People often ask us how we choose our books. Is our priority educating readers about a Jewish holiday or giving them a great story? Is it Jewish values or wonderful illustrations? The answer is that our needs vary depending on where we are in the Jewish calendar and which books are available to us in a given month. We want books that look great and that will make children come away with a positive reinforcement of their Jewish identity. A great PJ Library book is one that kids will want to hear over and over again, and that parents will be happy to read and reread with their children.
One of our all-time favourite PJ Library books is Bagels from Benny by Aubrey Davis, which UK families with five and six-year-olds were sent in June 2015. Benny wants to show his gratitude to God, so every week he takes a bag of his grandfather’s delicious bagels to the synagogue and leaves them in the Ark. Every week the bagels disappear. Benny thinks that God is eating them and is disappointed when he learns the truth, but Grandpa explains that Benny’s kindness is making the world a better place. With themes of tzedekah, tikkun olam, faith and food, not to mention a loving intergenerational relationship and endearing illustrations shaped and coloured like a bagel, Bagels from Benny has it all.
Another great PJ Library book is Sadie’s Sukkah Breakfast, which we sent last September to families with three and four-year-olds. Sadie and her little brother Ori can’t wait to see how their Sukkah decorations look in the morning so, unable to sleep, they get up very early and decide to have breakfast in the Sukkah. But how can they enjoy it on their own? The children find a creative way to carry out the mitzvah of welcoming guests – chanasset orachim – without waking their parents! With a realistic family setting, gentle humour, and colourful watercolour illustrations, this charming book is not just about Sukkot, it’s also about teamwork and getting along with your siblings. And it’s fun too!
What’s your favourite PJ Library book, and why? Email info@pjlibrary.org.uk
August 23, 2016