PJ Publishing Catalog 2026

PJ Publishing Catalog

2026

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Guide for Hanuk

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A TIME TO

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A TIME TO HOPE:

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Pu

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A PJ Library Family Guide for Hanukka h Through Purim

US $11.99 ISBN 979-8-98 CAN $14.99 91668-9-3

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PJ Library

9 798989 166893

PJ Publishing Books Online

About PJ Publishing

PJ Publishing books are available for purchase online. You can find your favorite titles, as well as our popular Haggadah and our guides to celebrating Jewish holidays at home, at pjlibraryshop.org and at amazon.com/pjlibrary.

PJ Publishing creates board books, picture books, chapter books, middle-grade books, and graphic novels in multiple languages that represent the diversity of Jewish families today. By sharing Jewish narratives, values, and life events, we help families explore their connections with Jewish life.

We hope you enjoy perusing this catalog and seeing all the books that PJ Publishing has created. Be sure to check out the sneak peeks of forthcoming books!

PJ Publishing is the in-house imprint of PJ Library®, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

PJ Library sends Jewish children’s books and activities to hundreds of thousands of families around the world. This free program is supported by a network of generous donors and partners. For more information and to sign up children ages 0-12 to receive a free Jewish storybook each month, visit pjlibrary.org.

Become a PJ Library Author Are you an author, author-illustrator, graphic novelist, agent, or publisher who has a Jewish children’s story to share? If so, we want to read it! PJ Library reviews manuscripts year-round and offers financial incentives for accepted works.

Find FAQs, submission guidelines, and more at pjlibrary.org/manuscripts.

Questions? Email pjlibrary@hgf.org.

On the Cover bless the rainbow in our yard.

This lyrical board book celebrates small, everyday moments as a family moves through their day from morning to night, appreciating each other and the world around them.

Bless the World Written by Lesléa Newman Illustrated by Noa Mishkin 8” x 8”, 20 pages  Age 1

Bless the rain that falls down hard,

Today I Am a Hamantasch: A Poem for Purim

ng the

Written and illustrated by Varda Livney 6.5” x 6.5”, 16 pages  Age 0

tional

after the

at, his ears,

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s supporters, ed below.

Today is Purim, and it’s time to dress up! Enjoy colorful costumes and playing pretend until the holiday’s over, when we’ll all go back to normal.

ation Foundation

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ble Foundation

Savett dation

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Sarah shall

undation

Includes die cuts!

$9.99 967764-00-6 $9.99 50999> 967764-00-6

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Sarah & Abraham: A Torah Story (with Goats) Written and illustrated by Varda Livney 6.5” x 6.5”, 20 pages  Age 1

Travel to the time of Sarah and Abraham as they wake in their tent and prepare food to share with each other (and goats) in this gentle board book for kids of all kinds.

Includes a mirror!

Friends Count

Friends Count

Written by Vivian Kirkfield Illustrated by Savannah Allen 8” x 8”, 18 pages  Age 0

Friends come together to celebrate Hanukkah with dreidels, music, and jelly grins in this fun counting board book.

WRITTEN BY VIVIAN KIRKFIELD

Challahbaloo!

Written by Elizabeth Suneby Illustrated by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom 8” x 8”, 16 pages  Age 1

. Bergstrom

ns, anteater, and or recipes to make

I L L U S T R A T E D B Y S AVA N N A H A L L E N

Suneby

to the time of the bath, is a lasting h is a basic ingredient

*

CHALLAHBALOO!

$9.99 978-1-967764-99-0 $9.99 50999> 978-1-967764-99-0

967 764990 967 764990

50999>

With bright colors, bouncing rhyme, and lively animal friends, a family in South America celebrates challah and Shabbat.

Written by Elizabeth Suneby Illustrated by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom

New and Forthcoming Titles

New Board Books from Varda Livney

New and Forthcoming Titles

Written by Nancy Churnin Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford 8” x 8”, 24 pages  Age 1

.

Purim Baskets

n Foundation

Purim Baskets

Churnin Schimler-Safford

day of Purim is a time for celebration—and food! Purim dish or “mishloach manot” in Hebrew, traditionally contain recipient to enjoy. Any basket of treats given with joy is a at will you put in your Purim baskets? To learn more about

Mishloach manot, traditional gift baskets, are given to delighted animals to bring smiles to everyone for Purim.

$9.99 ISBN 979-8-9924818-9-1

50999>

d in any form or by any means. umber: 2025933843

, Agawam, MA 01001

Written by Nancy Churnin Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford

9 798992 481891

les App

auce on To

p

Applesauce on Top Written by Lina Schwarz Illustrated by Yuko Jones 8” x 8”, 20 pages  Age 1

Homemade applesauce and latkes are the perfect treats for Hanukkah.

Written by Lina Schwarz • Illustrated by Yuko Jones

A Cat in Tel Aviv A Cat in Tel Aviv

STEIN / HAHN

What makes Tel Aviv purr?

Written by Tammar Stein Illustrated by Sabina Hahn 10” x 8”, 24 pages  Age 2

re can be as easy as signing up for PJ Library. e this one in the mail. Reading these stories oyful celebrations. Sign up at pjlibrary.org.

A Cat About Town

Welcome to a day in the life of a city kitty in Tel Aviv, Israel. Our furry friend gives us glimpses of the many things that make Tel Aviv special: sunny beaches, classy cafes, leafy boulevards, fascinating architecture, parks aplenty, colorful street murals, and don’t forget the nightlife! History was made in 1909 when Tel Aviv was founded as the first modern Hebrew city. The Hebrew language had just been revived, and Tel Aviv became the leading example of what a city in the State of Israel could look like—a fusion of Jewish culture, Hebrew language, and ever-evolving modern architecture, services, and amenities. What’s not to purr about?

r families, thanks in large part to our most generous ibrary Alliance, the growing collective of leading funders e grateful to our community partners and donors at all ated to a vibrant Jewish future.

d Nate Levine y Foundation

d Madaleine Penner y Foundation

mily Philanthropies

One8 Foundation PELS Tzedek Tirdof Foundation Stephen Saks Sam Berman Charitable Foundation

oon and Jon Foley

The Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation

tein and Steven Sim ritable Fund

Wilf Family Foundations

gal Family Foundation

y Blank Fund of lank Family Foundation

Cats, Cats Everywhere!

The cat in this story has a comfy, cozy home in the big city of Tel Aviv. Unfortunately, this isn’t the story for many cats in Israel, which has a whopping 1.2 million strays. The story goes that cats arrived in Israel thanks to the British, who brought them in during the British Mandate era before the founding of the State of Israel to tackle the rat problem . . . which ultimately led to a cat problem! The population has pawsitively exploded over the years.

Diane Troderman

It’s morning in Tel Aviv! Follow a curious cat as she finds snacks, meets friends, and explores daily life in the city.

Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall Zucker Family Foundation

Continued on back of flap . . .

$8.99 ISBN 978-1-967764-04-4

50899>

9 781967 764044

www.pjlibrary.org

Welcome, Moon: A Rosh Chodesh Story Welcome, Moon

Hoffman

How do you renew?

Written and illustrated by Amalia Hoffman 8” x 10.25”, 32 pages  Age 3

Looking Up

Like the animal friends in this book, the Jewish people are always looking to see what’s happening with the moon. We start our days at nightfall, and each new month in the Jewish calendar begins at the new moon. This is called Rosh Chodesh (“head of the month” in Hebrew).

The moon even kicks off our new year—we celebrate the holiday of Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew for “head of the year”) at the new moon of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. But while we largely follow the moon, we do also need the sun: We occasionally add a leap month to keep our holidays from wandering all over the calendar.

The Jewish year is a lunar-solar operation!

ion with Jewish culture can be as rary. Each month, kids ages 0–12 one in the mail. Reading these ily conversations and inspires at pjlibrary.org.

ry is free for families, thanks in large part to our nerous supporters, the PJ Library Alliance, the collective of leading funders named below. We eful to our community partners and donors at who are dedicated to a vibrant Jewish future.

nold S. and Madaleine nner Family Foundation

The Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation One8 Foundation

Crown Family Philanthropies

PELS Tzedek Tirdof Foundation

Jeff Grinspoon and Jon Foley

Stephen Saks

fanie and Douglas Kahn Marilyn Einstein and Steven Sim Charitable Fund

The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation

Mike & Sofia Segal Family Foundation

Waxing and Waning

Sam Berman Charitable Foundation The Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation Diane Troderman Wilf Family Foundations Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall

By Amalia Hoffman

Zucker Family Foundation

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9 781967 764471 9 781967 764471

www.pjlibrary.org

Kimmel

Purim Possibilities

. Avgustinovich

Written by Barbara Kimmel Illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich 8” x 8”, 18 pages  Age 3

Purim Possibilities

What will you dress up as for Purim? With mix-and-match sticker costumes, the possibilities are endless!

