even fuller lap leave Julia with a small seating problem.

Read the pictures and words together, or let the cast tell the story while you turn the pages.

From the book

Shall we turn the page?

Julia sets John’s place at the table while three toys watch from the sofa.
It was Friday afternoon. Julia set a place for John at her family's Shabbat table. Plate. Cup. Spoon.
Julia’s hand holds the little place card reading JOHN.
And a little card that said JOHN. “There's a place for you,” she told the empty chair.

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Good to know.

Can we read without narration?

Yes. Turn the pages and read the words together. Narration is optional and begins only when you press play.

What can we download?

Read, listen and keep the story. Find the PDF, EPUB and complete read-aloud under Downloads for grown-ups at the end of the reader.

How should we choose a story?

Try the pictures, the opening and the voices. Pointing, listening, joining a sound or talking about a picture are all ways to share it. Choose the pace and level of help that suit your child.

For parents: story notes & sources

A place at the table

This fictional family welcomes John to their Shabbat table on Friday. Their candles, challah, grape juice and song show this family’s choices; Jewish families observe Shabbat in different ways.

Sing with Julia

“There’s a place for you” is Julia’s own welcome song. Try it together, wave a toy’s ear, or listen quietly.

By J. Ladis and Haley Dell. Published by Little Story Magic. Copyright © 2026 J. Ladis and Haley Dell. All rights reserved.

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