The High Holidays are a great time to introduce new books to your kids, especially ones with specific Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur content. The PJ Library recommends the following books for families and sends titles like these as part of its subscription program. Register for the program online!
Baby and Toddler Books
Selections for families with children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years:
“Apples and Honey” by Joan Holub
With each exciting Rosh Hashanah activity shown, little ones begin to explore the meaning and traditions of the Jewish New Year.
“Happy Birthday, World” by Latifa Berry Kropf
By comparing a child’s birthday celebration to the symbols and customs of Rosh Hashanah—a birthday cake with apples dipped in honey, party horns with the shofar, etc.—little ones are introduced to the happy celebrations of the Jewish New Year.
“Today Is the Birthday of the World” by Linda Heller
On Rosh Hashanah, God asks each creature if it has been the best it can be, leading to understanding of the contributions each one can make to the world.
Preschool and Kindergarten Books
Selections for families with children between the ages of 3 and 5 years:
“Beni’s Family Treasury” by Jane Breskin Zalben
Beni and his family and friends celebrate Jewish holidays throughout the year. In this collection of five stories, Ben has adventures on Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim and Passover.
“Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride” by Deborah Cohen
Israel’s first train chugs from Jaffa to Jerusalem just in time for Rosh Hashanah, taking treats to children for a sweet new year and seeing sights all along the way.
“The Hardest Word” by Jacqueline Jules
The Ziz, a clumsy and big-hearted bird, asks God for advice after accidentally destroying a vegetable garden. From this, Ziz learns the importance of an apology.
“It’s Shofar Time!” by Latifa Berry Kropf
Hearing the shofar is an exciting experience for children. After beginning with this important holiday tradition, the author then introduces dipping apples in honey, making greeting cards and baking round challah.
“Sammy Spider’s First Rosh Hashanah” by Sylvia Rouss
As the Jewish New Year begins, Sammy happily finds himself covered in honey and eager to celebrate Rosh Hashanah—complete with round challah, apples and honey and special holiday cards.
“The World’s Birthday” by Barbara Goldin
Daniel is determined to celebrate Rosh Hashanah by having a proper birthday party for the world, and he succeeds as only a child could.