$9.99 ISBN 978-1-967764-03-7

50999>

Written by Barbara Kimmel Illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich

d in any form or by any means.

Number: 2025933885

0, Agawam, MA 01001

Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of each new month, is a special time for renewal. We love the sun and all the life and warmth it gives us, but it simply rises and sets, unchanged. Meanwhile, the moon is constantly transforming its appearance, going from total darkness, to being as thin as a racoon’s whisker, to round and bright as an owl’s eye, and back again. It shows us that renewal and change are possible, and every month is a new opportunity to strive for positive transformation in our lives.

Continued on back of flap . . .

$8.99 ISBN 978-1-967764-47-1 50899> $8.99 ISBN 978-1-967764-47-1

holiday of Purim celebrates the story of the biblical Book of Esther. in a carnival, a play (“spiel” in Yiddish), or a masquerade. The child eativity and exploring the many possibilities of Purim. You and your o the same! To learn more about Purim, visit pjlibrary.com/purim.

on Foundation

Nighttime animal friends gather to watch the moon as it changes over time. When the new moon returns, they celebrate Rosh Chodesh, the start of the new month.

Welcome, Moon

Ann and Nate Levine Family Foundation

9 781967 764037

! WARNING:  CHOKING HAZARD –Small parts.

Not for children under 3 years.

Includes reusable stickers!

A high-contrast board book

In the Beginning

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

PJ Library Alliance Partners

Harold Grinspoon Foundation The Marcus Foundation, Inc.

The Azrieli Foundation Genesis Philanthropy Group Micah Philanthropies William Davidson Foundation Anonymous

$9.99 979-8-9860480-9-3

50999>

Ann and Nate Levine Family Foundation

Marilyn Einstein and Steven Sim Charitable Fund

Arnold S. and Madaleine Penner Family Foundation

Mike & Sofia Segal Family Foundation

Carl & Joann Bianco

The Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Crown Family Philanthropies Dr. Steven Grinspoon Howard & Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation

The Murray & Sydell Rosenberg Foundation One8 Foundation

Text and illustration copyright © 2024 Natalia Emanuel Published in 2024 by PJ Publishing, an imprint of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition 0924/B2626/A0 Library of Congress Control Number: 2023949013 Designed by Michael Grinley Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

86 048093

Sam Berman Charitable Foundation Stephen and Bebe Saks Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation Susser Family Trust Wilf Family Foundations Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall Zucker Family Foundation

$8.99 ISBN 979-8-9891668-5-5

50899>

By Natalia Emanuel

9 798989 166855

Jewish Cats All Year Round

In the Beginning

Written and illustrated by Varda Livney 6.5” x 6.5”, 12 pages  Age 0 Includes a mirror!

Written and illustrated

by Natalia Emanuel 8” x 8 “, 14 pages  Age 0

Art from Jewish Cats All Year Round, written illustrated by Varda Livney

A Note from PJ Library®

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

Listen

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library, a family engagement program, is made possible by many generous supporters, your local Jewish community, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through quality children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more and to connect to activities in your area, visit pjlibrary.org.

90000>

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Designed by Michael Grinley Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

81734 345018

Designed by Michael Grinley Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

JUST LOOK AT YOU

PJ Library

Copyright © 2018 the Harold Grinspoon Foundation All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition 1022/B1278/A1

Published in 2019 by PJ Publishing, an imprint of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition $8.99 0523/B1397/A1 ISBN 979-8-9860480-1-7

N 978-1-7343450-1-8

Just Look At You

One of the most meaningful kinds of work is parenthood, which is highly valued in Jewish culture.

The family unit is a mainstay of cultural continuity, an opportunity to pass down traditions and customs l’dor vador (“from generation to generation”). One important Jewish tradition is the idea of tikkun olam (“repairing the world”), which encompasses countless types of good works, both large and small. Bringing up the next generation to be curious, engaged, capable, and responsible is a powerful contribution to repairing the world. As all parents know, that job starts the day our children are born and never really stops – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The grandmother in this story lavishes affection upon her “beautiful,” “clever,” “lovely” grandchild, filling both of them with joy and happiness. The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, encompassed by the Jewish tradition of l’dor vador (“from generation to generation”), is undeniably special. Grandparents fill a prized role in many cultures, including Judaism, for their unique ability to help guide the newest generation in the world. But the most important hallmark of this relationship is, of course, the deep bond of love.

todah

generous supporters, your shares Jewish culture and oms and practice. To learn

We parents all ooh and ahh at our babies’ features. Just Look at You expresses that joy – and also shares with our little ones how perfect they are. B’tzelem Elohim, the Jewish concept that every human being is created in God’s image, means that our bodies are sacred, so caring for our bodies is an important job. Shmirat haguf (“caring for the body” in Hebrew) holds that our physical selves are tools for doing meaningful work in the world.

Bat–Shem/ Massey

bbis didn’t think so. Pirkei ho is rich? Those who are hanks for all the blessings dah with your child for the reakfast!” “Todah, fingers, and nothing could make a

A Note from PJ Library ®

Schwarz / Barton

Not a lot happens in this quiet story, but Baby and Savta (Hebrew for “grandmother”) are perfectly happy. That’s because they’re paying attention to simple pleasures—an outdoor stroll, a bubbly bath, even a rainy afternoon. Taking a moment to pause and acknowledge the sweetness of everyday life is the essence of an important Jewish value, hakarat hatov (Hebrew for “noticing the good”). Judaism encourages us to say short prayers of thanks for dozens of small things every day. Traditional daily prayers include thanking God for having a body that works, food to eat, and even just the privilege of opening your eyes to witness a new day. For more ideas about helping teach kids about gratitude, visit pjlibrary.org/gratitude.

Teis

nce, whether we say it in of gratitude, including the cheyanu, which celebrates l in nature, when smelling h, we highlight the Jewish otice all that’s good in the

In the Beginning

Written by Bara Bat-Shem Illustrated by Jane Massey

9 798986 048017

Todah

Listen

Just Look at You

Written and illustrated by Kyra Teis 8” x 8”, 28 pages  Age 1

Written by Lina Schwarz Illustrated by Patrice Barton 8” x 8”, 18 pages  Age 1

Written by Bara Bat-Shem Illustrated by Jane Massey 8” x 8”, 16 pages  Age 1 Includes a mirror!

Celebrating the holidays is as easy and fun as One, Two, Three!

Note from PJ Library®

A Note from PJ Library®

PJ Library Alliance Partners

Harold Grinspoon Foundation

The Marcus Foundation, Inc.

The Azrieli Foundation

Genesis Philanthropy Group

Micah Philanthropies William Davidson Foundation Anonymous

Marilyn Einstein and Steven Sim Charitable Fund Mike & Sofia Segal Family Foundation

Carl & Joann Bianco

The Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Dr. Steven Grinspoon

Howard & Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation

The Murray & Sydell Rosenberg Foundation

0325/B2829/A1 • ISBN: 979-8-9897532-5-3 Library of Congress Control Number: 2024936460 Designed by Michael Grinley Printed in China Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

One8 Foundation

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by many generous supporters, your local Jewish community, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through quality children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to activities in your area, visit www.pjlibrary.org.

Copyright © 2015 the Harold Grinspoon Foundation All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 022019.9K3/B0765/A1 Printed in China Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

Written by Naomi Shulman Illustrated by Nora Hilb

Note from PJ Library® Sukkot is a Jewish harvest holiday filled with rich sensory experiences. Many families observe Sukkot by building a sukkah (“sukkot” is the plural of “sukkah”), a temporary, three-sided booth that recalls the nomadic dwellings the ancient Israelites lived in during the harvest season. Often beautifully adorned with fruits and vegetables, handmade decorations, and lights, a sukkah is a wonderful spot for eating, meeting with friends, reading, and singing. Sleeping in the sukkah can be special; covered with s’kach (branches or other greenery), the roof is sparse enough that those inside the sukkah are able to glimpse the stars at night.

