This year marks a special milestone, the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Month, a special program from the Jewish Book Council. As part of the celebrations, PJ Library is thrilled to share curated book recommendations from beloved Jewish authors. Today’s list comes from Richard Ho, author of the award-winning PJ Library selection Two New Years.
Written by Emily Jenkins
Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
If you like the warmth of Hanukkah candles and a family familiar to many, you will love this story. I have a soft spot for the Lower East Side, especially depictions of the historic Jewish neighborhood in the early 1900s. The characters of Sydney Taylor’s All-of-a-Kind family are iconic. And I can practically taste the latkes brought to delicious life in Paul O. Zelinsky’s illustrations!
Written by Laurel Snyder
Illustrated by Catia Chien
I am fond of this book because it conveys the miraculous magnitude of one of Judaism’s seminal events, the Exodus from Egypt . . . but ingeniously frames it from the perspective of a child. The rhyming text, coupled with the beautiful illustrations, is truly breathtaking.
Written by Christina Matula and Erica Lyons
Illustrated by Tracy Subisak
It’s gratifying to see more stories of families that look like mine! Both Chinese and Jewish, Ruby’s family joyfully celebrates two fall holidays: Mid-Autumn Festival and Sukkot. A book centered on the delightful differences and similarities between two cultures? That obviously strikes a chord with me. (See my next selection.)
Written by Richard Ho
Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield
I’m so proud that the first Jewish book I wrote was chosen to be a PJ Library book! It’s a reflection of my family and our dual Jewish-Chinese identity, and it highlights the threads that bind both cultures and their respective celebrations of the new year. If you like books about food, family, and the joy of ringing in a new year, you will love this story.
Written by Shoshana Nambi
Illustrated by Moran Yogev
This book is a lovely and fascinating window into the world of the Jews of Uganda. The story of Shoshi and the rest of the villagers rallying to fix one neighbor’s ruined sukkah is an inspiring reminder of the importance of community, during the holiday of Sukkot and all year round.
About the Author
Richard Ho is a children’s book author who was once, himself, a child. (At least that’s what his parents tell him.)
During his childhood, he harbored perfectly reasonable career aspirations: to become a professional basketball player, astrophysicist, and Jedi master. When he “grew up,” he studied English and literature in college, worked as a magazine journalist, and eventually became a scriptwriter and editor for an educational website. At some point (probably after his own children arrived on the scene), the thought of writing children’s books popped into his head. He hasn’t been able to shake it loose since. His first picture book, Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars, was published by Roaring Brook Press in 2019.
Richard is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. In his wildest daydreams, he is also a member of the New York Knicks, the American Astronomical Society, and the Jedi Order.
More
Explore Jewish Cultural Diversity with Kids Through Delicious Food and Captivating Stories
How PJ Library Chooses Books
Why We Chose This Book: Two New Years
November 13, 2025