Jewish Children's Books

Welcome to the Internet School Library Media Center, a resource for librarians, teachers, parents and students. You can search this site or use a sitemap. This page is a bibliography ofJewish children's books, including topics as family life, holidays, folklore, stories from the Hebrew Bible and Torah, and other materials. This bibliography was prepared by Inez Ramsey, Wendy Lanehart, and Sharon Gale.

This bibliography reflects tradebooks which have been reviewed in professional reviewing sources. Titles are primarily from Amazon Book Company, which includes excerpts of professional reviews. Parents and students are urged to visit their school or public library for good books. Your public library can obtain books not held in their collections through interlibrary loan.

See Also: [Bible Stories for Children], [Jewish History and Bibliography] for further titles.

[Easy/Fiction] [Holidays--General] [Holidays--Chanukah/Hanukkah] [Holidays--Passover] [Holidays--Purim [Holidays--Rosh HashanahHolidays--Sukkot] [Holidays--Yom Kippur] [Bible Stories/Torah] [FolkloreNonfiction]

Easy/Fiction

Batterman, Lee Chai'ah. Two Cents and a Milk Bottle. Illustrated by James Wattling. Alef Design Group, 1997. Ages 9-12. Fiction

How can Leely Dorman, the twelve-year-old child of Russian immigrants living in Brooklyn during the Great Depression, find the money to pay back a debt to her friend? From Amazon

Blos, Joan. Brooklyn Doesn't Rhyme. Illustrated by Paul Birling. Atheneum, 1994. Ages 9-12. Fiction

A series of about 11-year-old Rosey's immigrant family and friends in Brooklyn at the turn of the century.

Blume, Judy. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret Dell pa., 1993. Upper elem.

Margaret learns about growing up, including choosing her religion.

Blume, Judy. Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself. Simon & Schuster, 1982. Ages 9-12. Fiction

It is 1947, and Sally J. Freedman is convinced that old Mr. Zavodsky is none other than Hitler himself, hiding out in Miami Beach in disguise.

Brett, Harvey. Immigrant Girl: Becky of Eldridge Street. Holiday House, 1987. Ages 4-8.

Becky and her family fled Russia to escape persecution. She finds life in 1910

New York City to be an exciting experience.

Clifford, Eth. The Remembering Box. Houghton Mifflin, 1985.

9-year-old Josuah visits his grandmother during the Jewish Sabbath.

Cohen, Barbara. Molly's Pilgrim Yearling paper. 1995.

Molly's family fled Russia to avoid persecution. When her teacher tells her

to make a Thanksgiving doll, she dresses it in Russian clothes. Her

classmates find out there is more than one type of Pilgrim.

Herman, Charlotte. What Happened to Heather Hopkowitz? Jewish Pub. Pr., 1994. 186p.

When 14-year-old Heather's family goes on a cruise she stays with Orthodox friends

and decides to change her religion.

Hesse, Karen. Letters from Rifka. Henry Holt, 1992. Ages 9-12

In letters to her cousin, a young Jewish girl chronicles Hest, Amy. Love you, Soldier. Puffin, 1993.

Katie, a Jewish girl in New York City during WWII, sees many changes

as she ages from seven to ten while waiting for her father to come back from WWII.

Hurwitz, Johanna. Faraway Summer. Illustrated by Mary Azarian. William Morrow, 1998. Ages 9-12. Fiction

Nominated for National Jewish Book Award, 1998. Dossi, 12, a poor Jewish orphan, is one of the first children to spend summer vacation on a Vermont farm through the Fresh Air Fund in 1910. Reviews at Amazon

Hurwitz, Joanna. Once I Was a Plum Tree. Reprint ed. Beech Tree Books paper, 1992. Ages 9-12

Increasingly aware of the differences between her family, who are nonobservant Jews, and

their Catholic neighbors, 10-year-old Gerry Flam begins to investigate her heritage.

From Amazon

Konigsburg, E. L. About the B'Nai Bagels. Atheneum, 1973. Ages 9-12

Mark Seltzer thought he had enough aggravation studying for his Bar Mitzvah and losing his best friend. It's the last straw when his mother becomes the new manager of his Little League baseball team and drags his older brother, Spencer, along as the coach.