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

Sam Berman Charitable Foundation Stephen and Bebe Saks Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation Susser Family Trust Wilf Family Foundations Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall Zucker Family Foundation

$8.99 ISBN 979-8-9897532-5-3

50899>

9 798989 753253

One, Two, Three,

The child in this story shakes her lulav (a bundle of willow, myrtle, and palm branches) together with an etrog (a citron) toward the east, west, north, and south, as well as up and down – three times in every direction. Observant Jews perform this ritual daily during the holiday of Sukkot (except on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath). Even very young children can participate in almost every aspect of the holiday – the joy of spending time with loved ones outdoors in nature is naturally appealing to family members of all ages.

Happy Sukkot!

Copyright © 2016 the Harold Grinspoon Foundation All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition / 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 / 092115K2/B0895/A1 Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

PJ Library

First published in 2025 by PJ Publishing, an imprint of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation Text copyright © 2023 Naomi Shulman Illustrations copyright © 2023 Nora Hilb First Edition. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

Ann and Nate Levine Family Foundation

Arnold S. and Madaleine Penner Family Foundation

Crown Family Philanthropies

Written by Naomi Shulman Illustrated by Nora Hilb

Haman is the villain in the story of Purim. Set in Persia in the 4th century BCE, the tale is of a beautiful Jewish woman named Esther who was married to the king, Ahashverosh. When Esther learned that the prime minister, Haman, was plotting against all the Jews in the land, she summoned the courage to stand up for her people. Her bravery saved lives and has inspired the Jewish people for centuries. The story is read aloud from the megillah (Book of Esther) in synagogues around the world on Purim. The full megillah reading may be too long and complicated for very young children, but other Purim activities are just their speed – treats, dress-up, and lots of noise. Chag Purim Sameach — Happy Purim!

One, Two, Three, Sukkot!

Written by Naomi Shulman Illustrated by Nora Hilb 8” x 8” 14-16 pages each  Age 1

One, Two, Three, Passover!

One, Two, Three, Tu B’Shevat!

Note from PJ Library® Of all the holidays in the Jewish year, none is more fun for children than Purim, which arrives in late winter on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Adar. The child in this story takes part in classic, child-friendly Purim activities – she bakes hamantaschen (triangular cookies with delicious fillings), delivers mishloach manot (baskets of goodies) to her neighbors, dresses in costume, and shakes her grogger (noisemaker) whenever she hears the name Haman.

Shulman/Hilb

About PJ Library

The gift of PJ Library is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

One, Two, Three, Passover!

When the cousins arrive, it’s time for the seder. The family sings songs together like “Dayenu,” Hebrew for “it would have been enough,” thanking God for all the miracles that allowed our ancestors to escape slavery long ago. The children search for the afikomen, Greek for “dessert,” which is the last piece of matzah that is eaten at the end of the meal. When the kids find it, they get prizes! To learn more, visit pjlibrary.org/passover.

50899>

One, Two, Three, Tu B’Shevat!

On Passover, many families host a seder, a ritual meal with special foods like matzah (unleavened bread).

Since the ancient Israelites escaping Egypt didn’t have time to wait for their bread to rise, we eat matzah during Passover to remember their flight. The family in this book participates in a ritual called bedikat chametz, Hebrew for “searching for leavened bread.” Using a spoon, a feather, and a candle, they scoop up all the breadcrumbs in the house so they’re all ready for Passover to begin.

$8.99 ISBN 979-8-9860480-3-1

Designed by Michael Grinley 9 798986 048031 Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

Shulman • Hilb

A Note from PJ Library®

Passover is coming, and there’s lots to do. Thankfully, the little girl in this book is an excellent helper, making Passover preparation—and celebration!—as easy as one, two, three.

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by many generous supporters, your local Jewish community, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through quality children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to activities in your area, visit www.pjlibrary.org.

Copyright © 2018 the Harold Grinspoon Foundation All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition 0124/B330/A1

Published in 2016 by PJ Publishing, an imprint of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition 0623/B1041/A1 Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

One, Two, Three, Shabbat!

One, Two, Three, Tu B’Shevat!

One, Two, Three, Purim!

One, Two, Three, Passover!

One, Two, Three, Rosh Hashanah!

One, Two, Three, Sukkot!

Shabbat

Shulman/Hilb

About PJ Library

The gift of PJ Library is made possible by many generous supporters, your local Jewish community, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through quality children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to activities in your area, visit www.pjlibrary.org.

One, Two, Three,

Trees hold a special place in Jewish thought and practice. The Torah (the first five books of the Bible) is often referred to as a Tree of Life, and Jewish law mandates special protections for trees. Perhaps it is fitting, then, that Jews celebrate Tu B’Shevat, also known as the birthday of the trees or the new year of the trees. The name of the holiday is also the date – the 15th (tu stands for 15 in Hebrew) of the Jewish month Shevat, which falls around late January to early February. In ancient times, farmers waited until trees were three years old before picking their fruit; the festival of Tu B’Shevat helped them keep track. Today the holiday is a time to appreciate the many good things trees offer and to acknowledge our role in protecting the environment. To learn more, visit pjlibrary.org/onetwothreetubshevat.

The family in this book celebrates Tu B’Shevat by planning a seder, or ritual thatShulman showcases foods we written by meal, Naomi get from trees. They also plant a tree, which is a classic Tu B’Shevat activity in Israel. If it’s too cold to plant outdoors where you live, another meaningful way to mark the holiday is to plant something small indoors. illustrated

by Noraseder, Hilbwhich arrives Many families plant parsley on Tu B’Shevat and harvest it in time for their Passover about two months later. No matter how you celebrate, remember to hug a tree!

One, Two, Three, Shabbat!

It is customary to welcome Shabbat with blessings over candles, wine or grape juice, and bread (which is usually challah, a braided egg bread). Preparing for Shabbat is something any child can take part in, even one who is very small. Whether you bake a challah at home or pick one up from the bakery, host dinner for a crowd or set a table for two, spend time in synagogue or take a quiet walk in the woods, the point is always the same: to take a little time apart from your everyday routine. This has been a beloved, restorative practice of the Jewish people for centuries and continues to be so today. As Ahad Ha’am, a Jewish essayist and Zionist, famously said, “More than the Jews have kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept the Jews.”

Shulman/Hilb

Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is a cornerstone of Jewish life. Arriving every Friday evening at sundown and lasting until nightfall on Saturday, Shabbat offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the week. It is traditional to abstain from any kind of work on Shabbat. Instead, families and friends gather together to share meals, convene at synagogue to sing and pray, read, take long naps, and simply take time to reflect and breathe.

written by Naomi Shulman illustrated by Nora Hilb

Board Books

Emanuel

While babies are drawn to this book’s images, grown-ups will recognize an adaptation of the story of creation in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible (specifically, Genesis 1:1-31 and 2:1-3). The art in this book closely follows the progression in the original story. “In the beginning God created heaven and earth,” the story tells us. God then goes on to create night and day, water and land, the moon and stars, and plants and animals—and of course, people! On the seventh day, God takes a well-deserved rest.

Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is a time for all of us to take a break from the various kinds of creating we take part in during the week. It’s also an opportunity for family time—a day set aside for the simple purpose of reconnecting with our loved ones and ourselves. Perhaps that’s why the last page of this book skips ahead to later in the Bible: “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb” (Isaiah 11:6), a passage that imagines an era of peace. As we wish each other each week: Shabbat shalom (peaceful Sabbath)!

To learn more about Shabbat, visit pjlibrary.org/shabbat.

Jewish Cats All Year Round

h community, the PJ Library es through children’s books m and ways to connect to

A Note from PJ Library® High-contrast images like the ones in this book are perfect for babies because they’re easy for developing eyes to see. When you read this book, holding it around 8 to 10 inches from your baby’s face is ideal. Reading high-contrast books with little ones will help boost their concentration and focus skills. And of course, reading any book with your baby is an opportunity for a little extra closeness.

Livney

osh Hashanah, the Jewish New t Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat, is book can hold — including org/holidays. Meanwhile, o do so than to curl up with

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Happy, Happy

Written by Chris Barash Illustrated by Sarita Rich 8” x 8”, 14 pages  Age 1

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A Note from PJ Library®

ater on Shabbat, the day of rest. We welcome in a full day (traditionally, 25 hours, ee stars appear in the sky on Saturday evening) of wholeness, togetherness, and ork week. To learn more about Shabbat and to find songs, recipes, activities, and

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S

alom All Day Lon ay Sh g

For our children, the world is always new. The gift of their playful energy and constant learning is reflected in this book, where baby animals tumble and leap through a bright, cheerful landscape. Try having your child repeat the sounds the animals make in the book. Can they “baa, baa” like a lamb? Can they “ooo-wah!” like a baby elephant?

