Jewish Americans

Realistic fiction

Non-fiction

Traditional

Biography

Historical fiction

Poetry

Fantasy

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NOTE: RECENTLY ADDED TITLES APPEAR IN RED.

Realistic Fiction:

Adler, D. A. (1999). One yellow daffodil: A Hanukkah story. Illustrated by L. Bloom. New York: Voyager Books. (K-3)

A Holocaust survivor shares Hanukkah with a loving family that gives him the courage to remember. (amazon.com)

Blue, R. (1997). Good Yontif. A picture book of the Jewish year. Illustrated by L. Feldman. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook. (K-3))

Follow a Jewish family through the changing seasons in this richly illustrated book on Jewish holidays. (amazon.com)

Blume, J. (1991). Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret. New York: Laurel Leaf. (4-6)

Margaret, almost twelve, experiences the difficulties of growing up and choosing a religion in Judy Blume’s popular novel. (Horn Book, 1991)

Carmi, D. (2002). Samir and Yonatan. Blue Sky Press. (4-8)

Riding his bicycle down the market steps, a young Palestinian falls and smashes his knee so badly that he needs surgery. For the first time in his life, Samir leaves his home in the Occupied Territories to go to a Jewish hospital where an American doctor will operate on him. While waiting for the procedure, Samir gets to know the other children on his ward, all Jews. Beautiful Ludmilla is pining away for her home in Russia and refusing to eat. Razia hides under her bed in fear of her father. Hyperactive Tzahi can't urinate properly and, most importantly, Yonatan with the crippled arm introduces Samir to the stars, computer games, and the way imagination can take one away from a place of pain. As Samir thinks about the home he misses, details of his family life are revealed. Readers learn that his younger brother was killed, shot while playing in the street by a man wearing the same uniform that Tzahi’s brother wears when he visits. His older brother has gone to Kuwait to earn money and his mother works two jobs. His father has stopped talking. As the hospitalized children spend time together, they come to support one another, forming a team that crosses cultural boundaries. Samir and Yonatan take an illegal night outing to commandeer an office computer to play a game. Life in the hospital is described as clearly as life in the Occupied Territories and readers will sympathize with Samir’s fear and loneliness and welcome his new friendships. Written in Hebrew but published first in Germany, the book is smoothly translated and will have wide appeal. (School Library Journal)

Conway, D. C. (1994). Northern lights: A Hanukkah story. Illustrated by S. O. Hass. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies. (K-3)

When a storm grounds their plane, Sara and her dad celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with a Yupik Eskimo family. By the light of an oil lamp, they share stories, eat fried bread, and witness the colorful glow of the Northern Lights...a Hanukkah celebration after all. Warm, wonderful watercolors illuminate this eloquent story. (amazon.com)

da Costa, D. (2001). Snow in Jerusalem. Illustrated by C. Van Wright & Y. Hu. Albert Whitman. (1-4)

Although they live in different quarters of Jerusalem, a Jewish boy and a Muslim boy are surprised to discover they have been caring for the same stray cat. (card catalog)

Edwards, M. (2004). Papa’s latkes. Illustrated by S. Schuett. Candlewick. (K-2)

This is the first Chanukah since Mama’s death, and as Selma and her younger sister ready themselves for the holiday, they can’t help but remember the fun the family had preparing in years gone by. Then Papa arrives home with latke ingredients: potatoes, oil, and onions enough "to keep you crying till Passover.” But can they make latkes without Mama? Schuett’s thickly painted, double-page illustrations hark back decades to a simpler time. Each blends beautifully with quiet, unsentimental words that express grief, unspoken sadness, and fear of the future as well as the love the characters share. This is a stirring, tender portrait of beloved children and a single father doing his best to help his daughters celebrate their mother’s memory by building new traditions atop fondly remembered old ones: "Happy Chanukah, Mama.” (Booklist)

Fishman, C. G. (2001). On Hanukkah. Illustrated by M. W. Hall. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. (K-3)

Learn about the Jewish celebration of light as a family participates in several activities for Hanukkah. (amazon.com)

Fishman, C. G. (2000). On Passover. Illustrated by M. W. Hall. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. (K-3)

As her family prepares for Passover, a little girl learns about the many traditions which are part of the celebration of this holiday. (card catalog)

Fishman, C. G. (2000). On Purim. Illustrated by M. W. Hall. New York: Atheneum.