Koss, Amy Goldman. How I Saved Hanukkah. Illustrated by Diane De Groat. Dial Books for Young Readers, 1998. Ages 9-12. Fiction

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. The Festival of Lights becomes the biggest part in town. Reviews at Amazon

Lasky, Kathryn. Dreams in the Golden Country; The Diary of Zipporah Felman, a Jewish Immigrant Girl. Scholastic Trade, 1998. Dear America Series. Ages 9-12

Readers certainly liked this book at Amazon

Lasky, Kathryn. Marvin of the Great North Woods. Harcourt Brace, 1997. Ages 4-8

1997 Honoree, Children's Picture Books/National Jewish Book Award. When his Jewish parents send him to a Minnesota logging camp to escape the influenza epidemic of 1918, ten-year-old Marven finds a special friend. Reviews at Amazon

Meyer, Carolyn. Gideon's People. Gulliver Books, 1996. Ages 9-12. Fiction

Staying at an Amish farm for the summer, twelve-year-old Isaac Litvak meets sixteen-year-old Gideon, who takes an unususal interest in Isaac's Jewish background and reveals to him his plans to run away. A coming-of-age story set in Pennsylvania in 1911. Reviews at Amazon

Polacco, Patricia. Butterfly. Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, 2000. Ages 6 to 10.

During the Nazi occupation of France, Monique's mother hides a Jewish family in her basement and tries to help them escape to freedom. Reviews at Barnes & Noble

Polacco, Patricia. Keeping Quilt. pa Reprint ed. Aladdin Paperbacks, 2001. Ages 4 to 8.

A homemade quilt ties together the lives of four generations of an immigrant Jewish family as a symbol of their enduring love and faith. Reviews at Barnes & Noble

Posell, Elsa. Homecoming. Harcourt Brace, 1987. 230p.

The six Koshansky children and their mother seek to escape to America

from their small Ukrainian town during the 1917 Revolution.

Rose, Deborah Lee. The Rose Horse. Illustrated by Greg Shed. Harcourt Brace, 1995. Ages 9-12

When Lily goes to Coney Island in 1909 to visit her newborn sister, she learns about the art and traditions of the Jewish woodcarvers who make the carousel animals there. Reviews at Amazon

Segal, Jerry. The Place Where Nobody Stopped. Illus. by Dav Pilkey. Beech Tree paper, 1994

A Jewish man lives in a lonely Russian baker's house while waiting for

permission to emigrate to America.

Shalev, Meir. My Father Always Embarasses Me, Illus. by Yossi Abolafia. Wellington Pub. (ages 4-8)

Israeli picture book. Mortimer's dad cares for him since his mother works.

Father embarasses him until he enters a baking contest for Mother's Day.

-- translated from the Hebrew by Dagman Herrmann.

Singer, Isaac Bashevis. Stories for Children Farrar Straus & Girous, 1984. (JUV)

A collection of Yiddish tales including "Zlateh the Goat"

Siegel, Deborah Spector. The Cross by Day, the Mezuzzah by Night. Jewish Publication Society, 1999. Ages 12 up.

Because she is a Marrano, thirteen-year-old Isabel suffers the harrowing experience of expulsion from Spain during the Reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Reviews at Barnes & Noble

Singer, Isaac Bashevis. Zlateh the Goat Trophy Pr. (paper), 1984.

A goat scheduled for the market saves a young boy's life.

Taylor, Sydney. All of a Kind Family. Reprint ed. Taylor Productions, 1994.

Classic story of five little girls living with their parents in New York City at the

turn of the century. They have simple but happy times as they share adventures,

holidays and surprises. When Mama tells them her big new, it's the

most wonderful surprise of all.

Werlin, Nancy. Are You Alone on Purpose?. Houghton Mifflin, 1994. Ages 9-12 Fiction

After an accident, Harry Roth and Alison Shandling, two very different young people with a long history of mutual dislike, discover that they share similar feelings of alienation toward their parents and peers. Reviews at Amazon

Wolitzer, Hilma. Wish you Were Here. Reprint ed. Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1986. Ages 9-12 [179p]

When his widowed mother meets a man she wants to marry, thirteen-year-old Bernie decides he will go to live with his grandfather in Florida.

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Holidays--General

Aleichem, Sholom. Holiday Tales of Sholom Aleichem. Translated by Aliza Shevrin. Illustrated by Thomas di Grazia. Macmillan, 1979.

Stories which deal with the Jewish Holidays.

Epstein, Morris. All About Jewish Holidays and Customs. Illustrated by Arnold Lobel. Hoboken, NY: KTAV Pub., 1970.

Excellent reference source.