For more ideas, visit pjlibrary.org/read-aloud-tips.

Enjoy each new day with your child, as the world begins all over again!

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The gift of PJ Library is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

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Say Shalom All Day Long

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y thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library ndation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local

The story of the great flood is one of the most famous stories in the Torah. When heavy, endless rains came, Noah and his family brought pairs of each animal onto their ark at God’s command and waited and waited for the sky to clear. And, finally, it did! Imagine how it must have felt to emerge from the ark into a new, growing world under a beautiful bright rainbow, a symbol of God’s promise to keep the world safe.

Kiffel-Alcheh • Weiser

Suneby • Boschinger

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e word has three meanings: hello, goodbye, and peace. The word “shalom” also eness, “shleimut.” When we use this word to mean peace, we are not just imagining nse of complete well-being, safety, and harmony with the world. When we greet oon—with “shalom,” we are wishing this blessing of wholeness and peace upon meone extend the greeting with “shalom aleichem”: “peace be upon you.”

eli Foundation oann Bianco and Steven nspoon & Geraldine ger Family undation mily Foundation hilanthropies onymous

Havdalah Sky

Can You Hear Them?

One, Two!

he Harold Grinspoon Foundation First published in 2025 by PJ Publishing, an imprint of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation Text copyright © 2024 Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh Illustrations copyright © 2024 Florence Weiser First Edition. All rights reserved.

Designed by Michael Grinley.

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Say Shalom All Day Long

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Written by Elizabeth Suneby Illustrated by Elke Boschinger 8” x 8”, 14 pages  Age 1

Written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh Illustrated by Florence Weiser 8” x 8”, 10 pages  Age 1

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I’m a Little Acorn

Written and illustrated by Todd Parr 8” x 8”, 18 pages  Age 1

Shabbat Light

By Samara Q. Klein

Shabbat and Havdalah are both opportunities to pay attention to the sources of light in our lives, both literal and metaphorical. To learn more about Shabbat, visit pjlibrary.org/shabbat.

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The gift of PJ Library, a family engagement program, is made possible by many generous supporters, your local Jewish community, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through quality children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more and to connect to activities in your area, visit pjlibrary.org.

About PJ Library I’m a Little Acorn

thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library dation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books s and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local

The Shalom Book

I L LU

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T E D BY A M Y S C H I M L E R - S A F

FOR

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Published in 2019 by PJ Publishing, an imprint of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Reprinted in 2024.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition 0624/B1409/A0 Designed by Michael Grinley Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China

tion rd the Harold Grinspoon Foundation y be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

Shabbat Light

meal) on Tu B’Shevat. Just as at a Passover seder, symbolic foods are eaten in y of the foods come from trees – figs, dates, and carobs, for example. It’s also ed before (or one you haven’t tasted in a long time), and to say Shehechiyanu, n experiencing something new. To learn more about Tu B’Shevat, visit pjlibrary.

Starting at sundown on Friday evening, Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is a day of peace and rest. When three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night, it’s time for Havdalah (Hebrew for “separation”), marking the end of Shabbat and the start of a new week. Notice how this book conveys the time transitions of Shabbat through light and through the form and structure of the book. For example, the sun goes down from above the page and then reappears up from the bottom. The Shabbat candles and the traditional braided Havdalah candle are literally reoriented on the page, just as the shifts to and from Shabbat and a normal weekday require reorientation. The final Havdalah spread incorporates the seam between the pages, underscoring how light marks the separation between Shabbat and the rest of the week. The typography goes up, comes down, disappears, and reappears; and the very word “light” is lit up. Finally, if you read this book at bedtime, take a look at the cover after lights out!

Klein

A Note from PJ Library®

oliday of Tu B’Shevat is dedicated to honoring trees and everything they provide also a date: Tu B’Shevat falls on day 15 (tu) of the Jewish month of Shevat, ruary in the secular calendar. It is traditional to plant a sapling on Tu B’Shevat. doors, your family might choose to mark the holiday in other ways – planting play in your home, and of course, reading books about trees.

Illustrated by Fl rence Weiser

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Shabbat Light

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ite 100, Agawam, MA 01001 9 798985 633733

I’m a Little Acorn Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford 6” x 8”, 12 pages  Age 1 Lift the flaps!

Written and illustrated by Samara Q. Klein 8” x 8”, 16 pages  Age 1 Glow-in-the-dark cover!

My Hanukkah Book of Opposites Written by Tammar Stein Illustrated by Juliana Perdomo 8” x 8”, 12 pages  Age 1

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before the king’s friends. King Ahasuerus (ah-hash-ver-us) of Persia often acted in reaction to those around Rosenberg • Illustrated by Raay him; in this sense, he was a somewhat foolish figure. Queen Esther (es-ter) was King Ahasuerus’s newly choa Ka sen rqueen; as she risked her life by bravely telling the king that Haman was plotting against the Jewish people.

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Copyright © 2017 the Harold Grinspoon Foundation All rights reserved.

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First Edition 0221/B1162/A2 Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

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0225/B2774/A1 • ISBN: 979-8-9897532-4-6 • Library of Congress Control Number: 2024933284 Printed in China Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

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First published in 2025 by PJ Publishing, an imprint of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation

First Edition. All rights reserved. Designed by Michael Grinley

Harold Grinspoon Foundation

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Text copyright © 2023 Madelyn Rosenberg Illustrations copyright © 2023 Raaya Karas

Haman (hey-mun), King Ahasuerus’s prime minister, was a villain who plotted to harm the Jewish people.

Mordecai (more-di-khai), Esther’s cousin, saved the king’s life and urged Esther to alert the king to Haman’s plot. In Purim Masquerade, you can wear masks of all these characters. Just hold the open book up to your face and look through the eye holes. You can also make your own mask and pretend to be whoever you want!

9 798989 753246

Yummy Hamantaschen

Time for Hamantaschen

Illustrated by Elena Resko 6” x 6”, 10 pages  Age 1 A touch-and-feel book!

Written by Madelyn Rosenberg Illustrated by Raaya Karas 8” x 8”, 14 pages  Age 1

Purim Masquerade

by Samara Q. Klein

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by Samara Q. Klein

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n adely

Purim Masquerade

PJ Library Alliance Partners

King Ahasuerus’s first queen, Queen Vashti (vash-tee), was banished when she refused to parade herself

M By Time for Hamantaschen!

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

Purim is a joyous holiday that arrives on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Adar, which coincides with late winter/early spring. On Purim it is customary to listen to the biblical Book of Esther read aloud in synagogue, put on comic productions of the story of Purim called Purim shpielen (Yiddish for “plays”), and dress up in costume, including wearing masks! This book features masks for the most important characters in the Book of Esther.

Rosenberg • Karas

So why triangles? Some people say the cookies are meant to look like Haman’s three-cornered hat or his ears (the word hamantaschen literally means “Haman’s pockets” in Yiddish). Whatever the reason, sharing cookies and other treats on Purim is a special way to celebrate and spread joy. That’s why the kids in this book, like many Jews at Purim, make mishloach manot (Hebrew for “sending portions”): gift baskets of food and treats, so that everyone can feast and enjoy. Happy Purim, everyone!

Enjoy your hamantaschen!

Time for Hamantaschen!

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Purim Masquerade Written and illustrated by Samara Q. Klein 8” x 8”, 14 pages  Age 2

A Note from PJ Library® Hoffman

Shavuot arrives exactly seven weeks after Passover, usually sometime in May or early June. The holiday commemorates the giving of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) to Moses on Mount Sinai, and people often celebrate it by staying up all night studying Torah. What does that have to do with fruit? In ancient times, Shavuot was also the occasion of a pilgrimage to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, where Jews would offer up the first fruits (bikkurim) of the season. In the Torah, we are instructed to “take the first of every fruit of the ground that you bring in from your land that God gives you, and put it in a basket and go to the place that your God will choose” (Deuteronomy 26:2).

The Holy Temple has been gone for two thousand years, but the holiday of Shavuot endures. Today young children (especially in Israel) often prepare for the holiday by dressing in white, adorning their hair with flowers, and bringing baskets of fruit to school. By the way, another Shavuot tradition is to eat something with dairy, so why not eat your first fruits with a little cheesecake or whipped cream?

Have a happy and delicious Shavuot! To learn more about Shavuot, visit pjlibrary.org/shavuot.

About PJ Library

Written by is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the The gift of PJ Library

Sarah Aroeste Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice.

