Nothing makes me happier than getting to read holiday books with my little ones all curled up together in PJs each night before bed. Reading for me has always been one of my favorite ways to learn, and my love of reading and exploring is happily a trait that I have passed down to them. We are fortunate to have built a great collection of books in our home, and, thanks to PJ Library (and my casual book shopping… shh!), our family has a very special collection of Jewish books as well.
Purim is such a fun holiday to celebrate, and there are plenty of great books out there to help you celebrate the holiday and also teach little ones about courage and the importance of speaking out against intolerance. So take a look at some of our family’s favorites, and please share what books you are enjoying this season with us by tagging @jewishphoenix in your Facebook and Instagram photos.
Sammy Spider’s First Purim – by Sylvia A. Rouss
Everyone’s favorite, curious little spider, Sammy, spies Josh Shapiro making a costume for Purim and begins his request to his mother to join in on the holiday fun. Of course Sammy is reminded that he is just a spider and doesn’t celebrate Purim, but that doesn’t stop Sammy from exploring all of the Shapiro family’s holiday preparations in hopes that he too can celebrate.
One, Two, Three, Purim! – by Naomi Shulman
This colorful book shares the symbols of Passover while counting to one, two three. The little girl starts her Purim celebration by helping her father make hamentaschen, deliver Mishloah Manot baskets to friends, gets dressed up and marches in a Purim parade. This is the perfect book for the littlest kiddos as they can point out to the different Purim symbols and help count to three.
The Mystery Bear: A Purim Story – by Leone Adelson
My kids love this book about a little bear who wakes up from his winter nap hungry and in search for food. The little bear wanders into a festive Purim party where the other guests mistake him for different friends in costume rather than an actual bear. The little bear helps himself to some holiday treats, but how will the guests react when they realize a real bear is a guest at their party?
Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale– by Barbara Diamond Goldin
I love the sweet message of courage and faith in this book, which tells the story of a young blind boy named Hershel who wishes nothing more than to help his mother prepare hamentaschen for Purim. Herschel has a dream where an angle tells him to make what he sees, and he bravely steps into the kitchen one night to create the images in his dream into delicious cookies to sell at the market.
Barnyard Purim – by Kelly Terwilliger
This fun story is about a barnyard full of animals who are eager to reenact the Purim story and not be left out of the holiday fun. The animals get into character and begin to practice under the direction of Chicken. The animals must practice the bravery of Esther when an unwanted guest arrives on the farm. Together the animals courageously stand up to the fox and safely continue their Purim celebration.
A Queen in Jerusalem – by Tami Shem-Tov & Rachella Sandbank
A beautiful story about a little girl names Malka who desperately wants her mother to make her a Queen Esther costume for Purim. However, Malka’s mother doesn’t have time to make a costume, so she begins to sadly wander the streets of her neighborhood. Malka runs into a helpful artist who takes her into a beautiful school full of artists, and they help put together a costume fit for a queen.
Purim is Coming – by Tracy Newman
This is another adorable picture book that is perfect for little ones. The colorful book takes us through all of the Purim preparations from baking hamentaschen to making a costume.
Esther’s Gragger: A Toyshop Tale of Purim – by Martha Seif Simpson
A young boy wishes to buy a special grogger for his sister, Esther, who was chosen to lead the Purim parade. However, just like in the story, young Esther and her brother must stand up to an older bully who tries to steal her grogger. This is a really beautiful story about the true meaning of Purim and shares the lesson that we must never be afraid to take a stand against cruelty.
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