Gross, Judith. Celebrate! A Book of Jewish Holidays. Illustrated by Bari Weissman. Grosset & Dunlap, 1992

Introduces Shabat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu Bishva, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot. Review source at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Kimmelman, Leslie. Dance, Sing, Remember: A Celebration of Jewish Holidays. Illustrated by Ora Eitan. Harpercollins Juvenile Books, 2000. Ages 3 to 6.

Introduces 12 days of importance, beginning with Rosh Hashanah and concluding with Shabbat. Explanations for each holiday are given. Reviews at Amazon.com

Schick, Eleanor. Drawing Your Way Through the Jewish Holidays. New York: UAHC Press, 1997. Grades 3-6. Nonfiction

Contains step-by-step instructions for drawing objects associated with various Jewish holidays, including Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Sukot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, Israel Independence Day and Shavuot. No review. From Follett's TITLEWAVE

Zalben, Jane Breskin. Beni's Family Treasury; Stories for the Jewish Holidays. H. Holt, 1998. Grades K-3 Fiction

Beni and his family observe Jewish traditions as they celebrate the holidays of Rosh Hashannah, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, and Passover. No review. From Follett's TITLEWAVE

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Chanukah/Hanukkah

Adler, David A. Chanukah in Chelm. Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. Lothrop Lee & Shepard, 1997. Ages 4-8 Fiction

The people of Chelm have good hearts, great dreams, and very little sense. So when Mendel needs a table to hold the Chanukah menorah, his simple trip to the storage closet turns into a hilariously bungled quest. Reviews at Amazon

Adler, David A. One Yellow Daffodil. Illustrated by Lloyd Bloom. Gulliver, 1995. Picture book/fiction

1996 Notable Children's Trade Book in the Social Studies. Two children help a florist rediscover Hanukkah.

Carter, David A. Chanukah Bugs: A Pop-Up Celebration. Board ed. Simon & Schuster Children's, 2002. Preschool-K.

Open the brightly decorated Chanukah gift boxes and meet the Dizzy Dreidel Bug, the Shammash Bug, the Sizzling Latke Bugs, and many more! Reviews at Barnes & Noble

Golding, Barbara Diamond. While the Candles Burn; Eight Stories for Hanukkah. Illustrated by Elaine Greenstein. Viking, 1996. Fiction Ages 4-8.

/reflecting the key themes of the Festival of Lights, a selection of eight original and retold stories reflects on such timeless ideas as commitment, courage, miracles, religious freedom, faith and peace. Reviews at Amazon

Hoyt-Goldsmith, Diane. Celebrating Hanukkah. Illustrated by Lawrence Migdale. Holiday House, 1996. Ages 9-12

Eleven-year-old Leora and her family celebrate Hanukkah. Reviews at Amazon

Kimmel, Eric. Asher and the Capmakers; A Hanukkah Story. Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Holiday House, 1993. Picture book/fiction Ages 4-8

On his way to get an egg for his mother the night before Hanukkah, a young boy encounters a group of mischievous fairies who take him on an adventure to Jerusalem. Reviews at Amazon

Kimmel, Eric. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Holiday House, 1989. Picture book/fiction Ages 4-8

Caldecott Honor Book. 1989 National Council for the Social Studies Notable Book. A traveler rids a village synagogue of ghosts. Reviews at Amazon

Rouse, Sylvia A. Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah. Illustrated by Katherine J. Kahn. Kar-Ben Publishing, 1995. Infants, preschool.

After having watched the Shapiro family celebrate the different nights of Hanukkah, Sammy finds that in the end he gets to share the holiday with them. Reviews at Barnes & Noble

Schotter, Roni. Hanukkah!. Illustrated by Marylin Hafner. Reprint ed. Little Brown, 1993. Ages 4-8

1991 National Jewish Book Award winner. Describes the meaning and traditions of Hanukkah as five children and their family celebrate the holiday. Review at Amazon

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Holidays--Passover

Bat-Ami, Miriam. Dear Elijah. Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 1995. Grades 5-8. Fiction

As Passover approaches, eleven-year-old Rebecca writes heartfelt letters to the prophet Elijah as she struggles to cope with her father's illness and her own emotions about Judaism and life. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Chaikin, Miriam. Ask Another Question; The Story and Meaning of Passover. Houghton Mifflin paper, 1986.

Discusses history and importance of Passover.

Cohen, Barbara. The Carp in the Bathtub. pa. ed. Kar-Ben Copies, 1987; Lothrop Lee, 1972. All ages.

