THE ASSOCIATION OF JEWISH LIBRARIES announced its 2012 Sydney Taylor Book Award winners and honorees in January. Among the books, authors, and illustrators celebrated were a number of PJ Library selections.
The PJ Library Book Selection Committee is made up of early childhood educators and children’s literature experts. It works with authors, publishers, and editors to ensure the finest Jewish books for children find their way each month into the mailboxes of all PJ families.
The latest news, that the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) is honoring many of the same books chosen by our Book Committee, further underscores the quality of this selected literature.
“The Association of Jewish Libraries is a well-respected resource for Jewish families and educators. I am happy to see that the AJL, like PJ Library, finds these titles to be exceptional,” says PJ Library Book Selection Committee Chair Chris Barash. “I am also pleased for the authors and illustrators of these books, who have created such rich treasure troves of Jewish content for our children.”
THE SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD
The AJL’s children’s book award was created in 1968, but was originally called the Shirley Kravitz Children’s Book Award. The award was renamed the Sydney Taylor Book Award in 1978 after the passing of author Sydney Taylor, famous for her All-of-a-Kind Family series.
According to the AJL’s website, the award aims to “encourage the publication of outstanding books of Jewish content for children and teens, books that exemplify the highest literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience.”
Visit AJL’s Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners page to see a list of all award and honor winners since 1968.
2012 HONOREES & NOTABLE BOOKS
Eight Sydney Taylor Honor Books were named for 2012. Among them was the PJ Library selection, Naamah and the Ark at Night, written by Susan Campbell Bartoletti and illustrated by Holly Meade.
Naamah and the Ark at Night tells the story of Naamah, who floats along with Noah and their extended family. Naamah sings and soothes all the inhabitants of the ark on a dark and stormy night.
In addition, six PJ Library selections were chosen as “Notable Books for Young Readers.” They are:
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The Golem's Latkes
Author: Eric Kimmel
Illustrator: Aaron Jasinski
When a rabbi leaves his housemaid in charge while he visits the emperor, a golem, a creature made from clay, comes to life and creates more latkes than the city can contain. |
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The Littlest Mountain
Author: Barb Rosenstock
Illustrator: Melanie Hall
When God decides to speak to people from a mountaintop and give them laws to follow, the mountains vie for the privilege. Which one will be chosen? |
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Joseph and the Sabbath Fish
Author: Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrator: Martina Peluso
Joseph always welcomes guests to his Sabbath table, while his neighbor Judah scoffs at Joseph’s generosity. Even as his fortunes decline, Joseph’s door remains open. Times change and Judah turns to Joseph for help. A very special fish helps save the day. |
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One Little Chicken
Author: Elka Weber
Illustrator: Elisa Kleven
When Leora finds a chicken in her front yard, she imagines keeping it; her mother has a very different view. Following a Jewish law that “finders aren’t keepers,” the family will care for the chicken until its rightful owner returns. After all, how much trouble can one little chicken be? |
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Picnic at Camp Shalom
Author: Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Deborah Melmon
When Carly laughs at Sara’s last name, her bunkmate at Camp Shalom refuses to be consoled. Little does Sara know that Carly has a reason for her outburst. When their mutual love of music brings harmony to Shabbat dinner as well as to their friendship, Carly finally gets the chance to reveal her secret. |
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Sadie's Sukkah Breakfast
Author: Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Deborah Melmon
When Carly laughs at Sara’s last name, her bunkmate at Camp Shalom refuses to be consoled. Little does Sara know that Carly has a reason for her outburst. When their mutual love of music brings harmony to Shabbat dinner as well as to their friendship, Carly finally gets the chance to reveal her secret. |
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February 15, 2012