Books About Jewish Holidays

The Best Jewish Holidays Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about jewish holidays? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 8 Favorite Books About Jewish Holidays

Welcoming Elijah
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

Welcoming Elijah

By Lesléa Newman, Susan Gal (Illustrator)

A boy and a stray cat find unexpected connection during Passover.

Sydney Taylor Book Award (2021)
32 pages· 330 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 529 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: During a Passover Seder, a young boy participates in family traditions while a lonely stray cat roams outside. As the door opens for the prophet Elijah, an unexpected bond forms, changing both their lives. What surprise awaits when tradition meets the unexpected?
Where You've Got to Be
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Where You've Got to Be

By Caroline Gertler

Feeling left behind by her sister and best friend, a girl makes risky choices.

288 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 132 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Nolie's sister Linden is only fourteen months older, but suddenly she seems much more grown up, and even Nolie's best friend Jessa wants to act older and cooler. Adrift in New York City during the Jewish High Holy Days, Nolie makes one impulsive choice after another until she is hiding a collection of things that aren't hers, and she has to find her way back.
When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1997

When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street

By Elsa Okon Rael, Marjorie Priceman (Illustrator)

A girl visiting her grandparents sees a surprising side of her stern grandfather.

40 pages· 1,841 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 41 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In New York City in the mid-1930s, eight-year-old Zeesie stays with her grandparents on the Lower East Side. Her grandfather seems stern and distant until the family celebrates Simchat Torah, and Zeesie sees him dance with joy.
Rosh Hashanah
Sale price
$2849
Picture Book · Ages 7–11 · 2026

Rosh Hashanah

By Josephine Larsen · Holiday History series

Discover how the Jewish New Year began and how families celebrate it today.

24 pages
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins ten High Holy Days. This leveled nonfiction book for early fluent readers explains how the Torah describes the holiday's beginnings, how and why people worship, and which special foods families eat. Photos, a timeline infographic, sidebars, a map, a glossary and an index help young readers learn the history behind the celebration.
Sammy Spider's First Sukkot
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 3–9 · 2004

Sammy Spider's First Sukkot

By Sylvia A. Rouss, Katherine Janus Kahn (Illustrator) · Sukkot & Simchat Torah series

A curious spider explores a festive hut, uncovering the wonders of Sukkot.

32 pages· 756 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 36 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Sammy Spider swings from an apple, observing the Shapiro family as they prepare for Sukkot. As Josh and his parents build and decorate their sukkah, Sammy learns about this vibrant Jewish festival. Will he find a new perspective on life from his perch under the stars?
Hanukkah
Sale price
$2845
Picture Book · Ages 0–7 · 2022

Hanukkah

By Rebecca Sabelko · Happy Holidays! series

Discover the traditions and celebrations of Hanukkah in this engaging introduction for young readers.

24 pages· 93 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 3 ratings
$29.95Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Explore the Jewish Festival of Light through simple text and vivid photos. Learn about the menorah, dreidel, and the meaning behind Hanukkah. Perfect for young readers eager to understand this vibrant holiday.
Chanukah
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–7 · 2006

Chanukah

By Trudi Strain Trueit · Rookie Read-About Holidays series

Discover the origins and celebrations of Hanukkah through engaging stories and cultural insights.

32 pages· 565 words· Est. 7 min read
3.3 Goodreads · 9 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Uncover the story behind Hanukkah and explore its vibrant celebrations. This book offers a glimpse into the traditions and games like dreidel, providing a rich cultural tapestry. Perfect for young readers, it combines simple language with fascinating insights into how people express their heritage through language, art, and music. How do these traditions connect us globally, and what can they teach us about unity and diversity? Dive into a world where past and present intertwine, offering lessons in cultural understanding and appreciation.
Engineer Ari and the Passover Rush
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Engineer Ari and the Passover Rush

By Deborah Bodin Cohen, Shahar Kober (Illustrator)

An engineer races against time to prepare for Passover.

32 pages· 969 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 29 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1893, Engineer Ari faces a race against time. With Passover approaching, he must complete his train journey to Jerusalem and gather items for his seder plate. Will his friends' help be enough to meet the deadline, or will he fall short? As the clock ticks, Ari's determination is tested, and the stakes rise with each passing moment. Can he balance his duties and traditions, or will time run out before he can celebrate the holiday?
Ages 3–6Picture Book Club

Great books for ages 3–6, every month.

Two hardcover picture books a month, perfect for reading aloud, with coordinated spines for a beautiful shelf.

See the Picture Book ClubFrom $19.95 a box
Books from the Picture Book Club in a Bookroo box