Two children try to rescue the carp their mother plans to make into gefilte fish for the Seder. From Amazon

Fishman, Cathy Goldberg. On Passover. Illustrated by Melanie W. Hall. Atheneum, 1997. Ages 4-8

A young girl follows her senses and asks questions about all she encounters during the celebration, she discovers in her own heart what Passover really means. Reviews at Amazon

Goldin, Barbara Diamond. The Magician's Visit; A Passover Tale. Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker. Vikin, 1993. Ages 4-8

In this retelling, a magician, the prophet Elijah himself, appears in a village on the eve of Passover and magically provides a holiday feast for a poor but deserving couple. Reviews at Amazon

Goldin, Barbara Diamond. The Passover Journey. Illustrated by Neil Waldman. Reprint ed. Viking Penguin, 1997. Ages 6 to 9.

Retells the story of the Israelites' fight for liberation from slavery in Egypt and explains the tradition of the Passover Seder.

Krulik, Nancy E. Penny and the Four Questions Ill. by Marian Young. Scholastic, 1993. Picture Book, RL 2.

A Jewish family celebrates seder during Passover. Penny learns about generosity. Excited at being able to ask the four questions, Penny is unhappy when she finds a young Russian immigrant girl has been given the honor. She learns that the immigrant family has much to be thankful for. Realistic mixed media drawings capture the spirit of the text. Reviewed by Inez Ramsey.

Manushkin, Fran. The Matzah That Papa Brought Home. Illustrated by Ned Bittinger. Scholastic, 1995. Ages 4-8

Spirited illustrations and lively cumulative verse bring to life the cherished Passover traditions. Includes a short history of Passover and an explanation of holiday symbols. Reviews at Amazon

Manushkin, Fran. Miriam's Cup; A Passover Story. Illustrated by Bob Dacey. Scholastic Press, 1998. Grades K-3

A Jewish mother preparing for Passover tells her young children the story of Miriam, the Biblical woman who prophesied the birth of Moses. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Newman, Leslea. Matzo Ball Moon. Illustrated by Elaine Greenstein. Clarion, 1998. Ages 4-8

A cheerful family story of Pssover preparations, a warm gradnmother-granddaughter friendship, the mysterious disappearnce of Bubb's famous matzo balls, and the wonderful things that can happen under a matzo ball moon.

Polacco, Patricia. Mrs. Katz and Tush. Dell Yerling, 1992. Reading Rainbow Book. RL 1.5 . Ages 4-8. Picture book

International Reading Association Children's Choice Award; 1993 Honor Picture Book, Jane Addams Children's Book Awards. It's finally Penny's turn to ask the four questions at the Passover Seder. But now a special guest is coming, and Penny might not get her chance. A special story of friendship about a little girl who learns the true meaning of Passover.

Polacco, Patricia. Trees of the Dancing Goats. pa. Aladdin Paperbacks, 2000. Ages 5 to 8.

During a scarlet fever epidemic one winter in Michigan, a Jewish family helps make Christmas for their sick neighbors by making their own Hanukkah miracle. Based on a memory from childhood. Reviews at Barnes & Noble

Rouse, Sylvia A. Sammy Spider's First Passover. Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn. pa. Kar-Ben Publishing, 1997. Ages 3 to 7.

A young spider makes a special contribution to a family's Passover seder. Reviews at Barnes & Noble

Schnur, Steven. The Koufax Dilemma. Illustrated by Meryl Treatner. William Morrow, 1997. Ages 9-12. Fiction

Angry when he cannot pitch in the season's opening game because of Passover, Danny finally makes some important decisions about loyalty to his divorced parents, his team, his heritage and himself. Reviews at Amazon

Schotter, Roni. Passover Magic. Illustrated by Marylin Hafner. Little Brown, 1998. Ages 4-8

1996 Notable Children's Trade Book in the Social Studies. An affectionate portrait of a family Passover seder, with an interesting and detailed text and amusing full-color pictures. Reviews at Amazon

Zalben, Jane Breskin. Happy Passover, Rosie. Henry Holt, 1990. Ages 4-8

A young bear named Rosie celebrates her first Passover with her family. Review at Amazon Book Company

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Holidays--Purim

Gelman, Rita Golden. Queen Esther Saves Her People. Illustrated by Frane Lessac. Scholastic, 1998. Grades K-3

Retells the story of how a beautiful Jewish girl becomes Queen of Persia and save her people. Follett's TITLEWAVE

Goldin, Barbara Diamond. Cakes and Miracles. Puffin paper. 1993

As Purim approaches, blind Hershel wishes he could make hamantaschen pastries.

