Do your kids love to read a certain book again and again? Did you know that every time you re-read a story with your child you’re building fluency, developing close reading skills, and expanding your child’s vocabulary? There are tons of benefits to reading the same book again and again, no matter what age you are. If you’re looking for some new books with special Jewish messages to add to your routine, here are 15 soon-to-be favorites to add to your storytime rotation.
Related: Read Aloud Tips for All Ages
Babies & Toddlers
Recommended for ages 2 to 3
A family car trip turns into an exploration of the natural wonders of the seashore, woods, and fields, In gratitude and to make the world a better place, the parents plant trees. As the day progresses, the family adventure is marked by the recurring refrain: "good night, laila tov.”
Recommended for ages 2 to 3
Teatime with Zayde is always fun! Lucky for this little one, he’s never far away, either -- thanks to the miracle of the digital age.
Todah by Kyra Teis
Recommended for ages 6 months to 2 years
Babies have so many blessings -- so many things to say todah (thank you) for! And so do their parents. All you need to do is stop and notice.
Recommended for ages 6 months and up
The unique and immediate connections between parents and newborns come to life in this sweet Israeli lullaby.
Kids Under 6
Recommended for ages 4 to 5
Every day, zookeeper Amos McGee rides the bus to the zoo, where he plays chess with the elephant, races the tortoise, and reads stories to the owl. But one day he feels too sick to go to work, so his animal friends hop on the bus to visit him -- performing the mitzvah of bikur cholim, visiting the sick. Before long, Amos will feel healthy as a horse.
Recommended for ages 5 to 6
While working in his grandfather’s bakery, Benny learns the joys of giving and receiving, caring and gratitude.
Recommended for ages 4 to 5
An Israeli kibbutz is the setting for this tale in which a man always does his best regardless of the job he is given, though he’d prefer to be working in the chicken coops.
Recommended for ages 3 to 4
Mama Gefilte isn’t thrilled when her curious little ones leave their jar and go out to explore the world, but she can certainly be proud of what they know about being a mensch.
Recommended for ages 5 to 6
As Dalia explores tzedakah with her friends, she creates a tzedakah box where she can keep the money she’s saving to help those in need. In the process Dalia, her friends and her little brother Yossi learn about the power and joy of giving to others.
Recommended for ages 3 to 4
While the rest of the world is asleep, the night world is awake and alert with curiosity and gratitude -- and so are we. Learn more about why we chose this book.
Welcome by Stephane Barroux
Recommended for ages 4 to 6
Polar Bear and his friends have lost their home. Will they find a safe place to stay? After several animals turn them away, the polar bears find an empty spot where they can settle. And now someone else needs a home...
Ages 6 and Up
And There Was Evening by Harriet Cohen Helfand & Ellen Kahan Zager
Recommended for ages 7 to 8
When God created the world, each day began in the evening -- just as days in the Jewish calendar still do today. This book’s beautiful, high-concept design gives new life to the words of an ancient story.
Recommended for ages 6 to 7
Lilly loves her purse -- but when she disrupts class with it, her teacher has to take it away for a while. Lilly doesn't react so well... and soon she's going to have to learn how to say two of the most important words: "I'm sorry." Read more about how the PJ Library Book Selection Committee chose this book.
Recommended for ages 7 to 8
Moshe was a composer -- and he was inspired by the sounds he heard every day in Israel. But one day he heard a very small sound -- and it came from Ketzel the kitten! Ketzel went home with Moshe and helped him make beautiful music. Learn more about how PJ Library chose this book.
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Zeesie is a little afraid of Zaydeh, her grandfather. He’s always so serious and stern. But when Simchat Torah rolls around, Zeesie sees a different side of him. Something about this holiday brings out joy in everyone -- even Zaydeh!
See all PJ Library Book Lists
December 4, 2018