(K-3)

As her family sits down to make masks, a young girl knows it’s time for Purim, the holiday that celebrates how Queen Esther saved the Jewish people. It’s time for making hamantashen, pastries filled with poppy seeds and honey. Time to place these pastries in homemade paper gift baskets with candy and fruit. Time for the Purim carnival, for playing games and watching the Purim parade. And, of course, time to put on their new costumes and masks. (amazon.com)

Fishman, C. G. (2000). On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Illustrated by M. W. Hall. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. (K-3)

When the season shifts from summer to fall, the young narrator of this book knows it’s time to celebrate the High Holy Days. New Year’s cards are exchanged, the family gathers for a special holiday meal during Rosh Hashanah and they go to synagogue. Ten days later, Yom Kippur is observed and the family reflects on the past year and looks forward to the future. (amazon.com)

Fishman, C. G. (2001). On Shabbat. Illustrated by M. C. Hall. New York: Atheneum. (K-3)

Every Friday afternoon, as her father comes home with a bouquet of flowers and two loaves of fresh-baked challah bread, a young girl knows it’s time for Shabbat, the most important Jewish holiday. Shabbat celebrates the day God rested after creating the heavens, the Earth, and everything on it. On Shabbat, her family lights the Shabbat candles and invites the Shabbat Queen to come into her house. They sing songs, receive blessings from each other, and have a special meal. The next morning, they worship at the synagogue, and in the afternoon, they study the Torah and play games. When they see three stars in the sky, it is time for the Havdalah ceremony, which ends Shabbat, and a new week begins. (amazon.com)

Glaser, L. (2004). Mrs. Greenberg’s messy Hanukkah. Illustrated by N. Cote. Whitman. (K-2)

What’s the first night of Hanukkah without latkes? But Rachel’s parents are too busy to think about cooking, so Rachel pays a visit to elderly Mrs. Greenberg, whose sparkling kitchen begs to be invaded by an energetic little girl with potato pancakes on her mind. Pretty soon potatoes, flour, and eggs coat the floor, and an exhausted Mrs. Greenberg has collapsed in a chair. When Rachel’s parents arrive, they focus on the mess, and a tearful Rachel apologizes. Then Mrs. Greenberg comes to the rescue, declaring firmly, "My house hasn’t felt this lived in in years.” Pattern and bright color abound in Cote’s lighthearted, cartoonlike pictures, which channel the glow of the menorah on the table right onto the happy faces of the characters as they sit down to eat Rachel’s latkes. A recipe, at the front of the book, completes this lively package, suggested for children who are already familiar with the holiday. (Booklist)

Goldin, B. D. (2002). Night lights: A Sukkot story. Illustrated by L. August. New York: Union of American Hebrew Congregations. (K-3)

In a tender story about the Jewish harvest holiday, Sukkot, young Daniel overcomes his fear of the dark with the help of his sister, who teaches him about the stars in the night sky and the Jewish ancestors they represent. (amazon.com)

Goldin, B. D. (1999). While the candles burn: Eight stories for Hanukkah. Illustrated by E. Greenfield. New York: Puffin. (K-3)

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Timeless and contemporary stories for Hanukkah. (amazon.com)

Goldin, B., D. (1995). The world’s birthday: A Rosh Hashanah story. Illustrated by J. Winter. New York: Voyager Books. (K-3)

Daniel is determined to have a birthday party for the world to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. (card catalog)

Hurwitz, J. (2000). Baseball fever. Illustrated by R. Cruz. New York: Camelot. (4-6)