To the villagers' surprise an angel comes to help.

Chaikin, Miriam. Esther. Illustrated by Vera Rosenberry. Jewish Publication Society, 1994, 1987. Grades 3-6

Retells the Old Testament story of Esther who became queen of Persia and used her influence to stop the evil minister Haman from killing all the Jews.

Rouse, Sylvia A. Sammy Spider's First Purim. Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn. Kar-Ben Publishing, 2000. Ages 5 to 7.

Rivka Leah invites her neighbors to a Hanukkah party, but a series of mishaps causes each of them to bring the same dish--latkes. Review at Barnes & Noble

Schotter, Roni. Purim Play. Illustrated by Marylin Hafner. Little Brown, 1998. Ages 4-8

Frannie is upset because an elderly neighbor is going to play the part of Haman in this year's Purim play, but Mrs. Teplitzky surprises everyone with her acting ability. Includes facts about Purim and a recipe for hamantaschen, a traditional Purim pastry Reviews at Amazon

Silverman, Erica. Raisel's Riddle. Illustrated by Susan Gaber. Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1999. Ages 4-8

A Cinderella story. When her grandfather dies, Raisel finds work in the home of a rabbi whose jealous cook shuts Raisel out from the Purim festivities. Ultimately, Raisel wins the Rabbi's son who can answer her riddle. Reviews at Amazon

Wolkstein, Diane. Esther's Story. Illustrated by Juan Wijngaard. Reprit ed. Mulberry Books, 1998, c1996. Grades 3-4

Story of Esther, a shy orphan Jewish girl who is chosen to become the queen of Persia. Review source at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Rosh Hashanah

Chaikin, Miriam. Sound the Shofar; The Story and Meaning of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Illustrated by Erika Weihs. Clarion Books, 1986. [88p]

Explains the meaning, symbols, historical information, etc. of the holidays. Glossary included.

Levitin, Sonia. A Sound to Remember. Pictures by Gabriel Lisowski. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1979. Picture book

The villagers are shocked when their beloved rabbi gives Yacov the honor of blowing the shofar. The object of much derision, Yakov is an unusual choice. To Yakov's horror the shofar gives a weak note and then no note at all. The rabbi saves the situation with a lesson on life on the way. Setting is Eastern European. Simple black-and-white illustrations give glimpses of village life.

Rouse, Sylvia A. Sammy's Spider's First Rosh Hashanah. Illustrated by Katherine J. Kahn. Kar-Ben Publishers, 1997. Ages 3 to 6.

Mother Spider explains the holiday customs to young Sammy Spider. Reviews at Barnes & Noble

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Sukkot

Groner, Judyth Saypol and Madeline Wiker. . All About Sukkot. Illustrated by Kinney Kreiswirth, Kar-Ben Copies, 1998. DDC 296.4/33

Explains the history and customs of Sukkot, an Autumn holiday celebrating the harvest. Includes retelling of "The Big Sukkah" by Peninah Schram.

Kessler, Raizy. Treasures on the Shore and Other Sukkos Stories. CIS Publishers, 1993. No review. Available from Amazon

Lepon, Shoshana. Hillel Builds a House. Illustrated by Marilynn Barr. Kar-Ben Copies, 1993.

A young boy who loves to build houses learns that the perfect holiday for him is Suklot. Review at Amazon

Polacco, Patricia. Tikvah Means Hope. Reprint ed. Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. Ages 4 to 7.

After a devastating fire in the hills of Oakland, California, during Sukkoth, a Jewish family and neighbors find symbols of hope amidst the ashes. Reviews at Barnes & Noble

Weilersten, Sadie Rose. K'Tonton's Sukkot Adventure. Illustrated by Joe Boddy. Jewish Publication Society, 1993. All ages

A small thumb-sized boy is born to agin Jewish Parents and has an adventure at the synagogue during the holiday of Sukkot. Review at Amazon

Zalben, Jane Breskin. Leo & Blossom's Sukkah. Henry Holt, 1990. Ages 4-8

Brother and sister bears, Leo and Blossom, celebrate Sukkot, the holdiay of the harvest, by building a sukkah. Review at Amazon. No review. From Follett's TITLEWAVE.

