A selection of our favourite Rosh Hashanah children’s books, to introduce the Jewish New Year, its meaning and traditions, to kids of all ages.
My daughter Kipper is an avid reader and has always loved books. Over the years, we’ve amassed quite a collection of Jewish picture books, stories, biographies and novels. Each year for Rosh Hashanah I try to find one or more children’s books about the Jewish new year to engage her interest, explain some of the traditions, and introduce concepts like teshuva (repentance).
Rosh Hashanah children’s books
This year Kipper and I decided to make a list of some of our favourite Rosh Hashanah children’s books and share it with you. Hopefully you’ll find a book or two on this list that your own family will enjoy.
Penguin Rosh Hashanah by Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod
This cute picture book explains the very basics of the festival through the medium of penguins! Each page has one or two sentences, and an accompanying photograph of these adorable antarctic birds. The text touches on traditional foods, apologising to friends, and the importance of family. At the end of the book are instructions to make origami penguins!
Kipper says, “This is a really nice and simple book explaining a few elements of Rosh Hashanah. The penguins are super cute and kind of funny!“
Suitable for ages 2-5.
Sammy Spider’s First Rosh Hashanah, by Sylvia A. Rouss and Katherine Janus Kahn
If you have a Jewish child you’ll almost certainly have come across the Sammy Spider books before. We love their bright, paper-cut illustrations and gentle humour. The story follows the Shapiro family as they prepare for Rosh Hashanah – making Shana Tova cards, baking challah, and preparing apples to dip in honey. The family also wear their best new clothes to go to synagogue where they will hear the rabbi blow the shofar. Overall, a great introduction to what a child might expect of the festival.
Kipper says, “I liked this book because it was very funny! The illustrations are really interesting.”
Great for ages 3-7.
Apples and Honey, A Rosh Hashanah Story, by Jonny Zucker and Jan Barger Cohen
This sweet picture book covers apples and honey, shul attendance and shofar blowing but also introduces the ritual of Tashlich – throwing crumbs into a river along with your bad deeds from the previous year. At the end of the book are a couple of pages with slightly more in-depth information, making this a great book if you’re going to be talking to your child’s nursery or reception class about Rosh Hashanah.
Kipper says, “This one doesn’t have much of a story, but it reminds me of some of the things I do with my own family.“
Suitable for ages 2-6.
Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride, by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Shahar Kober
We are BIG fans of Engineer Ari! He and his friends are train drivers working on the new railway from Jaffa to Jerusalem in 1892. The book blends Ari’s preparation for the Rosh Hashanah with the tale of the historic first train journey between the cities, and introduces the concept of teshuva as Ari literally turns the train around. Almost every page also provides an opportunity to shout “toot toot!”
Kipper says, “I liked this story because as Ari goes along his train journey, which he initially bragged about, he realises that he shouldn’t have been so boastful.”
A great book for kids aged 4-8.
Even Higher, A Rosh Hashanah Story by I. L. Peretz, adapted by Eric A. Kimmel and Jill Webber
This lovely retelling of a classic Jewish folktale reminds us of the importance of good deeds and kindness to other people. I love the quirky illustrations and the goats that pop up on almost every page!
Kipper says, “The pictures were nice – I enjoyed the illustrations of the goats!“
Perfect for ages 4+
New Year at the Pier by April Halprin Wayland and Stéphane Jorisch
This slightly longer book explains the ritual of Tashlich – and the importance of saying sorry for wrongdoings. The main character, Izzy, explores his feelings as he apologises to friends and family, and receives apologies from others.
Kipper says, “This is a very inspirational story. After I read it, I wanted to apologise for things that I could have done better. Also, the drawings are full of detail.“
Suitable for ages 7-10
Gershon’s Monster, retold by Eric A. Kimmel and Jon J Muth
I saved my favourite till last! This is another classic folk story brought up to date by Eric A. Kimmel. It shows how our own selfish actions can come back to haunt us, and how real changes in behaviour are necessary for teshuva – repentance – to have any meaning. Although it is a beautifully illustrated large format picture book, this is probably one for older children as it can be quite scary for little ones.
Kipper says, “The main character is really horrible! I hope I never meet anyone like him. He is almost as scary as the monster.“
Suitable for children aged 7+
If you’re preparing for the Jewish New Year, you might like to take a look at all my Rosh Hashanah recipes and articles here.
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