A stroll through the city turns into a journey through memory, as an elderly Jewish woman and her grandson shop for the ingredients of a Friday dinner. 11-year-old Benji and his grandmother, Bubbe Rosa, search for the ingredients for the Friday dinner. Bubbe's relationship with the city is complicated – nothing is as she remembered, and she feels alienated and angry at the world around her. On the other hand, Benji looks at the world and his grandmother with clear perception and acceptance.

As they wander through the city, we are given glimpses of Bubbe’s life and loves, composing her story to give us a picture of the tender soul hidden behind her grumpy appearance. “Alte Zachen” is a powerful, moving, and seemingly simple story about Jewish identity, generational differences, overcoming differences, and a restless city with its inhabitants. This critically acclaimed title was distinguished by being nominated for the Carnegie Awards in 2023 and won the V&A Award for Best Illustrated Children’s Book in 2024.