Ezra Feldman, almost ten, likes baseball more than anything else in the world. But his father cannot understand why his son would rather rot his brains watching men swinging big wooden sticks than read a book or play chess. Can an unwanted car trip, a grumpy old professor, and a surprising chess victory help father and son find a little common ground--and convince Ezra's dad that cheering for the national pastime isn't completely off base? (amazon.com)

Kimmelman, L. (1994). Hanukkah lights, Hanukkah nights. Illustrated by J. Kimmelman. New York: HarperTrophy. (K-2)

A young reader’s introduction to the symbols and traditions of Hannukah is also a counting book that follows a family’s joyful observance through the eight days. (amazon.com)

Kimmelman, L. (1997). Hooray! It’s Passover. Illustrated by J. Kimmelman. New York: HarperTrophy. (K-2)

A loving family comes together to celebrate Passover, during which they sing songs, recite prayers, eat special foods, and play a Passover game. (amazon.com)

Kimmelman, L. (1998). Sound the shofar! A story for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Illustrated by J. Himmelman. Harpercollins Juvenile Books. (K-3)

An extended family celebrates the Days of Awe. Information about the ceremonies and traditions of both home and synagogue are featured as is the family’s pride in Uncle Jake, who will blow the shofar at synagogue to signal the beginning and end of the holiday. (amazon.com)

Koss, A. G. (2000). How I saved Hanukkah. Illustrated by D. DeGroat. New York: Puffin. (4-6)

A Hanukkah to remember finally! Marla Feinstein, the only Jewish kid in her fourth-grade class, knows what this holiday season will be like. While everyone else is decorating trees and hanging stockings, she’ll be forgetting to light the candles and staring at a big plastic dreidel. But when Marla decides to learn what the Hanukkah traditions are really about, things change fast. Soon she’s got her family turning latkes into Hanukkah Performance Art and doing a wild hora. (amazon.com)

Lamstein, S. M. (1997). Annie’s Shabbat. Illustrated by C. Lang. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman. (K-3)

An idealized family celebration of the weekly Sabbath holiday beginning with preparation for Friday’s dinner at sundown and ending with the Havdalah service after sunset on Saturday. (Horn Book, 1998)

Manushkin, F. (1992). Latkes and applesauce: A Hanukkah story. Illustrated by R. Spowart. New York: Scholastic Trade. (K-3)

When a blizzard leaves a family housebound on Hanukkah, they share what little food they have with some starving animals who later return the favor. (card catalog)

Manushkin, F. (2001). The matzah that Papa brought home. Illustrated by N. Bittinger. New York: Scholastic Trade. (K-3)

Bringing cherished Passover traditions to life, a new book by the author of Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story includes a short history of the Passover story, lively illustrations, cumulative verse, and an explanation of holiday symbols. (amazon.com)

Moss, M. (1996). The ugly menorah. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux. (K-3)

On the first Hanukkah since her grandpa had died, Rachel keeps her grandmother company, and as grandma tells the story of her ugly menorah, grandpa’s spirit seems to fill the house again, and when Grandma lights the candles, the menorah is transformed. (amazon.com)

Newman, L. (1998). Matzo Ball Moon. Illustrated by E. Greenstein. New York: Clarion Books. (K-3)

Matzo Ball Moon is a cheerful family story of Passover preparations, a warm grandmother-granddaughter friendship, the mysterious disappearance of Bubbe’s famous matzo balls, and the wonderful things that can happen under a matzo ball moon. (amazon.com)

Penn, M. (1999). The miracle of potato latkes: A Hanukkah story. Illustrated by G. Carmi. New York: Holiday House. (K-3)

This charming Hanukkah picture book tells the tale of Tante Golda, who makes the most delicious potato latkes in all of Russia. She loves to share them with neighbors, but because of the drought this year, she has only one tiny potato. She doesn’t know how she can make latkes for her Hanukkah guests, but she has faith that God will provide. Soon He does! (amazon.com)

