children’s literature – Sara Lesley Arnold

No Vacancy by Tziporah Cohen

NO VACANCY (Groundwood Books, 2020), a middle grade novel by Tziporah Cohen, takes us through a budding friendship, a seemingly innocent ruse that fools a community, and an emotional journey that leads to a young girl’s realization of people’s differences and her first real connection to her Jewish identity. Miriam’s family moves from Manhattan toContinue reading “No Vacancy by Tziporah Cohen”

Miriam at the River by Jane Yolen and Khoa Le

Miriam at the River cover art: Girl by the river looking over baby in a basket, reeds and hippo in foreground

Jane Yolen, who notably published her 400th book this month, earned Sydney Taylor accolades for one more in 2021: MIRIAM AT THE RIVER, illustrated by Khoa Le. In this picture book, Yolen tells the earliest part of the Passover story from Miriam’s point of view, in first person. The protagonist expresses her thoughts, hopes, andContinue reading “Miriam at the River by Jane Yolen and Khoa Le”

The Polio Pioneer – Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine

This biographical narrative of Dr. Jonas Salk, written by Linda Elovitz Marshall and illustrated by Lisa Anchin, was a delight to get on my doorstep; even after I ordered it, several colleagues recommended it as a must-read. The story of THE POLIO PIONEER is approachable and engaging, letting kids see themselves in the character ofContinue reading “The Polio Pioneer – Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine”

Anya and the Nightingale, by Sofiya Pasternack

Wondering how Jewish a middle grade fantasy book could possibly be, I turned to page one of Anya and the Nightingale. The first line read, “Anya’s sukkah was suspiciously lopsided,” referring to the temporary hut many Jews build for the fall holiday of Sukkot. Okay then! Jewish it is. (Turns out that Anya’s goat isContinue reading “Anya and the Nightingale, by Sofiya Pasternack”

Upcoming KidLit Features

Good news! We’re back with a renewed commitment to supporting Jewish publishing for children and teens. As a writer and librarian in Judaica, I am happy to share with you the latest in literature that connects Jewish kids and young adults with their heritage and family histories. Now more than ever, it’s vital for kidsContinue reading “Upcoming KidLit Features”

Best Jewish Children’s Books of 2017

Tablet’s Best Jewish Children’s Books of 2017 by Marjorie Ingall

Bedtime Stories for Young Brains

So reading picture books with young children may mean that they hear more words, while at the same time, their brains practice creating the images associated with those words — and with the more complex sentences and rhymes that make up even simple stories

September Doorpost Column

Hello Library Lovers! We have been busy in the library readying it for the start of school and the holidays. We appreciate all of the generous library fund donations we have been receiving, letting us start a new and exciting project! Many of you have expressed how much you love our library, but did youContinue reading “September Doorpost Column”