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Yom Kippur

Chairkin, Miriam. Sound the Shofar; The Story and Meaning of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Illustrated by Erika Weihs. Clarion Books, 1986. [88p]

Explains the meaning, symbols, historical information, etc. of the holidays. Glossary included.

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Bible Stories/Torah

Adelman, Penina. The Bible from Alef to Tav. Alef Design Group, 1998. [185p]

Nominated for 1998 National Jewish Book Award.

Chaikin, Miriam. Children's Bible Stories; From Genesis to Daniel. Illustrted by Yvonne Gilbert. Dial Books, 1993. Ages 9-12

26 stories from the Bible selected and retold for children. Reviews available at Amazon. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Chaikin, Miriam. Clouds of Glory : Jewish Legends & Stories About Bible Times. Illustrated by David Frampton. Clarion Books, 1998. Ages 9-12.

Chaikin's explanation of the concept of Midrash. Reviews available at Amazon

Chaikin, Miriam. Exodus = Yetsi' at Mitsrayim. Illustrated by Charles Mikolaycak. Holiday House, 1987. Grades K-3

Retells the story of Moses who led his enslaved people out of Egypt. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Chaikin, Miriam. Joshua in the Promised Land. Woodcuts by David Frampton. Reissue ed. Clarion, 1990, c1986. Grades 4-6

Retells the story of Joshua who masterminded the conquest of the Promised Land. From Baker & Taylor School Selection Guide

Gerstein, Mordicai. Jonah and the Two Great Fish. Edited by S. O. Lurie. Simon & Schuster, 1997. Ages 4-8

The biblical story of Jonah with other Jewish material from the midrash. Review at Amazon. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Gerstein, Mordicai. Noah and the Great Flood. Simon & Schuster, 1999. Ages 4-8

The story of Noah from the Hebrew Bible augmented with elements from Jewish legend. Reviews at Amazon. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Goldin, Barbara Diamond. Journeys with Elijah; Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Gulliver Books, 1999. Harcourt Brace, 1999. Ages 4-8

Retold stories from the Talmud and elsewhere. Reviews at Amazon

Greenberg, Blu and Tarry, Linda. King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Written by Blu Greenberg & Linda Tarry; illustrated by Avi Katz. New York: Pitspopany, 1997. Grades 3-6

Retells the Bible story of King Solomon and Makeda, the Queen of Sheba. Based on Biblical, Rabbinic and Ethiopian sources. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE.

Hastings, Selina. The Illustrated Jewish Bible for Children. Illustrated by Eric Thomas and Amy Burch. DK Pub., 1997. Grades 3-6

Retells thirteen Old Testament stories, including "The Creation," "Joseph and His Brothers," "King Solomon's Judgement," and "Jonah and the Great Fish." No review. From Follett's TITLEWAVE.

Kimmel, Eric. Be Not Far from Me; The Oldest Love Story; Legends from the Bible. Illustrated by David Diaz. Simon & Schuster, 1988. Ages 9-12. [256p]

Favorite biblical tales woven with lesser ones from the "Midrash" to create a suspenseful collection that reads like a novel. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Lea, Rosemary. Miss Lea's Bible Stories for Children. Zagat Survey, LLC, 1994.

Stories from the Hebrew Bible related in a British voice; humorous. Review at Amazon

Lester, Julius. When the Beginning Began:--Stories about God, the Creatures, and Us. Harcourt Brace, 1999. Grades 3-6

A collection of traditional and original Jewish tales interpreting the Biblical story of the creation of the world. Reviews at Barnes & Noble

Lewis, Shari. One-Minute Jewish Stories. Illustrated by Roberta Collier. Dell, 1993; Doubleday, c1989. A Picture Yearling Special. DDC 909 Grades 3-6.

Twenty stories from various aspects of Jewish life--the Talmud, folklore, the Bible, history--all in a format for reading in one minute. No review. From Follett's TITLEWAVE

Mark, Jan. God's Story. Illustrated by David Parkins. Candlewick Press, 1998. Ages 9-12

Drawing on "The Midrash Rabbah," a collection of lively explanatory texts written by rabbis 2,000 years ago, Mark brings to life the great episodes and characters of the Old Testament. Reviews at Amazon. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE

McDonough, Yona Zeldis. God Sent a Rainbow and Other Bible Stories. Paintings by Malcah Zeldis. Jewish Publication Scoiety, 1997. Grades 3-6

Presents a series of stories from the Old Testament. Review source at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Orgel, Doris. The Flower of Sheba. Illustrated by Laura Kelly. Bantam/Bank Street, 1994. Ages 4-8 Bank Street Ready-To-Read Books, Level 2.