Illustrated

by To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

Annabel Tempest

Text and illustration copyright © 2023 Harold Grinspoon Foundation Published in 2024 by PJ Publishing, an imprint of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition 0524/B2522/A2 Library of Congress Control Number: 2023943564 Designed by Michael Grinley Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

Pronounced: bah-vuh-ZSA-dus

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Bavajadas!

That’s Just Silly!

First Fruits: A Shavuot Story

My Hands Make the World

Written by Sarah Aroeste Illustrated by Annabel Tempest 8” x 8”, 12 pages  Age 2

Written and illustrated by Amalia Hoffman 8” x 8”, 18 pages  Age 2

Written and illustrated by Amalia Hoffman 8” x 8”, 16 pages  Age 2

Aroeste • Belhassen

ul traditions and customs. no, also known as Judeo-

cultures and languages adino was the common ortugal in the 15th century. mon, but today Ladino is

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Uno Dos Tres

your Jewish community, res Jewish culture and nd practice. To learn more g.

The Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation Diane Troderman Wilf Family Foundations

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A Sephardic Counting Book Written by Sarah Aroeste

Illustrated by Nathalie Belhassen

798991 041201

Uno Dos Tres: A Sephardic Counting Book Written by Sarah Aroeste Illustrated by Nathalie Belhassen 8” x 8”, 24 pages  Age 2

Art from Uno Dos Tres: A Sephardic Counting Book, written by Sarah Aroeste and illustrated by Nathalie Belhassen

Board Books

Note from PJ Library®

A Note from PJ Library® Hamantaschen are special triangular cookies made for Purim, typically filled in the center with poppy-seed paste, prune jam, or other kinds of jam. The name refers to the main villain of the Purim story, Haman, who tries to get rid of all the Jews in Persia—and fails, thanks to the brave and clever Queen Esther. To celebrate her victory, many children will dress like her for Purim in parades and plays—while others, like the kids in this book, may dress up as dinosaurs, astronauts, or even pineapples!

To read the story of Purim and learn more about how the holiday is celebrated, visit pjlibrary.org/purim.

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PJ Library® is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

Sign Language Shabbat

PJ Library® Alliance Partners

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

Sign Language Shabbat Written by Alisa Greenbacher & Jennifer Rosner

PJ Library

Written by Samara Q. Klein Illustrated by Eliana Q. Bialowas 6” x 8”, 20 pages  Age 2 Includes see-through window pages!

Planting Parsley Written by Pamela Ehrenberg Illustrated by Constanze v. Kitzing 8” x 8”, 12 pages  Age 2

Written by Alisa Greenbacher & Jennifer Rosner Photographs by Shelley Rotner Illustrations by David Hyde Costello 8” x 8”, 18 pages  Age 2

Harvest Blessings Written by Amy Meltzer Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford 8” x 8”, 22 pages  Age 2

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Text copyright © 2021 Harold Grinspoon Foundation Illustration copyright © 2021 Rosie Butcher Published in 2022 by PJ Publishing, an imprint of PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation $9.99 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

ISBN 978-1-7365573-8-9 First Edition 50999> Library of Congress Control Number: 2021950013 Designed by Michael Grinley Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001 9 781736 557389 0922/B1897/A2

Sign Language Shabbat My Friend, the Apple Tree

H

Photographs by Shelley Rotner Illustrations by David Hyde Costello

Copyright © 2017 the Harold Grinspoon Foundation All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.

First Edition 0523/B1201/A2 Designed by Michael Grinley Recommended for children ages 6 months+ Printed in China Manufactured for: Harold Grinspoon Foundation, 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001

Hi, Hello, Welcome

Board Books

With gratitude to the administration, faculty, and students at the American School for the Deaf.

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by many generous supporters, your local Jewish community, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through quality children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to activities in your area, visit www.pjlibrary.org.

llo, Welcom i, He

The child in this story welcomes three guests, too – and just like Abraham and Sarah might have, he greets his visitors with a smile and a wave and a friendly shalom (Hebrew for “hello,” “goodbye,” and “peace,” depending on the context), then makes sure they’re comfortable and feeds them well. Welcoming guests is a mitzvah (Hebrew for “commandment” or good deed), but as we can see in this story, it often makes the host feel just as good as the visitor! As you read this book with little ones, look at the illustrations together, and talk about the different ways everyone is taking care of each other. When we take time to welcome others, we also open the door to parts of ourselves.

e

Learn some Shabbat phrases in American Sign Language! To see a video tutorial of the signs demonstrated by the children in this book, visit pjlibrary.org/signlanguageshabbat. Shabbat Shalom (peaceful Shabbat)!

Greenbacher/Rosner/Rotner/Costello

Many families celebrate Shabbat with special meals at home or with friends. The children in this book are signing words for some of the things people do on Shabbat, such as eat challah (braided egg bread), drink wine or grape juice, sing Shabbat songs, and read books. No matter how you and your loved ones choose to mark Shabbat, sharing quality time together is the best part.

Barash/Butcher

A Note from PJ Library® One of the oldest and most important Jewish values is something many of us put into practice without even realizing it: hachnasat orchim, Hebrew for “welcoming guests.” One of the earliest chapters in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) describes how Abraham and Sarah, the first patriarch and matriarch of the Jewish people, greeted three travelers in the desert by washing their feet, feeding them a delicious feast, and offering them a comfortable place to rest and relax. Little did they know their three mysterious guests were actually angels! To learn more, visit pjlibrary.org/hihellowelcome.

A Note from PJ Library®

Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is a joyful, peaceful holiday that arrives every week. From sundown Friday evening till nightfall on Saturday, people around the world take a break from the usual obligations of daily living and instead gather to eat, drink, sing, pray, nap, stroll, and enjoy spending time with loved ones. Shabbat is a welcome respite from the rigors of everyday life.

Written by Chris Barash • Illustrated by Rosie Butcher

Hi, Hello, Welcome Written by Chris Barash Illustrated by Rosie Butcher 6” x 6”, 10 pages  Age 2 Lift the flaps!

Hanukkah with Friends Written by Chris Barash Illustrated by Maya Shleifer 8” x 8”, 16 pages  Age 2 Includes a fold-out tree!

CHESED

(HEH-sed) is Hebrew for kindness .

Written by Karyn Friedman-Everham • Illustrated by Gabby Grant

Chesed

Flip Flop Hanukkah

Written by Karyn Friedman-Everham Illustrated by Gabby Grant 8” x 8”, 12 pages  Age 3

Written by Danny Paller Illustrated by Aya Gordon-Noy 8” x 8”, 10 pages  Age 3 Multiple interactive elements!

Art from Flip Flop Hanukkah, written by Danny Paller and illustrated by Aya Gordon-Noy

Picture Books

Mishpuchah!

Written and illustrated

by Barney Saltzberg 8” x 8”, 32 pages  Age 2

Fridays Are Special Written by Chris Barash Illustrated by Melissa Iwai 8” x 8”, 24 pages  Age 2

Barash/Iwai

Antlers with Candles written by Chris Barash

Art from How to Get to Savta’s for Shabbat, written and illustrated by Varda Livney

Antlers with Candles

How to Get to Savta’s for Shabbat

A Note from PJ Library Jewish Concepts

How to Get to Savta’s for Shabbat

H A N DS O N!

Antlers with Candles

Fun and festive Hanukkah celebrations take place all over the world. Whenever possible, extended families (and close friends, who sometimes become family!) come together, appreciative of their religious freedom as well as of their ancestors who fought to preserve it.

Hanukkah recalls a small band of Jewish soldiers, known as the Maccabees, who fought against a larger, mightier army ruled by the cruel King Antiochus. When the war was won and they returned to their sacred in Jerusalem, Make and Pack Temple Your Own Backpack!the triumphant Maccabees found it had been desecrated The first thing the child in this story does when by their enemies. After a thorough cleaning it’s time to go to Savta’s is pack up a backpack. of the Temple, it came time to light the ner Why not pack up your own backpack to go on a but there was barely pretend trip? You cantamid use a (eternal backpack lamp), you already enough oil to have, or make one out of a paper bag.last one day. That the drop of oil burned for eight full days is considered a Hanukkah miracle!

Supplies

illustrated by Melissa Iwai

• Paper bag • Scissors • Stapler

Where does Shabbat take you?