Polacco, P. (1998). The bee tree. New York: Paper Star. (K-3)

On the day that Mary Ellen announces she is tired of reading, Grampa carefully traps and then releases a series of bees so that he and his granddaughter can follow the insects back to their tree. The fast-paced adventure story, which contains a moral about the value of books and reading, features a generous amount of white space and large, brilliantly colored pictures. (Horn Book, 1993)

Polacco, P. (1994). Mrs. Katz and Tush. New York: Picture Yearling. (2-4)

A long-lasting friendship develops between Larnel, a young African-American, and Mrs. Katz, a lonely, Jewish widow, when Larnel presents Mrs. Katz with a scrawny kitten without a tail. (card catalog)

Polacco, P. (2001). The keeping quilt. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. (1-4)

A homemade quilt ties together the lives of four generations of a Jewish family, remaining a symbol of their enduring love and faith. (card catalog)

Portnoy, M. & Kahn, K. J. (1994). Matzah ball: A Passover story. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies. (4-6)

Aaron must bring a bag of lunch to the baseball game, but while his friends are off at the concession stand, something wonderful happens. (amazon.com)

Rosen, M. J. (2000). Our eight nights of Hanukkah. Illustrated by D. DiSalvo-Ryan. New York: Holiday House. (1-4)

A child narrator describes how his family celebrates Hanukkah, including lighting the holiday menorah, playing traditional games, and eating foods like latkes and chocolate coins. The portrait emphasizes charity, family ties, a limited focus on gifts, and sharing experiences with neighbors of different ethnic backgrounds. The cheerful color artwork helps develop the holiday mood. (Horn Book, 2001)

Rosen, M. J. (2000). The blessing of the animals. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. (3-6)

When Jared’s friend encourages him to bring his dog to the St. Francis Blessing of the Animals, Jared is excited, but his mother objects because they are Jewish. She says, however, that if he gets four opinions about whether or not to go, he can make up his own mind. Although in places the explanations feel didactic, Jared’s search raises some thought-provoking ideas about Judaism. (Horn Book, 2001)

Rothenberg. J. (1997). Inside-out grandma. New York: Disney Press. (K-3)

Grandma may look silly, but she's got a good reason for her inside-out wardrobe. Hanukkah is approaching and Grandma's strange dress habit is a reminder to buy enough oil to fry potato latkes. Why this would remind someone of cooking oil is a puzzle to Rosie. So Grandma goes through a list of connected remembrances to reveal the humorous answer. (amazon.com)

Schotter, R. (1998). Passover magic. Illustrated by M. Hafner. Toronto: Little, Brown and Company. (K-3)

Molly and her family celebrate the spring holiday of Passover in all the joy, magic, and warmth of its traditions and activities, from preparing the seder plate to welcoming the prophet, Elijah. (amazon.com)

Schotter, R. (1998). Purim play. Illustrated by M. Hafner. Toronto: Little, Brown and Company. (K-3)

Every year, when people are winter-weary and longing for spring, Purim comes and it’s time for play, time for the annual Purim play, that is! Frannie’s two cousins always come to Frannie’s house to celebrate Purim and reenact the story of how brave Queen Esther saved the Jewish people. But this year, the cousins are sick with the flu, and Frannie’s mom, without asking Frannie, has invited old Mrs. Teplitzky from down the street to play the role of the evil Haman. Can this topsy-turvy play go on? (amazon.com)

Schwartz, B. (1999). Where’s my dreidel?: A Hanukkah Lift-the-Flap story. Illustrated by V. Livney. New York: Little Simon. (K).

