Jewish representation in children’s literature is essential. Not only does it allow Jewish kids to see themselves reflected in their favorite stories, but it also allows for other young readers to learn about Jewish culture, traditions, and history with understanding and empathy. From heartwarming holiday tales to hilarious family stories, these eight books are centered around Jewish characters and experiences in ways that are both educational and engaging for young readers.
1. And a Cat from Carmel Market by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Rotem Teplow (Illustrator)
When Bubbe goes to the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv to shop for Shabbat, she ends up coming home with much more than the necessities. When a lot of stray cats follow her back home, their howling begins to disrupt the beautiful Shabbat dinner she had planned. But when Bubbe lights the Shabbat candles, she’s able to calm the kitties down and enjoy the holiday as planned. This book is perfect for children who are just being introduced to the Jewish holiday Shabbat.
“What a cute book! I especially enjoyed the repetitive rhyming…and well, the cats.”
From Marisa on Goodreads
2. A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards and G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love is a beautiful representation of Jewish characters. When Sophia discovers that Mrs. Goldman doesn’t have a hat due to her making hats for everyone else, Sophia takes it upon herself to knit a hat for Mrs. Goldman. But as Sophia tries to knit, the hat turns out lumpy, the stitches are uneven, and there are holes everywhere. When Sophia begins to give up, she comes up with an idea that will make Mrs. Goldman’s hat the most beautiful hat of all! This book also includes a knitting pattern that is perfect for children who are looking to pick up a new hobby.
“Great story for those interested in books about being giving, being kind, being good neighbors, intergenerational friendships, dog characters, and those with any interest in knitting or learning to knit.”
From Lisa Vegan on Goodreads
3. Osnat and Her Dove: The True Story of the World’s First Female Rabbi by Sigal Sam and Vali Mintzi (Illustrator)
Osnat was born during a time when many believed in miracles, but very few believed that girls and women should learn to read. But Osnat was lucky, and growing up in a house of books with a father willing to teach her to read, it allowed her to become a wise scholar in her own right, eventually leading her to become the world’s first female rabbi. Osnat became an inspiration to many and showed that any person who can learn has the ability to find a path that no one has ever walked before.
“Many miracles were attributed to Osnat, and the author touched on a few of them. Readers will be drawn in to this historical account of this wise, gifted leader.”
From Liza Wiemer on Goodreads
4. The People’s Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art by Cynthia Levinson and Evan Turk (Illustrator)
Based on the true story of painter Ben Shahn, The People’s Painter tells the story of how Ben’s sharp artistic eye and desire to paint and fight for what’s right brought justice. He learns to disarm his classmates who bully him for being Jewish and defy his teachers’ insistence that he paint landscapes rather than true stories. Ben’s paintings even go as far as urging the US government to pass Depression-era laws to help people find food and jobs. If your child is struggling with bullying, this book is perfect for helping them fight back.
“All in all, The People’s Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art is an engaging account of a life of an artist with a social conscience makes itself heard.”
From Ben Truong on Goodreads
5. Here is the World: A Year of Jewish Holidays by Lesléa Newman and Susan Gal (Illustrator)
This is the perfect picture book to help introduce your child to all the Jewish holidays that take place throughout the year. Starting with the weekly observance of Shabbat, a family will guide you and your child through the holidays and corresponding seasons. It celebrates the joy and significance of each holiday and brings them to life right in front of your eyes. The book also comes with a description of each holiday in the back, along with easy crafts and recipes.
“This is a beautiful, simple, wheel-of-the-year-style guide to the Jewish holidays. I loved the illustrations, and the luminous verse.”
From Juli Anna on Goodreads
6. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley (Illustrator)
A beautiful story about the woman who changed history for women for the better: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This book has just enough information to introduce your young reader to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her impact on the government. Ginsburg spent her lifetime arguing against inequality, unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right. This picture book tells Ginsburg’s story through the lens of her famous dissents and disagreements.
“A great message that we can disagree on things and not hate each other. But the book is also so much more than that.”
From Dylan Teut on Goodreads
7. Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sis
The Holocaust is never easy to explain or talk about with a child, but Peter Sis does it in an educational way that is both inspiring and empathetic. Based on the true story of 29-year-old Nicholas Winton and how he saved the lives of almost 700 children trapped in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia and his reuniting with them years later on television, it’s a story that is both important and heartwarming for all generations.
“A story of this magnitude, depth and complexity is one that would be difficult to convey to young children, but Sis does so with a lexical ease and simplicity of structure that can only be admired.”
From Tracy Parvin on Goodreads
8. Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry
A heartwarming middle grade story between two best friends, one in elementary school, and the other an elderly woman. When elderly Sophie begins to lose her memory, child Sophie is determined to stop it before it’s too late. When child Sophie begins to open up the floodgates of older Sophie’s memories, she ends up listening to stories about her dear friend, stories ranging from war, cruelty, hunger, and love. This is a beautiful story of how friendship comes in all shapes and ages and how it can change your life in ways you could’ve never imagined.
“Tree, Table, Book gave a whole new definition to the meaning of friendship. It was about friendship above all but also about love, acceptance, and sharing.”
From Marilyn on Goodreads
Whether you’re looking to celebrate traditions, honor historical figures, or simply tell a good story with Jewish characters at the center, these books offer young readers a window into Jewish life and values.
Looking for more Jewish representation in books? Check out our article, Top 5 Inspiring Jewish Authors That You Will Love
Find these books and more on our Bookshop Children’s Books with Jewish Representation shelf.
