I was lucky to read four fun and imaginative children’s books from PJ Library. I am delighted to share my thoughts. Reading to my kids and grandchildren has always been a cherished activity, and these books have added to that joy.
“Dream Big, Laugh Often, and More Great Advice from the Bible” by Hanoch Piven and Shira Hecht-Koller
In this delightful book, children meet Eve and learn about curiosity through clever illustrations. They encounter Noah and understand why God asked him to save the animals. Abraham’s journey of trust, Sarah’s lesson in laughter, Joseph’s technicolor dreams, and Miriam’s vigilant watch over Moses are beautifully depicted. Balaam’s talking donkey, David’s fight with Goliath, Elijah’s introspection, Jonah’s time-out lesson, Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law, and Queen Esther’s bravery all come to life. The stories are easy to comprehend, and the illustrations are delightful, making this book a must-read for children. Each story is thoughtfully crafted to convey important life lessons in a way that is engaging and accessible for young readers.
“The Everywhere Chair” by Nati Bait, illustrated by Moran Barak
This book starts in a preschool where all the kids are occupied except Ido, who imagines a chair as a horse until his friend turns it into a car. Their journey takes them to Tel Aviv, a construction site, and then to Jerusalem on a train. They visit Eilat by the Red Sea on a bus and sail in a boat to Haifa’s safe harbor. As the day ends, they transform the chairs into wings and fly home just in time for lunch. This charming tale inspires creativity and offers ideas to recreate the imaginative journey. The book encourages children to see everyday objects in new ways and to use their imagination to explore the world around them.
“Leon Ben-Tzion the 14th” by Nevo Ziv
The hero of this book, Leon, doesn’t like his name. As he grows older and starts school, he finds other names more appealing and feels his is outdated. Learning that he is the 14th Leon in his family and everyone calls him “Little Leon” becomes problematic. His grandfather visits and, seeing Leon’s distress, shows him a family book detailing the illustrious history of their name, from a famous rabbi to a clumsy cobbler who turned shoes into puppets and a world-famous boxer. With a change of heart and new insight, Little Leon embraces his name and its rich heritage. This story beautifully illustrates the importance of family history and the pride that comes with understanding one’s roots.
“Everybody’s Book (The Story of the Sarajevo Haggadah)” by Linda Leopold Strauss, illustrated by Tim Smart
Linda Leopold Strauss, a Cincinnati-based author, tells the riveting story of the Sarajevo Haggadah, beginning in war-torn Bosnia in 1995. The narrative jumps back to the 14th century when the beautifully illustrated Haggadah was a wedding gift. This special book, used every year at Passover, traveled with Jewish families fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. Eventually sold to the National Museum in Sarajevo in 1894, the Haggadah was saved multiple times from peril, including being hidden by a Muslim curator during WWII. In 1995, after another war, the Haggadah was returned to the Jewish community, symbolizing hope and resilience. This book is a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage and interfaith cooperation. It highlights the incredible journeys and sacrifices made to preserve such a significant piece of history, making it a deeply moving and educational read for children and adults alike.
