PJ Library facts for kids
PJ Library is a special program that gives free Jewish children's books and music to families every month. It started in December 2005. The program is run by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, which is a non-profit group in North America. They want to help Jewish families with young kids learn more about their heritage.
The idea for PJ Library came from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. PJ Library sends books and music to families who want Judaism to be a part of their lives. This program works across North America. It gets help from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and other groups. Many local Jewish centers, like synagogues, also help make PJ Library happen in their areas.
Contents
PJ Library sends out over 220,000 books each month in North America. You can find PJ Library in every part of the United States and Canada. The books and music are for kids from 6 months to 8 years old. This depends on how much money is available in each community.
PJ Our Way: Books for Older Kids
Older kids, from 8.5 to 11 years old, can join a program called PJ Our Way. In this program, kids get to choose their own free chapter book or graphic novel every month. They can also write reviews, take quizzes, and talk with other kids online in a safe place.
PJ Library Radio
In December 2017, PJ Library started PJ Library Radio. This is a free app and online radio station. It plays Jewish kids' music all day long. At night, around 9 PM Eastern time, it plays calm lullabies.
Books Around the World
PJ Library also has programs in many other countries. These include Israel, Mexico, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Choosing the Books
The books kids get from PJ Library teach about Jewish holidays, values, Bible stories, and folklore. A special committee chooses all the books. They work with authors and publishers to find the best Jewish books for children. Many PJ Library books have won important awards. These include the Caldecott Medal and the Sydney Taylor Book Award. Some books have also been finalists for the National Jewish Book Award.
Joining PJ Library
Families with kids from 6 months to 8 years old can sign up. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families. It doesn't matter what their background, knowledge, or family type is.
Local partners of PJ Library also offer fun events. These can be concerts, family trips, or other activities. They also have online Facebook groups for families to connect.
PJ Library's Awards and Recognition
PJ Library has often been named one of the most inspiring Jewish programs. This recognition comes from the Slingshot Resource Guide. In 2009, Harold Grinspoon, who started the program, won an award for his work. In 2010, PJ Library was called one of the "Best in Jewish Education of the Decade."
Popular Books from PJ Library
- Bagels from Benny by Aubrey Davis, Illus. by Dušan Petričić (Kids Can Press, 2003 Sydney Taylor Book Award)
- Chicken Man by Michelle Edwards (Junebug Books, 1992 National Jewish Book Award)
- Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky, Illus. by Greg Harlin (Dutton Children's Books, 2007 Sydney Taylor Book Award)
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco (Aladdin Paperbacks, 1988 Sydney Taylor Book Award)
- Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback (Viking Press, 2000 Caldecott Medal)
- When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest, Illus. by Patrick James Lynch (Candlewick Press, 1997 Kate Greenaway Medal)
- The Very Best Sukkah by Shoshana Nambi, illus by Moran Yogev (Kalaniot Books, 2023 National Jewish Book Award (https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-daily/72nd-national-jewish-book-awards-remarks-shoshana-nambi#:~:text=Shoshana%20Nambi%20is%20the%20winner,.%2C%20illustrated%20by%20Moran%20Yogev.and 2023 Sidney Taylor Honoree)
- Noah's Ark by Peter Spier (Dragonfly Books, 1978 Caldecott Medal, 1978 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, 1982 National Book Award, 1978 Christopher Award)
- The Bedtime Sh'ma by Sarah Gershman, Illus. by Kristina Swarner (EKS Publishing, 2008 Sydney Taylor Book Award)
- Soosie, The Horse That Saved Shabbat by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, illus by Menahem Halberstadt (Kalaniot Books, 2021), 2021 Holiday Highlights Book, Association of Jewish Libraries, 2021 Star Review, Kirkus
- The Always Prayer Shawl by Sheldon Oberman, Illus. by Ted Lewin (Boyds Mills Press, 1994 Sydney Taylor Book Award, 1994 National Jewish Book Award)
- Gershon's Monster by Eric Kimmel, Illus. by Jon J. Muth (Scholastic Press, 2000 Sydney Taylor Book Award)
- Marven of the Great North Woods by Kathryn Lasky, Illus. by Kevin Hawkes (Voyager Books, 1997 National Jewish Book Award)
- Flying High by Julian Edelman, Illus. by David Leonard The PJ library edition of Edelman's children's book was revised to include quotations from Theodor Herzl.
PJ Library has also helped update and reprint many classic and favorite books.
References
- Jewish Book Council - Shoshana Nambi Remarks
