in Lifestyle
Top 4 Jewish Children’s Books
Reading for children is essential for so many reasons. From helping to increase intelligence to expand imagination and creativity, making Jewish children’s books, a mainstay of the Jewish family is one of the most beneficial things parents can institute.
Here we summarise the top 4 Jewish children’s books based on their popularity on the world’s largest bookstore, Amazon.com.
1) What Should Danny Do? (The Power to Choose Series)
8,777 Average 5 Star Ratings
Reading level : 3 and up
The power to choose and the effects of a person’s decisions are a core aspect of children’s upbringing and specifically within the Jewish religion. “The What Should Danny Do” book has almost 10,000 average raving reviews because of its unique layout and creative method for helping children understand the decisionmaking process. It allows children to see how varying results of their different choices come about. This title is a must-buy for parents and educators seeking to instill this critical life skill form a young age.
2) Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
260 Average 5 Star Reviews
Reading level: Preschool – 3
It is a book that one never can forget for any kid who read Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins growing up. The story of Hershel of Ostropol, Chanukkah, and the goblins is a mix of vivid illustrations and unique storytelling that seems to engage almost any child. It is no wonder that the book is an all-time favorite and has won multiple awards.
My friend told me later that they had to hide the book because the kids wanted to read it over and over.
Amazon Review
3) Joseph Had a Little Overcoat (Caldecott Honor Book)
202 Average Five Star Ratings
Reading level : 3 – 7 years
This book is a classic that has won a prestigious honor for its illustrations. The book focuses on the lesson that something can be made of nothing, and so much in life depends on one’s attitude and approach. It also stresses that needless waste, or as is referred to in Judaism, bal tashchit, is to be avoided and something that children should be conscious of.
4) It Could Always Be Worse: A Yiddish Folk Tale
135 Average 5 Star Ratings
Reading level : 3 – 6 years
One of the older titles in this listing, this classic, combines fun illustrations that harken back to Yiddish folklife with another important maxim for life. As the title makes apparent, the book stresses the importance of being thankful for what we have, even when things seem negative. Pass this essential attitude like so many Jewish mothers and grandmothers have done in years past through this book.
A Bonus Favorite
People Speak 3: Real Life Stories (People talk about themselves)
67 Average 5 Star Reviews
Reading level: Children to teens and beyond.
A classic from Chaim Walder and one of the more popular volumes of his People Speak franchise, this book offers a comprehensive lineup of true stories that range from lessons in empathy and kindness to those with comedy at the fore. With his unique ability to tell Jewish stories that resonate, Walder brings the reader, whether a young Jewish child or older teen, into the story’s emotional aspect and teaches lessons from a Jewish perspective.