Where can Max’s dreidel be? As he searches his home, Max joins his family as they prepare for Hanukkah. By story’s end, everyone, including Max , has what he needs to enjoy Hanukkah dinner. (amazon.com)

Singer, I. B. (1990). The power of light: Eight stories for Hanukkah. Illustrated by I. Lieblich. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. (K-3)

Eight tales by Nobellaureate Isaac Bashevis Singer, one for each night of the Hanukkah celebration, tell of a world in which miracles abound, love triumphs, and faith prevails. (amazon.com)

Sussman, S. (1988). Hanukkah: eight lights around the world. Illustrated by J. Friedman. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman. (2-4)

Short stories depict eight contemporary Jewish families in different countries celebrating the holiday. (card catalog)

Sussman, S. (1993). There’s no such thing as a Chanukah bush, Sandy Goldstein. Illustrated by C. Robinson. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman. (4-6)

A wise, understanding grandfather helps Robin, a Jewish child, cope with Christmas; not an easy task when even Sandy, who is also Jewish, is allowed to have a Christmas tree and Robin can't have one. (card catalog)

Yolen, J. (1993). Briar rose. New York: Tor Books. (5-6)

Haunted by the tales of the Holocaust, a young American woman begins a search for her grandmother’s World War II past. (amazon.com)

Zalben, J. B. (1991). Goldie’s Purim. New York: Henry Holt and Company. (K-3)

Although Goldie is scared at first, she overcomes her stage fright to play Queen Esther in the synagogue’s celebration of Purim. (card catalog)

Ziefert, H. (1994). What is Hanukkah? Illustrated by R. Brown. New York: Harpercollins. (K-1)

Josh learns about the miracles that happened a long time ago and how the traditions of Hanukkah are continued today. The lift-the-flap format makes this introduction to a special holiday accessible to the youngest child. (amazon.com)

BACK

Non-fiction:

Abrams, J. Z. (1991). Shabbat: A family service. Illustrated by K. J. Kahn. Rockville MD: Kar-Ben Copies. (K-3)

A family service for the Jewish Sabbath. (card catalog)

Adler, D. A. (1996). The kids’ catalog of Jewish holidays. Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publications Society. (4-6)

A cornucopia of riches celebrating the Jewish holidays, this easy-to-use introduction to each of the Jewish holidays gathers together a rare blend of stories, poems, recipes, songs, crafts, puzzles, cartoons, and more! (amazon.com)

Alder, D. A. (1994). A picture book of Passover. Illustrated by L. Heller. Old Greenwich, CT: Listening Library. (2-4)

Describes the events which led to the liberation of the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, and explains some of the Passover traditions and customs. (card catalog)

Backman, A. (1990). One night, one Hanukkah night. Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society. (K-3)

Each night for eight nights a candle is added to the great silver menorah. Illustrations depict the celebration in homes past and present. (card catalog)

Behrens, J. (1987). Passover: Festivals and holidays. Illustrated by T. Behrens. Chicago, IL: Children’s Press. (K-3)

Follows the members of the Adler family as they prepare for and celebrate Passover. (card catalog)

Ben-Zvi, R. T. (2005). Four sides, eight nights: A new spin on Hanukkah. Illustrated by S. Natti. Brodie/Roaring Brook. (2-4)

Four sides of a toy, eight nights of celebration, forty-four candles burning in honor of an ancient miracle, two-thousand-one-hundred-seventy-some years of Hanukkah -- everything you ever wanted to know about the Hanukkah holiday, centered on the children’s game of dreidel (a spinning top). Jokes, history, customs, trivia, science facts (just how fast does a dreidel spin?) come to life with wacky and informative illustrations throughout.

Berger, G. (2002). Celebrate! Stories of the Jewish holidays. Illustrated by P. Catalanotto. New York: Scholastic Trade. (All ages)

This sparkling collection of stories, recipes, crafts, and commentary introduces readers to the eight major Jewish holidays. (amazon.com)

Brinn, R. E. (1993). Jewish holiday crafts for little hands. Illustrated by K. Kahn. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies. (4-6)

Provides simple directions for making over 100 craft items from easily available materials for Shabbath and various Jewish holidays. Includes a glossary and summary of the holidays. (card catalog)

Brinn, R. E. (1995). Jewish holiday games for little hands. Illustrated by S. Springer. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies. (4-6)

