Picture Books for Jewish American Heritage Month

In the month of May, we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. Whether you are learning about Jewish culture or traditions, or looking for inspiration for a Jewish recipe, here are our favorite Picture Books for Jewish Heritage Month that we hope you add to your TBR list.

Comment below with other new titles to help our readers find new favorites for
their bookshelves at home and in the classroom!

• Picture Books for Jewish Heritage Month   •

MITZVAH PIZZA

MITZVAH PIZZA
Written by Sarah Lynn Scheerger and Illustrated by Deborah Melmon  
Published by Kar-Ben Publishing

THE SCHLEMIEL KIDS SAVE THE MOON

A joyous modern-day twist on a Wise Men of Chelm folktale written by a fresh Jewish voice filled with humor, some juicy Yiddish terms, and smart, savvy kids brimming with innovative solutions.

Oy, Chelm. Long known as home to the “wisest” people in Yiddish folklore. But what is Chelm like today? What if the kids were more clever than the rest of the townsfolk?

When the misguided adults of modern-day Chelm believe the moon has plunged into the lake, it’s up to the Schlemiel siblings to convince the grown-ups that their fears of a fallen moon are unfounded. Join Sarah and Sam in this hilarious twist on a classic Yiddish folktale as they use teamwork, innovation and patience to save the day…and night!

Here is a book that will expand young readers’ knowledge of Jewish culture beyond holidays, history, and the Holocaust, including a glossary of Yiddish terms to enhance understanding.

THE SCHLEMIEL KIDS SAVE THE MOON
Written by Audrey Barbakoff and Illustrated by Rotem Teplow  
Published by The Collective Book Studio

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THE KEY FROM SPAIN: 

Flory Pagoda and her Music

When Flory's ancestors are forced to leave Spain during the time of the Spanish Inquisition, they take with them their two most precious possessions–the key to their old house and the Ladino language. When Flory flees Europe during World War II to begin a new life in the United States, she carries Ladino with her, along with her other precious possessions–her harmoniku and her music. But what of the key?
Discover the story of Ladino singer Flory Jagoda.

TIA FORTUNA'S NEW HOME:

A Jewish Cuban Journey

TIA FORTUNA'S NEW HOME: A JEWISH CUBAN JOURNEY
Written by Ruth Behar and Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

BITTER AND SWEET

For Hannah, moving to a new city feels bitter, but can she find the sweetness, too?

When Hannah's family has to move, her grandmother tells her how she felt leaving the old country — it was both bitter and sweet. As Hannah leaves her friends behind and tries to get used to a new house, she only feels bitterness. Was her grandmother wrong about the sweetness?

Hannah starts to feel better about the move when she sees her new house in the soft light of the Shabbat candles. When a new friend reaches out with a special gift, Hannah realizes that sweetness can come from unexpected places and that she can even create some herself.

Featuring art by acclaimed illustrator Kyrsten Brooker, this story subtly conveys a universal message — while life can be full of challenging moments, sweeter ones can be found and created. An author's note is included on the concept of bitter and sweet in Jewish culture.

BITTER AND SWEET
Written by Sandra V. Feder and Illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker
Published by Groundwood Books

KLEZMER!

When Eastern European Jewish immigrants bring their klezmer music with them to America, it takes on a rockin' new vibe, adding elements of Jazz borrowed from its new country. In the beautifully illustrated Klezmer!, a child makes an exciting music-filled visit to her grandparents' apartment in New York City, learning all about the evolution of this toe-tapping music genre.

KLEZMER!
Written and Illustrated by Kyra Teis
Published by Kar-Ben Publishing

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