Is King Solomon really the wisest man in the world? The mighty Queen of Sheba visits the great King to share--and test--his legendary wisdom. Reviews at Amazon

Paterson, John and Paterson, Katherine. Images of God. Illustrated by Alexander Koshkin. Clarion, 1998. Ages 9-12

Explains difference in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles followed by a collection of stories which illustrate how God uses everyday images to reveal His message to His people. Explores some of the images which biblical writers use to teach about God. Reviews at Amazon

Paterson, Katherine. The Angel and the Donkey. Illustrated by Alexander Koshkin. Clarion, 1996. DDC Fic

A stubborn donkey delivers and important message from an angel and helps her master, a powerful curse-layer, save the Israelites from the King of Moab. Story from the Hebrew Bible, Numbers 22^-24. Reviews available at Amazon

Peterseil, Gedalia. Tell It from the Torah. Volumes I & II. New York: Pitspopany, 1997. Grades YA

Weekly readings from the Torah and includes translations of Hebrew words and terms, Rabbinic stories and interpretations, and offers ideas for discussion topcis. No review. From Follett's TITLEWAVE

Pinkney, Jerry. Noah's Ark. North-South Books, 2002. Ages 5 to 9.

Caldecott Honor Book. Retells the biblical story of the great flood and how Noah and his family faithfully responded to God's call to save life on earth.

Prenzlau, Sheryl. Numbers. Adapted by Sheryl Prenzlau; illustrated by Zely Smekhov. New York: Pitspopany Press, 1998. Jewish Children's Bible Series. Grades 3-7.

Presents an illustrated edition of all the major stories found in the Hebrew text of the biblical Book of Numbers, edited especially for young children, and includes additonal explanations for teachers and parents, as well as an adaptation of the Book of Ruth. No review. From Follett's TITLEWAVE

Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg. A Prayer for the Earth; The Story of Naamah, Noah's Wife. Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Pub., 1996. Easy. Grades K-3

Noah's wife Naamah is called upon by God to gather the seeds of every type of plant on Earth and bring them safely onto the ark before the great flood. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE

Singer, Isaac Bashevis. Elijah the Slave. Illustrated by Antonio Frasconi. Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1979. Ages 4-8

Wildsmith, Brian. Joseph. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1997. All ages

Nominated for Children's Picture Book Award (Louis Posner Memorial Award)/National Jewish Book Awards, 1998. A retelling of the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers from the Hebrew Bibles. Review at Amazon

Zeldis, Malcah. Eve and Her Sisters; Women of the Old Testament. Paintings by Malcah Zeldis; retold by Yona Zeldis McDonough. Greenwillow, 1994. Ages 4-8.

Retells and illustrates the lives of 14 women of the Bible. Reviews at Amazon. Review sources at Follett's TITLEWAVE [Back to Top]

Folklore

Clement, Gary. Just Stay Put; A Chelm Story. Groundwood Books, 1996. Ages 4-8

Disinclined to work and perpetually daydreaming, Mendel leaves his family behind to journey to exciting Warsaw, an adventure that is cut short when a shepherd rearranges the napping Mendel's boots. Reviews at Amazon

Forest, Heather. A Big Quiet House; A Yiddish Folktale from Eastern Europe. Illustrated by Susan Greenstein. August House, 1996. Ages 4-8

Version of the Yiddish folktale, It Could Always Be Worse. Unable to stand his overcrowded and noisy home any longer, a man goes to the wise old woman who lives nearby for advice. Reviews at Amazon

Kimmel, Eric A. The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol. Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Holiday House, 1995. Ages 4-8

Ten Yiddish folktales about the trickster Hershel, a clever man who lived by his wits as his pockets were always empty. Reviews at Amazon

Kimmel, Eric A. Onions and Garlic; An Old Tale. Illustrated by Katya Arnold. Holiday House, 1996. Ages 4-8

The youngest of a merchant's three songs proves tht he is not as foolish as he was thought to be when he trades a sackful of onions for a fortune in diamonds. Reviews at Amazon