Dozens of games for Shabbat and the Jewish holidays. With game boards and playing cards designed for reproduction. Simple directions, holiday explanations, and glossary. Ideal for home and classroom, large groups or solitary play. (amazon.com)

Burns, M. (1994). The Hanukkah book. Illustrated by M. Weston. New York: Avon. (4-6)

Discusses why and how Hanukkah is celebrated and includes recipes, songs, and instructions for playing with a dreidel. (amazon.com)

Chaikin, M. (1990). Menorahs, Mezuzahs, and other Jewish symbols. Illustrated by E. Weihs. New York: Clarion. (4-6)

Explains the history and significance of many Jewish symbols, such as the Shield of David, the menorah, and the mezuza, and discusses holiday symbols and rituals. (card catalog)

Drucker, M. (1999). The family treasury of Jewish holidays. Illustrated by N. Patz. Toronto: Little, Brown and Company. (4-6)

Recounts the history and rituals of ten Jewish holidays, including appropriate games, recipes, and songs. (card catalog)

Ehrlich, A. (1994). The story of Hanukkah. Illustrated by O. Sherman. New York: Puffin Books. (K-3)

A young reader's retelling of the first Hanukkah describes the Jewish people's struggles for religious freedom under the rule of an evil king and the miracle that enabled them to restore their temple and keep the flame of faith burning. (amazon.com)

Fishman, C. G. (2003). Hanukkah. Illustrated by M. O. Young. Carolrhoda. (2-3)

Introduces the Jewish Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, relating the story behind the holiday and how it is celebrated. (card catalog)

Goldin, B. D. (1997). The Passover journey: A seder companion. Illustrated by N. Waldman. New York: Puffin. (4-6)

Retells the story of the Israelites’ fight for liberation from slavery in Egypt and explains the traditions of the Passover seder. (card catalog)

Groner, J. S. & Wikler, M. (2000). All about Passover. Illustrated by K. Kreiswirth. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies. (2-4)

The history and customs of Passover in language young children can understand. Includes the story of the Exodus, all about chametz and matzah, the tradition of tzedakah at Passover, and an introduction to the seder. With favorite recipes. (amazon.com)

Groner, J. S. & Wikler, M. (1992). Hanukkah fun for little hands. Illustrated by K. J. Kahn. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies. (K-3)

Simple Hanukkah crafts and activities for little ones. Make dreidel decorations, read the picture-story of Hanukkah, and have fun with the full-color playing cards. (amazon.com)

Groner, J. S. & Wikler, M. (1993). Thank you God! A Jewish child’s book of prayers. Illustrated by S. O Haas. Rockville, MD: Kar Ben Copies. (K-2)

Presents common Jewish prayers and blessings in English and Hebrew with simple transliterations. (card catalog)

Gross, J. (1992). Celebrate: A book of Jewish holidays. New York: Price Stern Sloane. (K-3)

Introduces Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot. (card catalog)

Hoyt-Goldsmith, D. (1998). Celebrating Hanukkah. Photographs by L. Migdale. New York: Holiday House. (3-5)

Presents the history, traditions, and significance of Hanukkah as it is celebrated by a Jewish family in San Francisco. (card catalog)

Hoyt-Goldsmith, D. (2000). Celebrating Passover. Photographs by L. Migdale. New York: Holiday House. (3-5)

Hoyt-Goldsmith and Migdale expand their series on American celebrations with this offering that details a Reform Jewish celebration of Passover. Hoyt-Goldsmith focuses on nine-year-old Micah Kamrass, explaining how he and his extended family prepare for and celebrate the week-long holiday. She recounts the festival’s origins nearly 3,000 years ago, describes some of the special foods that are served, and explains the components and proscribed order of a seder, the ceremonial meal held during the first two nights of the festival. Illustrated sidebars depict the ancient story, and Lawrence Migdale’s crisp, color photographs show the members of the Kamrass family and their activities, with captions clarifying such customs as the search for the afikomen (hidden matzoh). Festivities in Orthodox and Conservative Jewish households may vary. An attractive and useful choice for the holiday shelf; recipes, songs, and a glossary are a bonus. (Booklist)

