9 children’s books about Passover, 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 identity and countering antisemitism. Every month, PJ Library sends more than 670,000 free Jewish books to families around the world raising Jewish kids from birth through 12 years old. 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. Sign up here.

In celebration of Passover, PJ Library has curated a list of their favorite children’s books about Passover. Passover is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays. During Passover, Jewish families commemorate the exodus from Egypt. Year after year, Jews all over the world, from all walks of life, participate in a seder (the ritual Passover meal). And in the days and weeks just prior to Passover, families prepare for this eight-day-long holiday. For more information including recipes, videos, book lists, and a family-friendly Haggadah (that’s the guide to the seder), visit pjlibrary.org/Passover

Miriam at the River, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Khoa Le, asks readers to consider, “what does it mean to be brave?” Miriam, Moses’ sister, is today, a feminist icon—many Jewish families even add a special Miriam’s Cup, filled with water, to their seder table to honor the role of women in Exodus. This beautiful picture book follows one of most famous and exciting of all the stories in the Bible – a story that begins with an older sister’s act of love and courage. Ages 5-9.

“From the time he was a little boy, Bezalel loved to collect things. His eyes were drawn to shiny stones, dyed strings, and even a bug if it had shiny, shimmering green wings.” These are the opening lines of The World Needs Beautiful Things, a modern midrash by Leah Rachel Berkowitz, with exquisite illustrations by Daniele Fabbri. Children often see beauty in that which adults overlook, perhaps because we disregard that which is tattered and torn, or because we’re too busy and preoccupied to give ourselves to searching and spotting. But searching for and spotting beauty is not a waste of time. In the case of Bezalel, an Israelite slave who is freed and flees Egypt along with the rest of the Israelites, it is his propensity and ability to always see beauty that earns him the position of designing the mishkan, a “dwelling place” for God. The PJ Library Book Selection Committee chose The World Needs Beautiful Things because this modern midrash shows that, indeed, the world does need beautiful things, and often times it is a child who knows how to find them. Ages 3-8.

The story of Passover is not just a story. It’s a collective remembrance of the Jewish people, passed down for generations. The tale itself starts with an act of forgetting: The new pharaoh of Egypt has forgotten about the history of Joseph and the Israelites in his country, and now he sees them as outsiders. This act of forgetting sets in motion a terrible saga of slavery. Reading the story reinforces a key teaching of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible): Treat the stranger fairly, because you were once enslaved in Egypt. The Story of Passover by David A. Adler and illustrated by Jill Weber is a favorite among many families looking for a dynamic and kid-friendly version of the Passover story. Ages 4-8.

Welcoming Elijah from award-winning and prolific children’s book writer Lesléa Newman, follows an adorable stray kitty as he searches for a family. With beautiful art by Susan Gal, this book is a fantastic introduction to Passover traditions and rituals. Ages 5-8.

Being a hero often involves conquering one’s fears in order to help others. Nachshon, Who Was Afraid to Swim, written by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Illustrated by Jago is based on a midrash (Jewish legend) that describes part of the Exodus from Egypt. Nachshon, according to Rabbinic lore, was the first person to plunge into the Red Sea even though he couldn’t swim. His faith and courage helped to split the waters, allowing the Jewish people to escape to freedom. Ages 3-8.

The Passover Guest is a new book, written by Susan Kusel and illustrated by Sean Rubin. On the night of the seder, Jewish families open the door to symbolically welcome the prophet Elijah. In a typical (non pandemic) year, there’s also a beautiful tradition of welcoming and inviting guests to a seder. In this picture book, Kusel brings the readers back to 1933, when poor Muriel worries her family is too destitute to hold a seder – until a mysterious guest knocks on her door. Ages 4-8.

Whenever we poll PJ Library grown-ups (parents and caregivers) about their favorite Passover books, Mrs. Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco is brought up over and over. This lovely story about an inter-generational friendship highlights the beauty of chosen family and community. CW/spoiler for death of a loved one. Ages 3-7.

This multiple award-winning book, including the 2019 Sydney Taylor Book Award, grabs kids on a suspenseful adventure with a message. Nan is a chimney sweep in Victorian London. After her guardian mysteriously disappears, she must learn to fend for herself in this terrifying and dangerous job. Miraculously, Charlie the Golem appears and their friendship and attempts to survive will have kids connecting deeply to this book’s characters while all the while sitting at the edge of their seats. Great for older kids. Ages 8-12.

Fifteen-year-old Moshe Levi is the head of his family now that his father has died. But on his very first business trip from Amsterdam to Africa, Moshe is shipwrecked in Spain, where the powerful Catholic Inquisition have expelled all the Jews, forcing Moshe to hide his Jewish identity. Using his extensive knowledge of Jewish traditions and keen powers of observation, he manages to find a secret Passover Seder and befriend a local Jewish family. Kids will enjoy this easy-to-read, fast-paced story about Moshe’s adventures, and they’ll gain a unique perspective on Jewish life in Spain during the 17th century. Ages 9 and up.