Rosh Hashanah is a time for fresh beginnings — a brand-new year full of new possibilities. There are all sorts of special rituals that go into getting ready for Rosh Hashanah. The books and podcast episodes on this list help kids (and grown-ups) prepare for the new year, transitions to new life chapters, new experiences, and more. Books and stories are a great way to help children — whether they’re excited or nervous — to prepare for big changes.
Afternoons With Mimi: Kiddo’s Big Change
Big things are happening at home, and Kiddo doesn’t feel ready for them. One constant in his life, though, is Mimi, always there with wise words and a story to help put things in perspective.
Afternoons With Mimi: Kiddo Goes to Scouts
Kiddo has joined the illustrious Magenta Scouts! But he’s nervous about his first meeting. What if he has a hard time making friends? Mimi has the perfect story to put his mind at ease, and a good snack doesn’t hurt, either.
by Sandra V. Feder
Hannah’s family is moving, and Hannah feels bitter about it. Her grandmother says that when she left the old country, she felt the same way and reminds Hannah that every hard time has a little bit of sweetness, too. When Hannah meets a new neighbor her age, she begins to see what her grandmother means.
by Sarah Aronson
Jillian is wary of spending any time with Bubbe, her new stepdad’s mom. What will her Noni and Gram think? But Bubbe’s matzo ball soup sparks an idea to bring everyone together, and Jillian learns there’s always room for more family.
by Laurel Snyder
Laurel loves working in the garden with her neighbor Honey. When it’s time for Honey to move away, Laurel worries about what will happen to their special garden.
by Brynn Olenberg Sugarman
Mr. and Mrs. Stein and their two sons eagerly adopt a baby girl from Vietnam into their Jewish home. Her coming into the family will bring big changes — and a lot of love!
by Michelle Edwards
The Jewish holidays mark the passage of time as a family prepares for a new baby to join their family. Just how will they make room in their already-crowded home?
by Jane Yolen
It’s Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! It’s customary to taste a new food in honor of the holiday, but Becca, like many small children, is a picky eater. This sweet book, written by beloved author Jane Yolen, follows Becca on her path to trying out something new. Rosh Hashanah is a great time to grow and learn — and that’s what trying new things is all about.
by Vicki Weber
From the moment we wake up, there’s so much to appreciate. That’s why many Jews start the day by saying Modeh Ani, a blessing that acknowledges the simple gifts of being alive. From a little nose down to wiggly toes, there’s so much to be grateful for. Even the smallest children, like the ones in this book, can learn to start each day on a thankful note.
by Susan Schnur and Anna Schnur-Fishman
On Rosh Hashanah, many families participate in tashlich, a tradition of throwing bread crumbs into water to wash away the mistakes of the past year. The family in this story has their own spin on tashlich — and it takes place at Turtle Rock.
by Rabbi Alyson Solomon
Giving thanks every day for all the good things around us is a traditional Jewish practice, and it’s also good for our well-being. This book takes its cues from the Modeh Ani, a morning prayer of gratitude that helps us start each day on a positive note.
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September 1, 2024