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To introduce the youngest readers to the joys of reading, board books hit the spot. Sturdy, portable, and colorful, these books feature a story distilled to its purest form. Board books can be played with, chewed on, read from, but most importantly they can be shared with older siblings and adults. The text is pithy and minimalist, and the art provides instant appeal. Shapes, holidays, family members, and more are represented in all their glory – often riotous with color and filled with imagination. Combining playful, evocative art with the extraordinary laser-like focus it requires to impart information in its most perfect essence, a board book is simply a small gem loaded with sparkle and joy.
Here are ten recent board books that you will enjoy with young children and which will make an impact in their understanding of the world around them.
Counting on Shabbat by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Petronela Dostalova
Teaches counting, from one to ten, using Shabbat as the theme.
I Like Your Chutzpah: And Other Yiddish Words You’ll Like by Suzy Ultman
A delightful introduction to Yiddish words and their definitions.
Hanukkah Hippity-Hop by Barbara Kimmel and illustrated by Ana Zurita
It’s Hanukkah time. Dance, move, and celebrate!
Help-A-Lot Shabbat by Nancy Cote
A simple introduction to Shabbat featuring two children who want to help prepare.
Jewish Cats All Year Round by Varda Livney
Jewish cats celebrate the holidays all year long.
Latke’s First Hanukkah by Alan Silberberg
A fun and funny introduction to Hanukkah as Latke throws a party.
Mazal Bueno by Sarah Aroeste and illustrated by Taia Morley
Featuring Ladino words, parents watch their baby grow and mature.
My Dreidel by Ann D. Koffsky
Follow the antics of an adorable puppy as he tries and tries to spin a dreidel.
Rah! Rah! Mujadara by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh and illustrated by Claudine Gévry
There are so many different foods which are found in Israel, each from a different ethnicity, each with a distinct flavor. A simple culinary tour introduces some of them to young children.
Sheep Says Shalom by Ann D. Koffsky
Sheep and her animal friends learn the various meanings of the word shalom.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.