November marks two special celebrations: Jewish Book Month, which honors the world of Jewish literature, and Mizrahi Heritage Month, which honors Middle Eastern Jewish ancestry and culture. It also commemorates the 850,000 Jewish refugees displaced from the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Listen to the playlist below and check out these picture books about the rich culture and history of Mizrahi Jewish life:
Podcasts
Books
Written by Hava Deevon, illustrated by Rotem Teplow, and published by Green Bean Books
Recommended for ages 6 to 7
Saul from Romania has always dreamed of living in Israel, and so has Solomon from Yemen. When these two travelers meet on the shores of Tel Aviv, they share their stories and their joy.
Written by Ronit Chacham, illustrated by Shirley Waisman and published by I Read Media
Recommended for ages 6 and up
Marco the coal salesman, receives a fancy overcoat from a rich man as a gift, and “feeds” the coat with cookies, noodles – and even meatballs – when he goes to a feast. In the process, the astonished guests learn an important lesson about respect for the other. This new rendition of a traditional folktale exemplifies the saying from Pirkei Avot (Sayings of the Fathers), “Don’t look at the outside of the container, but rather at what is in it.”
Written by Peninnah Schram, illustrated by Gianni De Conno and published by Sterling Publishing
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Here are 22 Jewish tales, some told with humor and all sure to inspire conversation. Each story contains a message that resonates with Jewish values.
Written by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Omar Rayyan and published by Amazon PublishingRecommended for ages 6 to 7
Joha, a trickster character popular in folklore traditions from around the world, has found a magic stick! Unfortunately, this magic stick gets all Joha’s wishes wrong. But before long, Joha figures out a way to use this to his advantage -- and to hilarious effect.
Written by Ori Elon, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt and published by Green Bean Books
Recommended for ages 7 to 8
This humorous rhyming story, based on a well-known Jewish legend, invites families to consider how they prepare for the Sabbath and encourages conversations on the value of material goods and the importance of being happy with what we have. This new version of a classic tale was created in a collaboration between Sifriyat Pijama and Keter publishing house.
Written by Chaim Kosofsky, illustrated by Jessica Schiffman and published by Hachai
Recommended for ages 5 to 6
A mysterious traveler, welcomed into a couple’s home for Shabbat, shares a strange and wonderful blessing with them. The two can’t help wondering: What will happen next?
Written by Jaqueline Jules, illustrated by Durga Bernhard and published by Wisdom Tales Press
Recommended for ages 7 to 8
This classic tale from medieval Spain has a timeless message: The best antidote to meanness is kindness.
Written by Sigal Samuel, illustrated by Vali Mintzi and published by Levine Querido
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Osnat Barzani was born in Mosul at a time when only boys were expected to study Torah. But Osnat is driven by a love of learning to become the world’s first female Rabbi. Soon word begins to spread that she can do more than teach -- she can perform miracles!
Written by Etan Basseri, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh and published by Kalaniot Books
Recommended for ages 6-7
Ezra and Roza are looking forward to Passover. To help get ready, Ezra brings his family’s flour community baking oven to make matzah – but has an unfortunate mishap along the way. How will they have their seder? Set in 1950s Iran, this sweet story shows how a community comes together to help.
Written by Howard Schwartz, illustrated by Stephen Fieser and published by PJ Publishing
Recommended for ages 7 to 8
In this Algerian folktale, Yosef is determined to keep the Sabbath -- even though he is in the middle of a dangerous desert journey. But he knows he’ll be all right because he is getting help from a powerful friend.
Written by Erica Lyons, illustrated by Yinon Ptahia and published by Apples & Honey Pres
Recommended for ages 6 to 7
Saliman knows it’s time to make the journey to Israel, but there’s so much he’s not ready to leave behind in Yemen. Although he only takes a small stone, Saliman is able to carry with him all the things that matter most.
Written by Sarah Sassoon, illustrated by Noa Kelner and published by Kar-Ben Publishing
Recommended for ages 7 to 8
Shoham and her family must leave everything behind when they emigrate from Iraq to Israel, including her prized bangle. But Shoham’s Nana Aziza has prepared a special surprise to make their new country feel like home.
Written by Allison Ofanansky, illustrated by Rotem Teplow and published by Groundwood/Anansi
Recommended for ages 6 to 7
In Morocco, the end of Passover has traditionally been marked by Mimouna, a festive celebration that features moufleta. Miriam's mother gets flour from their Muslim neighbors to make the sweet pancake treats. This time, Miriam and her mother get more than just flour -- Miriam also makes a new friend!.
Written by Ann Redisch Stampler, illustrated by Carol Liddiment and published by Albert Whitman & Company
Recommended for ages 7 to 8
Disguised as a servant, an Afghani shah slips out of his palace to get to know his people. When he encounters a poor Jewish shoemaker full of faith that everything will turn out just as it should, he decides to test that faith. Will the shoemaker's cheerful optimism be shaken when faced with a matter of life and death?
About the Curator
Yasmine Abouzaglo (she/her) is a senior at Columbia University from Texas with Moroccan Israeli and Costa Rican Jewish roots. Yasmine is a former Sephardi House Fellow and a co-lead and founder of Columbia/Barnard Hillel’s Mizrahi and Sephardi Student Group, Hamsa. She joined PJ Library as a summer intern in 2026.
More
What's the Difference between Sephardic and Mizrahi?
Recipes to Try During Mizrahi Heritage Month
What is Mimouna?
October 19, 2026