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Pre-K

Growing Reader

Picture Books That Celebrate Jewish Heritage and Culture

by Melissa Taylor

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, where we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Jewish Americans. These picture books celebrate Jewish culture, tradition, language, and beliefs. They are important windows, doors, and mirrors to allow children to see themselves, to build empathy and understanding, and to combat antisemitism. As critical thinkers, we know that no group of people deserves to be stereotyped or discriminated against. So, let us celebrate the rich culture, traditions, and beliefs of Jews as we do for all diverse groups of people.

I Like Your Chutzpah and Other Yiddish Words You’ll Like

I Like Your Chutzpah and Other Yiddish Words You’ll Like

by Suzy Ultman, illustrated by Suzy Ultman

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For the earliest readers, this adorable board book playfully affirms Jewish culture using common Yiddish words with colorful cartoony illustrations. From ”I like your schtick” to “I like your chutzpah,” it’s an affirming book celebrating a child’s many ways of being.

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Sharing Shalom

Sharing Shalom

by Danielle Sharkan, illustrated by Selina Alko

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When someone vandalizes Leila’s synagogue, she struggles to feel proud of her Jewish heritage, hiding her Star of David necklace. But when diverse friends and neighbors help to repair the synagogue, their kindness helps Leila’s heart heal. Leila proudly wears her necklace again and teaches her classmates how to write “shalom,” peace in Hebrew, in this important, beautiful story about kindness, acceptance, and antisemitism.

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One Small Spark

One Small Spark

by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov

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The phrase tikkun olam means making right or repairing the world. This is exemplified when a young girl notices a playground in disrepair, sparking an idea in her heart that becomes a community cleanup action. The lovely illustrations mirror this spark of transformation, starting with gray colors and growing into more vibrant colors throughout.

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Challah Day!

Challah Day!

by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Jason Kirschner

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Written in jaunty rhyme, a little girl and her family make challah bread in this festive story about family, culture, and food. From pouring flour to kneading, cleaning, braiding, and eventually, eating, you’ll love the delicious retro art and warmhearted story about a Shabbat family tradition.

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Afikoman, Where’d You Go

Afikoman, Where’d You Go

by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Noa Kelner

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I love this adventurous Passover hide-and-seek story showing children searching everywhere for the sneaky, silly afikoman. From the kitchen to a messy bedroom and even up a tree, readers will enjoy inspecting the detailed illustrations that follow the kids hunting for the missing matzah. Will anyone ever find the clever escape artist?

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The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life

by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Alianna Rozentsveig

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During World War II, a group of prisoners planted a small maple tree in the Terezin concentration camp. They watered it with their own rations, and the tree grew despite the hardships, giving the prisoners hope for a better future. Later, the amazing tree helped start more trees, which were planted around the world, representing hope, faith, and community.

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Good Night, Wind

Good Night, Wind

by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Maelle Doliveux

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After working hard all winter, Wind feels tired and frustrated because no one will give him shelter. His tired, angry feelings culminate in a tired, angry tantrum. Relatable, right? Luckily, two children listen to the Wind and then show him a good spot to rest. Gorgeous blue-and-orange-toned paper-cut collage dioramas pop off the page in this Yiddish folktale retelling about feelings, empathy, and kindness.

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Soshi’s Shabbat

Soshi’s Shabbat

by Caryn Yacowitz, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

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Soshi’s new owner doesn’t observe Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, but Shoshi does, refusing to work on Shabbat. The owner, Yohanan, realizes that it’s okay to take a day of rest. This book, based on an ancient story, engages readers with expressive illustrations and a valuable life lesson for readers of any faith and tradition.

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Goodnight Bubbala

Goodnight Bubbala

by Sheryl Haft, illustrated by Jill Weber

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This popular parody of the classic Goodnight Moon story is a Jewish version filled with Yiddish words and Jewish culture. Adults will love reading aloud this rhythmic story as a new bedtime book, sharing humor, sweetness, and family values. The back includes a glossary of Yiddish words.

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