Dinner and a Story

It’s no secret that PJ Library families love to cook together. If you’re looking for a story to sink your teeth into, or a new recipe to shake up your Shabbat, you’ll love the books in this list. Each book features a special take on classic Jewish comfort foods like cholent, latkes, or challah, and includes a recipe that you can make with your family too!

Don’t forget to share photos of your culinary adventures with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup by Pamela Mayer

Recommended for ages 6 to 7

Sophie has two Grandmas from two different cultures, and they each make their own kind of chicken soup -- and each soup is delicious! The more Sophie learns about those soups, the more she realizes how similar they actually are -- on many levels. Find recipes for each grandma’s signature dish in the back of the book.


Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara Rockliff

Recommended for ages 6 to 7

Learn how to prepare your own cholent using the recipe included.


Rise & Shine: A Challah Day Tale by Karen Ostrove

Recommended for ages 3 to 4

When Sammy and Sophie find a crumpled piece of paper in the attic, it leads them on a delicious adventure with Grandma Gert at her retirement center. Flip to the back of the book to learn how to make your own challah for Shabbat.


Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg

Recommended for ages 5 to 6

Sadie’s family has both Jewish and Indian background, so at Hanukkah they eat dosas, traditional Indian pancakes. But they get locked out just before their Hanukkah party! Who will save the day? Make your own dosas and sambar, a lentil dish, with the recipes included.


Little Red Ruthie by Gloria Koster

Recommended for ages 6 to 7

Cook up a batch of the special latkes that little Ruthie made using the recipe at the end of the book.