Journeying Toward Shabbat

Written by Chris Barash Illustrated by Melissa Iwai 8” x 8”, 24 pages  Age 3

An elephant ride, a rocket to the moon, cloud travel . . . getting to Savta’s house for Shabbat is one involved journey! This exciting trip is a metaphor for getting ready for Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. Shabbat is special in and of itself, but when we make efforts to prepare for it — cleaning the house, cooking delicious meals, setting the table beautifully with flowers from the moon (or the local market), dressing up, and inviting family and friends — Shabbat can be even more wonderful. It’s like most things in life: the more you put into something, the more you get out of it. The road to Shabbat may be long and winding, but once sunset arrives on Friday, you can relax; you made it to Savta’s house! To learn more, visit pjlibrary.org/howtogettosavtas.

Art supplies rituals include lighting the Some• Hanukkah markers, menorah,(crayons, an eight-branched candelabrum stickers, etc.) commemorating the oil that burned for eight nights (with a place for a ninth

In the Zone

candle used light the others), eating Cut two inch-wide strips off the topto of the bag.

delicious foods Decorate the bag however you’dfried like with yoursuch as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts) - also art supplies. reminiscent of the oil - reciting prayers,

Ask a grown-up to help staple the strips to either side of the backpacksinging to createholiday straps. songs, and playing games.

Visit www.pjlibrary.com to learn the history and rules for the well-known game of dreidel.

Written and illustrated

by Varda Livney 8” x 8”, 32 pages  Age 3

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Now fill the backpack with items for your pretend trip!

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The 25 hours of Shabbat (from sundown Friday evening to nightfall on Saturday) are a time to experience our lives differently. The 20th-century rabbi and activist Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “The seventh day is like a palace in time with a kingdom for all. It is not a date but an atmosphere.”

On Shabbat, it can be as if we open up curtains in a dark room and suddenly see everything clearly in the light. The journey to Savta’s house for Shabbat in this book definitely gives a different (continued on back of flap)

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¿Dónde está Shmata?

Hanukkah at Monica’s

Written by Tana Ross Illustrated by Elisa Kleven 8” x 8”, 24 pages  Age 3 Lift the flaps!

Written and illustrated

by Varda Livney 8” x 8”, 32 pages  Age 3

Saturdays Are Special

Laila Tov, Moon

Written by Chris Barash Illustrated by Abigail Marble 8.5” x 9.75”, 24 pages  Age 3

Written by Vivian Newman Illustrated by David Hyde Costello 8” x 8”, 32 pages  Age 4

Kimmelman • DEAS

Look Closely

Why do the kids in this book try to make each Shabbat feel different?

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The Azrieli Foundation

What are some of the foods the families make?

Harold Grinspoon Foundation

Which of the kids’ celebrations would you have enjoyed the most?

The Marcus Foundation, Inc.

How would you like to celebrate Shabbat with your friends or loved ones?

Sam Berman Charitable Foundation

Crown Family Philanthropies

Marilyn Einstein and Steven Sim Charitable Fund Mike & Sofia Segal Family Foundation

Koum Family Foundation

The Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Micah Philanthropies

Where would you give your tzedakah?

Steve Saks

Arnold S. and Madaleine Penner Family Foundation

Winnie and Steven Grinspoon

Howard & Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation

Anonymous

The Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation Diane Troderman Wilf Family Foundations Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall Zucker Family Foundation

PJ Library® is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org.

Lift the flap for an activity!

( and Sam Too! )

One8 Foundation

Ann and Nate Levine Family Foundation

Carl & Joann Bianco

Sam Charlie and

Written by Naomi Shulman Illustrated by Your Turn Shelley Couvillion 8” x 10”, 24 pages  Age 6

How many of their celebrations can you describe?

Sam and Charlie How do you shake up Shabbat? (and Sam Too!) Shake Up Shabbat

Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too!) Shake Up Shabbat

Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too!) Shake Up Shabbat

Picture Books

Yitzi the Trusty Tractor

Talk It Over

DISCUSSION IDEAS

Shake Up Shabbat

Make It Beautiful

For Sam, Charlie, and Sam Too, there is nothing plain about Shabbat. Their art museum, cardboard castles, and crown-shaped challah are much more than simply good fun—they’re part of a practice called hiddur mitzvah: beautifying a mitzvah (a commandment or good deed). Ancient Jewish law instructs us about Shabbat, holidays, and other aspects of Jewish life, but doing our best to step it up a little shows our love and respect for what we’re doing. We don’t just make meals to eat on Shabbat—we make really tasty food. We could light any candlesticks on Friday night, but what about using beautiful, fancy ones instead?

We could just get through Shabbat, or we could infuse the day with some special fun by making our dining room into a magical kingdom! Practicing hiddur mitzvah is a beautiful thing.

Written by Leslie Kimmelman Illustrated by Mike Deas 6.5” x 8.25”, 48 pages Give It a Rest  Age 6 Shabbat is all about resting, but what does it mean to rest? Well, it depends on whom you ask! Part of the experience of Shabbat is figuring out what feels restful for you. The kids in this book express their personal favorite ways to rest as they hang out in the treehouse: one reading, one blowing bubbles, and one chilling out with a cozy pillow. Sometimes resting can mean something like a change of pace—just like the kids break away from their normal ways of celebrating Shabbat and look for new ideas to make the day

$8.99 ISBN 979-8-218-34212-8

Continued on back of flap . . .

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LESLIE KIMMELMAN • ILLUSTRATED BY MIKE DEAS

Until the Blueberries Grow

Never Too Quiet

A Note from PJ Library®

Jewish Concepts

Showing hospitality toward guests – in Hebrew, hachnasat orchim – is an important Jewish value throughout the year, but takes on a unique twist during Sukkot, when it is common practice to symbolically invite sacred ancestors into the sukkah to celebrate.

Collectively, these esteemed guests are known as the Ushpizin, from the Aramaic word for “guests.” Some people have the custom of inviting Abraham on the first night of Sukkot, as Rabbi Pinchas did in this story.

Goldin/Hall

Written by Barbara Diamond Goldin* Illustrated by Amanda Hall 8.5” x 11”, 24 pages  Age 6 *Originally published in One Hundred and One Read-Aloud Jewish Stories; reproduced with permission of Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers

Written by Jennifer Wolf Kam Illustrated by Sally Walker 8.5” x 11”, 24 pages  Age 6

Abraham is considered the father of the Jewish people. Many other religions also trace their monotheistic spiritual beliefs to Abraham, including Islam, Christianity, Rastafarianism, and Baha’i. The Jewish people – including those who convert to Judaism – are all considered to be descendants of Abraham and Sarah.

NEVER TOO QUIET

In many Biblical stories, Abraham appears as a righteous man with a commitment to peace, compassion, and hospitality; in others, he is depicted as a man who would go so far as to lie to save his own life. Like us all, he is a person with both strengths and weaknesses.

In this story, did Rabbi Pinchas’ prayer bring Abraham into the sukkah? What do you think helps the rabbi find a balance between “people with their squabbles and their problems, their troubles and their sorrows – and their laughter and joy”?

HANDS ON!

The Mouse Who Danced the Hora

Play the Matching Game

How do we include others?

Written by Pamela Mayer Illustrated by Christine Davenier 8.3” x 11.7”, 24 pages  Age 6

Do a Little Dance

Things Should Match Written by Sheldon Oberman

If you’ve been to a Jewish wedding, you’ve probably danced the hora, the dance Tillie does in this book. The hora is perhaps the most recognizable Jewish dance, but it’s originally Balkan. It became popular in

Illustrated by Paul Meisel

Things Things Should Match

{Should } Match

ed line should be in line with fold mark DO NOT PRINT

Written by Sheldon Oberman* Illustrated by Paul Meisel 9” x 11”, 24 pages  Age 6 *Originally published in Solomon and the Ant: And Other Jewish Folktales; reproduced with permission of Boyds Mills Press, Inc.

Shmendrick and his family have no money, but they still feel “quite well off.” That’s because they take to heart a classic teaching from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Ancestors, an ancient rabbinic text): “Who is rich? Those who are happy with their lot.”

Maybe part of the reason Shmendrick’s family is

happy with their lot is because they create it. They THINGS SHOULD MATCH

THE MOUSE WHO DANCED THE HORA

MOUSE WHO DANCED THE HORA

The Mouse Who Danced the Hora

OBERMAN • MEISEL

MAYER/DAVENIER

THE

th

century, when members of early kibbutzim (Hebrew for “collective communities”) danced into the night after long days of working in the

Here’s a fun game that builds memory skills.

so easy to learn. Almost anyone can do the hora — even a mouse! To learn more, visit facedown in 4 rows of 13. Each player takes turns pjlibrary.org/mousewhodanced.

grow their own food, make their own clothes, and provide their own fun. In an age when many of

us are dependent on stores for our goods and on

media for our recreation, this family is completely self-sustaining. Pretty impressive, Shmendrick!

