May is Jewish-American Heritage Month and to celebrate, I’ve got some picture books that feature Jewish themes and families. There are lots of picture books in our collection that focus on different Jewish holidays – Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, etc. – but today I wanted to highlight some picture books that depict other aspects of Jewish life. You can find all of these in our Children’s Room!
Bring Back the Babka by Marilyn Wolpin, illustrated by Madison Safer. When brothers search for their mama’s missing babka in their diverse Jewish neighborhood, they find other delicious treats and words of wisdom from each household instead. Readers can follow clues in the illustrations to solve the mystery of the missing babka in this heartwarming and humorous tale of community members coming together for Shabbat.
Challah Day by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Jason Kirschner. From kneading sticky dough to gathering with family around the table, Challah Day celebrates family, food, heritage, and tradition! Join this happy family as they bake delicious braided egg bread for their Friday night Shabbat dinner.
Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker. When Goldie Simcha doesn’t joyfully throw open her door to welcome everyone in to her apartment for a meal of her famous cholent, her neighbors wonder what could be wrong. Little Lali Omar knocks on the door to 5-A, only to learn that Goldie was feeling too sick on Friday to cook, and everyone knows you can’t make cholent in a hurry, right away, chik chak! But it just isn’t Shabbat without cholent. What can her neighbors do to save the day?
Joyful Song: A Naming Ceremony by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Susan Gal. What a happy day! Zachary’s baby sister will have her naming ceremony. In the temple! With his moms, the congregation, and all their friends! He’s so excited he can barely contain it. On the walk from their home, they meet neighbor after neighbor who want to know the baby’s name. But – not yet! – his mothers tell him. The tradition is to have a great reveal at the ceremony. So they invite each neighbor to come along. A colorful, diverse parade blooms along the route, until…At last it’s time, and Zachary gets to reveal his sister’s name…What is it? A truly joyful moment for everyone.
Sitting Shiva by Erin Silver, illustrated by Michelle Theodore. A little girl grieves the loss of her mother, but she can’t grieve alone. When her friends and family arrive at her house to sit shiva, laden with cakes and stories, she refuses to come downstairs. But the laughter and memories gradually bring her into the fold, where she is comforted by her community.
Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam by Fawzia Gilani-Williams, illustrated by Chiara Fedele. Two neighbors–one Jewish, one Muslim–have always been best friends. When they both fall on hard times, can they find a way to help each other? In Fawzia Gilani’s retelling of this folktale–which has both Jewish and Arab origins–differences are not always causes for conflict and friendship can overcome any obstacle.