Podwal, Mark. Golem; A Giant Made of Mud. Greenwillow, 1995. Ages 4-8

In Prague a long time ago, there lived an emperor who believed in magic, and a rabbi who, it is said, could perform miracles. The emperor presented the rabbi with an antique spoon, but neither of them could foretell how the rabbi would one day use it to create the giant golem from the mud of the river to protect the Jews. Reviews at Amazon

Prose, Francine. The Angel's Mistake; Stories of Chelm. Illustrated by Mark Podwal. Greenwillow, 1997. Ages 4-8

How Chelm, full of its earnest, endearing fools, came to be (two angels messed up). Reviews at Amazon

Prose, Francine. Dybbuk; A Story Made in Heaven. Illustrated by Mark Podwal. Greenwillow, 1996. Ages 4-8

Retelling of a traditional folktale. Before Leah and Chonon were born, heavenly angels decided the two would marry each other, but Leah's parents have differed plans. Leah's marriage to Old Benya comes to a halt when Leah is possessed by a dybbuk, or spirit. Reviews at Amazon

Prose, Francine. You Never Know; A Legend of the Lamed-Vavniks. Pictures by Mark Podwall. Greenwillow, 1998.

1998 Award winner; The Louis Posner Memorial Award/National Jewish Book Award. Though mocked by the rest of the villagers, poor Schmuel the shoemaker turns out to be a very special person.

Rogasky, Barbara. The Golem; A Version. Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Holiday House, 1996. Young Adult, Grades 8 up.

Winner of 1997 National Jewish Book Award/Children's Literature. A saintly rabbi miraculously brings to life a clay giant who helps him watch over the Jews of sixteenth-century Prague. "Rogasky spares none of the blood or violence the Golem wrought" (Kirkus Review) from Amazon

Singer, Isaac Bashevis. The Golem Ill. by Uri Shulevitz. Farrar, 1982. Ages 8-10. Polish.

Tells the legend of the golem, a clay giant created by the Jews of Prague. NY Times Notable

Children's Book

Singer, Isaac Bashevis. When Shlemiel Went to Warsaw and Other Stories Tran. by Singer and Elizabeth Shub. Farrar Straus & Giroux paper, 1986; Rei ed Farrar Straus & Girous, 1979.

Ziefert, Harriet. The Cow in the House. Illustrated by Emily Bolam. Viking Childrens Books, 1997. Viking Easy-To-Read-Classic. Ages 4-8

Variant on the traditional Jewish folktale, It Could Always Be Worse. Bothered by his noisy house, a man goes to a wise man for advice. Easy reader. Reviews at Amazon

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Nonfiction

Agnon, S. Y. Agnon's Alef Bet. Illustrated by Arieh Zeldich. Jewish Publication Society, 1998. Poetry. Children & adults.

Twenty-two classic poems, written by Nobel Laureate S.Y. Agnon; a witty poem for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Review at Barnes & Noble

Bierman, Carol. Journey to Ellis Island. Illustrated by Laurie McGaw; with Barbara Hehner. Hyperion Press, 1998. Ages 9-12

Nominated for Children's Picture Book Award/National Jewish Book Awards. An account of the ocean voyage and arrival at Ellis Island of twelve-year-old Julius Weinstein who, along with his mother and younger sister, immigatred from Russia in 1922. Based upon the experiences of Julius Weinsten, the author's father. Reviews at Amazon

Chaikin, Miriam. Menorahs, Mezuzas, and Other Jewish Symbols. Illustrated by Erika Weihs. Clarion Books, 1990. Ages 9-12 [102p]

Explains history and significance of many Jewish symbols.

Finkelstein, Norman. Heeding the Call; Jewish Voices in America's Civil Rights Struggle. Jewish Publication Society. Ages 9-12

Nominated for 1998 National Jewish Book Award.

Goldin, Barbara Diamond. Bat Mitzvah; A Jewish Girl's Coming of Age. Illustrated by Erika Weihs. Viking, 1995. Ages 9-12

Examines the role of women in Judaism by celebrating the recent tradition of the Bat Mitzvah ceremony, begun in 1922, with real-life stories of girls and women in their own voices. Reviews at Amazon

Kimmel, Eric. Bar Mitzvah; A Jewish Boy's Coming of Age. Illustrated by Erika Weihs. Viking, 1996. Ages 9-12.

A resource for boys who are preparing for their own ceremonies or wondering what the ceremony feels like provides the historic background of the bar mitzvah itself, describes its ceremonial objects and rituals, and recounts real-life stories. Reviews at Amazon

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Menorah courtesy of Celeste's Holiday Graphics Page

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