A Matched Set

When a stranger wants to buy one of the family’s chickens, they are eager to oblige. Shmendrick’s

have a chance to see them), then turning them

family respects the stranger’s needs, but they

That’s Entertainment

matching cards, they remove the cards from the

also respect the chicken — that’s why they ask

thethe couple on gone, chairs and then — at least at mismatched cards. When all cards are traditional the player with the most matched setsweddings wins — — to entertain them. because after all, things should match! remain in their chairs (now safely The couple

(Hebrew for “welcoming the stranger”) and tza’ar

It’s customary at a Jewish wedding to lift

the stranger to promise to take good care of the bird. In one fell swoop, this family demonstrates two important Jewish values: hachnasat orchim

on the ground!) as guests take turns doing funny dance moves, wearing masks, juggling… anything they think might make the couple mitzvah (Hebrew for “commandment” or good deed) of lesame’ach chatan vekalla (bringing joy to the newlyweds). Poor Tillie wants to bring the married couple some joy, too — but her presence scares all the invited guests away!

ba’alei chayim (“caring for animals”). Speaking

of Jewish values, you’ve heard of honoring your

parents, right? Well, honoring kids is important, too. In this family, everyone’s opinions matter:

parents, older kids, and younger kids. To learn

more, visit pjlibrary.org/thingsshouldmatch.

PJ LIBRARY

the mitzvah with grace and style, as the couple soon appreciates.

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PJ Library

Written by Barbara Diamond Goldin • Illustrated by Amanda Hall

tu r ov me n er

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Written by Pamela Mayer • Illustrated by Christine Davenier

ROSNER/SWARNER

Look Closely

The Candlewick

® A Note from PJ Library

Jewish Concepts

Hachnasat Orchim

Dotted line should be in line with fold mark DO NOT PRINT

The Candlewick is a story of friendship and kindness. The two main characters, Ruthie and

Why does Hanni’s mother want toBayla, clearly care for each other. As they live host the Gaon of Minsk?

some distance from one another, Ruthie travels to

What’s unusual about how Hanni’s village looks? Bayla’s home for an extended visit. As hosts, Bayla What are the villagers doing in the background? and her family are taking part in the mitzvah

Jennifer Rosner Illustrated by

Kristina Swarner

Ann and Nate Levine Family Foundation

Arnold S. and Madaleine Penner Family Foundation

Winnie and Steven Grinspoon

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Howard & Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation

Marilyn Einstein and Steven Sim Charitable Fund

Koum Family

Mike & Sofia Segal Family Foundation

What makes someone wise?

Wise Ones One8 Foundation Steve Saks Sam Berman Charitable Foundation CHALLAH FROM HEAVEN

THE CANDLEWICK

welcomed others to their tent, Bayla’s family Harold Grinspoon welcomes Ruthie into their home and provides Foundation her with food, a place to sleep, and kindness. Acts Your Turn of hachnasat orchim show our readiness to treat The Marcus Seeing a flying challah must be others as we want to be treated, with respect, pretty amazing. What’s the most Foundation, Inc. thoughtfulness, and a generous spirit. amazing thing you’ve seen?

By

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The Azrieli Foundation

Carl & Joann Bianco

Written by Jennifer Rosner Illustrated by Kristina Swarner 10” x 8”, 24 pages  Age 6

(commandment) ofhachnasat orchim, welcoming

What qualities impress you about Samuel? What guests. Just as our ancestors Abraham and Sarah qualities impress you about Hanni?

Challah from Heaven Challah from Heaven

UNGAR

Talk It Over DISCUSSION IDEAS

The Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation Diane Troderman Wilf Family Foundations

Foundation What do you like about having guests visit your There is another aspect to hachnasat orchim.

Walter, Arnee, Sarah The Molly Blank Fund What about the guest? What should a visitor do home? & Aaron Winshall Micah Philanthropies of The Arthur M. Blank to show appreciation for hospitality? Ruthie’s Hanni learns by talking to others in this story. What Zucker Family Foundation Family Foundation actions offer some answers to this question.

Anonymous have you learned from talking to someone else?

She arrives for her visit with small gifts chosen specially to please each of her hosts. She continues PJ Library® is made possible by thousands of generous supporters, your Jewish community, the PJ Library Alliance, and the to show consideration by helpingHarold withGrinspoon household Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through children’s books that reflect the diversity Jewish customs chores, spending time with littleofAaron, and and practice. To learn more about the program and ways to connect to local activities, visit pjlibrary.org. working with Bayla as she dips candles. All of these things show Ruthie’s gratitude for the way Lift the flap she is treated by her hosts. for an activity!

$9.99 ISBN 979-8-9910412-5-6

50999>

The Gaon of Minsk is coming! Hanni’s family hopes that he will visit their home for Shabbat. Where does this visitor get his wisdom? As we grow to know him, we get the sense that his keen understanding comes not only from books but from traveling out in the world and meeting different kinds of people.

Hanni also shows an innate wisdom in the way she interacts with different people in her village, and she understands just what to say to get the wind’s cooperation in returning her challah. Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Ancestors, a collection of rabbinic sayings) says, “Who is wise? The one who learns from everyone.” No wonder Hanni and Samuel become fast friends—they share the wisdom connection.

Written and illustrated by Richard Ungar 10” x 8”, 32 pages  Age 7

Won’t You Join Us?

The mysterious flying challah leads Hanni directly to Samuel—a new friend. After just a brief interaction, Hanni extends an invitation to Samuel to join their family for Shabbat dinner. This is known as hachnasat orchim in Hebrew: welcoming guests. It’s a mitzvah (commandment or good deed) to extend hospitality to others, and it’s fitting that the invitation comes through Hanni and Samuel’s meeting over the flying challah, as bread is often seen as a symbol of togetherness and sharing. When Samuel proclaims

Continued on back of flap . . .

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9 798991 041256

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RABE/ANDRIANI

Written by Tammar Stein Illustrated by Sabina Hahn 6.8” x 8.3”, 32 pages  Age 7

H

What isby light?

Written Tish Rabe Illustrated by Renée Andriani Let There Be Light 5.5” x 8.5”, 24 pages  Age 7

OW DO CANDLES LIGHT THE NIGHT?

When darkness falls, even a tiny light can be very comforting. That’s why we tend to associate light with safety, peace, and hope — everything good and beautiful. The traditional Jewish symbol of a menorah (ritual candelabra) evokes all these ideas. Light marks synagogues as special places, too. All synagogues have an eternal light (in Hebrew, a ner tamid) that recalls the menorah of the ancient Temple, connects us with our past, and reminds us of God’s eternal presence. To learn more, visit pjlibrary.org/howdocandles.

Light My Fire Just as light marks the synagogue as a special place, candle lighting marks certain times and events as special.

As Simmy and Sammy point out, we light candles to welcome holidays, including Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. day-to-day, looking back to the moment of creation (“Let there be light!”) and forward to a world that is repaired and whole once again.

P

The Shofar Must Go On...

A Note from PJ Library® Jewish Concepts

SCHWARZ /CHEN

Your children may want to try blowing a shofar using the traditional hollowed-out ram’s horn, a toy shofar, or one made of construction paper or cardboard. Instructions for various crafts can easily be found online. For a round-up of holiday activities to enjoy with children, go to the PJ Library website, www.pjlibrary.org.

tu r ov me n er

J LIBRARY

A Note from PJ Library® Using This Book at Home

Jewish history, religion, and culture place a great deal of focus on human relationships and behaviors. The connections we honor and the actions we take to live out those connections give meaning to our lives.

In all relationships, what we actually do is of much greater importance than the things we say we believe. In the Jewish tradition, righteous actions are known as mitzvot (the plural of mitzvah, meaning “commandment,” often translated as “good deed”). A mitzvah is a positive value translated into honorable action.

The shofar makes only a handful of sounds, as described at the end of this book. Did you know that blowing a shofar properly requires more than the shofar blower alone? Take turns with your family and friends practicing the different roles:

Goodman • Madsen

LIVE YOUR DREAM

How can our challenges inspire us?

has no mouthpiece. Most wind instruments, like trumpets and oboes (and even harmonicas and kazoos), have a mouthpiece. Blowing a shofar can challenge even an experienced musician!

The Story of a Jewish Basketball All-Star

Gift in Disguise

the diversity of Jewish customs and practice.

