Rosh Hashanah Book Recommendations, curated by PJ Library

The Conscious Kid is honored to be partnered with PJ Library to share Jewish voices and stories. Providing early education about Jewish contributions, history and culture is an essential component of affirming Jewish identity and countering antisemitism. Every month, PJ Library sends more than 670,000 free books to families around the world raising Jewish kids from birth through age 12. They are dedicated to sharing Jewish stories that can help families talk together about important values, culture and traditions. A committee of writers, early childhood professionals, and Jewish content specialists seek out compelling stories, captivating illustrations, and diverse perspectives on Jewish customs and practice. Through an extensive evaluation process, the committee selects books for every age group. Many of the books selected to be included in PJ Library have received awards including Caldecott Medals and the Sydney Taylor Book awards, given to the best of Jewish children's literature. All families raising Jewish children are eligible to receive free books each month and can sign up here.

In celebration of Rosh Hashanah, PJ Library has curated a list of their favorite children’s books about the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the two fall High Holidays. The other is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Rosh Hashanah is often referred to as the birthday of the world. It’s a time to reflect, sing, pray, gather with loved ones and, of course, eat delicious apple treats and round challah.

The books in the following list make a wonderful introduction to the High Holidays. For additional titles, see the PJ Library free digital guide for families, available at pjlibrary.org/rosh-hashanah.

Once Upon an Apple Cake by Elana Rubinstein, illustrated by Jennifer Naalchigar (Ages 7-10)

Saralee’s family bakery makes the best apple cake around -- and at Rosh Hashanah, nothing’s better than apple cake! But a competing bakery has moved to town, just as Saralee’s grandfather (the only one who knows the cake’s secret ingredient!), gets sick. Saralee has to figure out how to make the unique apple cake and keep the family business afloat.

Rosh Hashanah with Uncle Max written and illustrated by Varda Livney

Here comes Uncle Max! He's arriving because today is a special day. It's Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and the whole family is coming together to celebrate. Share in their celebration in this sweet book, a perfect introduction to Rosh Hashanah for toddlers.

Rachel’s Roses by Ferida Wolff, illustrated by Margeaux Lucas

What will you give up for those you love? Rachel Berger wants special buttons for her Rosh Hashanah outfit, but her family can't afford them, so she sets out to earn the money herself. With the Jewish New Year as a backdrop, Rachel learns what really matters. Ages 7-10.

A Moon for Moe and Mo by Jane Breskin Zalben, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

In a year when Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan overlap, two boys with similar names meet unexpectedly in their Brooklyn neighborhood and become friends. Ages 3-7.

Sam & Charlie (and Sam Too!) by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Stefano Tambellini

New neighbors have moved in next door to Sam – including two girls, one named Charlie and the other, Sam (too!). As the three of them become friends, they share jokes, Jewish holidays, and even misunderstandings -- and soon learn what it means to “love your neighbor as yourself.” The story “I’m Sorry Day” is a perfect kid-appropriate explanation of Yom Kippur. Ages 5-9.

Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride by Deborah Bodin Cohen, illustrated by Shahar Kober

Israel’s first train chugs from Jaffa to Jerusalem just in time for Rosh Hashanah, and Ari is the first engineer to ride the rails. But wait! There’s a problem: Ari’s boastful manner upsets his friends. As he travels to Jerusalem carrying items for Rosh Hashanah, Ari realizes his behavior has been hurtful. In the spirit of the holidays, he plans to make amends. Ages 5-9.

What’s the Buzz? Honey for a Sweet New Year by Allison Ofanansky, photographs by Eliyahu Alpern

Apples and honey are a traditional Rosh Hashanah treat -- but how does honey make its way to the holiday table? Find out everything you ever wanted to know about honey and its production as a group of schoolchildren learn along with you! Ages 5-8.

PJ Library has also sent out the following two titles at Rosh Hashanah time. Although these books aren’t about the Jewish holidays per se, they’re both great stories to help young children learn the value of saying “I’m sorry” and making amends:

Oh No, George by Chris Haughton

George is a dog with all the best intentions, and his owner, Harry, has all the best hopes that George will be a well-behaved dog when he leaves him alone for the day. But it’s so hard to be a good dog when there are cats to chase and flowers to dig up! Chris Haughton’s fetchingly funny story and vibrant, retro illustrations are sure to lure dog lovers of all ages—and anyone who has ever met a temptation too good to resist. Ages 2-5.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

Lilly loves all sorts of things. She loves school, she loves dressing up, she even grows to love her stinky baby brother, Julius. In fact, Lilly loves everything! But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse to school and can't wait until sharing time to show off the purse and her movie star sunglasses, her teacher, Mr. Slinger, has to take away her prized possessions. Lilly's fury leads her to draw a mean picture of her favorite teacher. It isn’t until Mr. Slinger gives her belongings back to her with a kind note and snacks that Lilly realizes she owes Mr. Slinger an apology. Ages 4-8.