How We Choose Books

The PJ Library Book Selection Committee is hard at work year-round, finding the best books, beautiful illustrations, compelling stories and values to share with your children. They exemplify the best of Jewish children's literature.

We are devoted to making book choices that represent the broad spectrum of today's Jewish families. Working with authors, agents, publishers, and editors, the committee strives to ensure that the finest Jewish books for children find their way each month into the mailboxes of all PJ Library families.

Many of our books have won prestigious awards, including the Caldecott Medal and the Sydney Taylor Book Award. Several have been named as finalists for the National Jewish Book Award.

 

Book Selection Guidelines

As the Book Selection Committee reviews books and manuscripts for PJ Library, it asks:

  • Is this story suited for children between the ages of six months and eight years?
  • Is the text (and illustrations, if available) engaging for young children and their parents?
  • Is the content appropriate to the PJ Library mission? Does the book contain a message of strong Jewish values?
  • Will children want to return to this book again and again?
  • Does the book reflect historical Jewish life, contemporary Jewish life, or some valuable aspect of the Jewish experience?
  • Will this book prompt family discussions about Jewish topics and lead families to consider making Jewish choices?

PJ Library is available to families who are raising Jewish children from birth through 8 years all across the UK. They come from many backgrounds -- some are intermarried, some have little or no formal Jewish learning, some attend a synagogue and celebrate Jewish holidays, and others may be unfamiliar with Jewish practice all together. We love that about PJ Library.

Due to the age of its participants, PJ Library does not send out reference books, books that deal with the Holocaust, or books that deal with the death or end-of-life of a loved one. PJ Library also does not send out workbooks or activity books as part of its regular monthly mailings.

Book Feedback

Do you have feedback about a particular PJ Library book? Would you like to recommend a title for consideration? The Book Selection Committee values your thoughts. Every comment about our books that comes to us is shared with the committee, and they review each comment when choosing books. To make sure your voice is heard, please send your feedback and recommendations to info@pjlibrary.org.uk.