Tamir different fromandhis classmates, but as To learn moreisabout the program ways to connect to activities in your visit his story shows us,area, “different” can be amazing. www.pjlibrary.org.

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W R I T T E N BY L I N A S C H WA R Z • I L LU S T R AT E D BY YO N G C H E N

While Tamir struggles intensely with reading and schoolwork, his challenges turn out to be a gift on the basketball court: his different way of relating to the world lets him see what others don’t.

Every person has a unique gift to share with the world, but often that gift comes disguised as a challenge. As we go about learning how to master the challenge, we find the treasure hiding inside it.

This is true for Tamir not only with his dyslexia but also later in his career, when a number of serious injuries force him to retire from playing basketball. ® A Note fromWithin PJ Library the disappointment, he finds the gift of being able to teach, coach, and inspire others. As Using This Book at Home Inviting the Sabbath to says, your home on Tamir Queen himself “Struggles can lead to success.”

By Tamir Goodman

Written by Tamir Goodman Illustrated byAJim Madsen JEWISH FOLKTALE FROM ALGERIA 8” x 10”, 40 pages  Age 7

Illustrated by Jim Madsen

The Sabbath Lion

A Note from PJ Library® Jewish Concepts

All over the world, for thousands of years, Jews have celebrated the Sabbath, known in Hebrew Shabbat.as Mention of Shabbat appears in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible, Bereshit (Genesis), when God creates the world in six days and rests on the seventh.

In Jewish tradition Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday and ends Saturday evening when three stars can be seen in the sky.

Friday night is a wonderful chance to engage your child’s imagination. What would you do to get ready for royalty? Brainstorm what special Shabbat preparations your family can make. For example: • Make special foods with your child, such as Tamir’s intense love of basketball comes second challah or cookies.

• Decorate to your home with a white only one thing: thetablecloth, practice of his Jewish flowers on the table, and homemade Shabbatfaith.

Throughout his story, he stands firm on his themed place mats. story • Make royal crowns to wear the Shabbatintable. decision not to at participate basketballThe games on of the Sabbath Lion is told by Jews in North Africa and in other places such as Iran and Use construction paper, staples, pens and glitter.

Bukhara.

Avotanu is found Sippru, in edited Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath, which takes place This version was collected by A. Rabi from Avner Azolai and Each member of the family can be part of the

by Moshe Rabi, published in Jerusalem in 1975. It is number 6432 in the Israel Folktale Archives. from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday), queen’s royal court!

• Be sure toeven take making time during the Shabbat meal to schools to decisions about what talk with your child about what you are grateful for.

Standing Firm

J Library Alliance, and the ks that reflect the diversity ctivities, visit pjlibrary.org.

attend based on which ones can accommodate

Continued on back of flap . . .

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About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by many generous supporters, your local Jewish community, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values through quality children’s books that reflect the diversity of Jewish customs and practice.

To learn more about the www.pjlibrary.org program and ways to connect to activities in your area, visit www.pjlibrary.org or call (413) 439-1981.

98989 166886

Retold by Howard Schwartz and Barbara Rush Illustrated by Stephen Fieser 10” x 8”, 32 pages  Age 7

It is customary to begin Shabbat by lighting candles, then to sanctify the day Kiddush, with a blessing over wine or grape juice, and finally to bless and eatchallah, a special braided bread. Some families go to synagogue to pray and hear a reading from theTorah, the first five books of the Bible. Guests are often invited to festive Shabbat meals.

“Gracefully retold, this tale of the rewards of faith is illustrated in a warm, pleasing palette.”

The –Kirkus Reviews “This satisfying story . . . will be enjoyed by independent readers and welcomed by storytellers.”

School – Library Journal

THE SABBATH LION

Geography Challenge: Where is Algeria?

Where exactly is Algeria, and how far across the desert did Yosef have to travel to reach Egypt? Using an atlas or an online map of Africa, trace Yosef’s heroic journey. Do you know people who have traveled to an African country? Invite them as Shabbat guests and ask them to share tales of their travels.

$9.99 SBN 979-8-9891668-8-6

Schwartz · Rush · Fieser

Live Your Dream The Story of a Jewish Basketball All-Star

The Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation The Murray & Sydell Rosenberg Foundation One8 Foundation Sam Berman Charitable Foundation Stephen and Bebe Saks Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation Susser Family Trust Wilf Family Foundations Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall Zucker Family Foundation

When, in this story, Harry’s mom steps forward to blow the shofar, she is doing a mitzvah. Not only is she commemorating the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, but she is using her talents in service to her community. Her righteous actions set an example that her community appreciates and her son can follow.

About PJ Library The gift of PJ Library is made possible by many generous supporters, your local Jewish community, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

PJ Library shares Jewish culture and values

The Story of a Jewish Basketball All-Star

Written by Lina Schwarz Illustrated by Yong Chen 11” x 8”, 24 pages  Age 7

Judaism is passionately concerned with the details of righteous behavior and action. Abraham Joshua Heschel, a 20th century theologian who wrote about Jewish philosophy and was active in the American Civil Rights movement, said, “God asks for the heart, and we must spell out our answer in terms of deeds.” This strong commitment to action, expressed through love and service to community, is vital to Jewish life.

The Shofar Must Go On...

Live Your Dream: The Story of a Jewish Basketball All-Star

 One person blows the shofar  One person stands next to him or her and calls out the order of the different sounds Live Your Dream silently until they  All others stand and listen If your family practices blowing the shofar, you’ll hear some loud and even strange noises. The

THE SABBATH LION

Speaking of guests, tradition says there is one guest who visits homes every week – and has for centuries! That guest Shabbat is HaMalka, the Sabbath Queen. Sometimes referred to kallah as a(bride), the Sabbath Queen is mentioned in Jewish stories dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. Today, during Friday night services, it is customary for congregants, while theyLecha singDodi, to stand, face the door, and bow to welcome the Sabbath Queen.

Yosef and his family lived in Algiers, the capital of Algeria. Jews have lived in all corners of the globe – and everywhere they go, they take the customs of Shabbat with them.



2 Titlepage Sabbath Lion_cs6.indd 1

Richard Michelson d E.B. Lewis

Nextin the Year White House

Next Year in the White House Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder

Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder

11/26/13 2:08 PM

Onions and Garlic

Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder Next Year in the White House

What makes a seder special?

Retold by Rebecca Sheir Illustrated by Sabina Hahn 8” x 10”, 48 pages  Age 8 Produced in partnership with Circle Round, a storytelling podcast from WBUR

Come and Eat

Passover, a weeklong holiday commemorating the

liberation of Jews from ancient Egypt, is a time for both joy and reflection. Each year at the Passover seder (ritual meal), we recite a passage called “Ha Lachma Anya” (Aramaic for “this is the bread of

affliction”), in which we say: “All who are hungry, come and eat.” Welcoming guests to the seder

is as central to our Passover traditions as eating

matzah. When we recite the story of our escape from slavery into freedom each year, we aren’t

just reminding ourselves of long-ago events; we

are teaching our children, our friends, our loved ones, and each other that freedom takes time,

takes practice, and takes all of us coming together, with open hearts and doors. To learn more about Passover, visit pjlibrary.org/passover.

Can I Join In?

Written by Richard Michelson Illustrated by E. B. Lewis 9.5” x 11”, 40 pages  Age 8

Senator Barack Obama is not Jewish, but he

joins the seder that his friends hold in the hotel

because he can see how important the ritual is to them. His curiosity and his respect for traditions that are not his own lead to greater warmth and

understanding between them all. Senator Obama is so moved by the seder and what it represents that when he becomes president, he holds an official White House seder for the very first time—a tradition that continues to this day.

Continued on back of flap . . .

Crown

BY RICHARD MICHELSON d ILLUSTRATED BY E.B. LEWIS

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Middle-Grade Books Detour Ahead Written by Pamela Ehrenberg & Tracy López Illustrated by Laila Ekboir 5.5” x 8.25” 352 pages  Ages 9-12

Scout’s Honor and the Cave of Courage Written by Anna Levine 5.5” x 8.25” 140 pages  Ages 9-12

Trouble Finds Evie Lefkowitz Written by Diana Harmon Asher 5.5” x 8.25” 260 pages  Ages 9-12

Picture Books

Jonah

How Candles How DoDo Candles Light the Night?

Light the Night?

Dotted line should be in line with fold mark DO NOT PRINT

Art from Bless the World, written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Noa Mishkin

publishing@pjlibrary.org