Kimmelman, L. (2000). Dance, sing, remember: A celebration of Jewish holidays. Illustrated by O. Eitan. New York: Harpercollins. (K-3)

A page or two of text briefly explains the significance of each holiday and its traditions; the entries are often embellished by a story, song, activity, or recipe. The book is invaluable for its inclusion of several holidays rarely (if ever) mentioned in secular children’s literature; the warm, playful illustrations and attractive presentation make it a sure bet for holiday gift-giving. (Horn Book, 2001)

Kolatch, A. J. (1997). A child’s first book of Jewish holidays. Illustrated by H. Araten. New York: Jonathan David. (K-2)

This thoroughly engaging introduction to the major Jewish holidays by the creators of The Jewish Child’s First Book of Why will delight children ages three to six. Bright and colorful illustrations add fun and excitement to each holiday presentation. (amazon.com)

Kolatch, A. J. (1992). The Jewish child’s first book of why. Illustrated by H. Araten. New York: Jonathan David. (K-3)

Presents thirty-two questions and answers relating to Jewish holidays and customs. (card catalog)

Kolatch, A. J. (1997). Let’s celebrate our Jewish holidays. Illustrated by A. Bloch. New York: Jonathan David. (1-5)

Designed for youngsters ages six and up, the author of The Jewish Child’s First Book of Why captures the essence of each special day of celebration. In easy-to-read, intelligent prose, he explains to young readers how each holiday in the Jewish calendar originated, how each is celebrated, and the message that each offers us today. (amazon.com)

Kripke, D. K. (1999). Let’s talk about the Sabbath. Illustrated by J. N. Weider. Los Angeles, CA: Alef Design Group. (4-6)

A renowned children’s writer takes young readers on an enchanted journey through the Jewish Sabbath. (amazon.com)

Musleah, R. (2000). Why on this night? A Passover Haggadah for family celebration. Illustrated by L. August. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. (3-5)

The rich traditions of Passover come alive in this contemporary family haggadah. As children and adults gather at the seder dinner to remember the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom, this creative yet authentic haggadah will guide and engage them. It takes children beyond the Four Questions and the search for the afikoman, encouraging them to enjoy every step of the seder. Through stories, songs, poems, activities, and explanations, children can step back in time to experience the exodus as if they themselves were leaving Egypt - and at the same time understand the significance of Passover traditions today. (amazon.com)

Nerlove, M. (2000). Shabbat. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman. (K-2)

A simple and lovely story about Shabbat - the Jewish Sabbath - that young children are sure to enjoy again and again. (amazon.com)

Russo, M. (2005). Always remember me: How one family survived World War II. Schwartz/Atheneum. (3-5)

In a moving picture book, Russo tells her Jewish family’s story of Holocaust survival. She remembers herself as a small child visiting her grandmother, Oma, who tells Russo the family history with photos stretching back to Oma’s youth and marriage before World War I. Children will need help to understand the multigenerational time frame and to keep track of who’s who; in fact, the book may appeal more to adults than to young readers. But Russo personalizes the history with photo-album entries printed on the endpapers, and her gouache illustrations, framed like photos, show the individuality and strength of family members as they faced the Nazis who sought to destroy all Jews. Miraculously, Oma and her three daughters, two of whom were in the camps, survived to be reunited in the U.S. An afterword fills in some Holocaust history. (Booklist)

Silverman, M. (1999). Festival of lights: The story of Hanukkah. Illustrated by C. S. Ewing. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. (K-3)

Here is a moving retelling of a timeless story. Young readers will also find the legend of the menorah, instructions for making a dreidel, and the music for a traditional holiday song. (amazon.com)

Simon, N. (1998). The story of Hanukkah. Illustrated by L. Gore. New York: HarperTrophy. (2-4)