The Adventures of PJ Pepperjay by Yehudis Backenroth

Mo’s never ending supply of handmade shoes shows each kid how important it is to judge everyone favorably. Magically arriving on scene after something disappointing happens, Mr. Step Into Those Shoes* by Brenda Weiss (Israel Bookshop) – The concept of never judging someone else until you’ve stepped into their shoes comes alive in this adorable book that has children coming to understand that their initial impressions of a situation may be completely wrong, thanks to the intervention of a clever shoemaker named Mr. Read this one to your kids and just see if it doesn’t have them looking for ways to be more thoughtful and helpful. As they go through Yes, I Can!¸kids come to understand that when they rush to help someone they are almost like firemen racing to the rescue, and when they make someone who is feeling bad smile, they are bona fide healers and practically doctors in training. Yes, I Can!* By Hindy Kviat and Chaya Leah Lefkowitz (Hachai) – Kids love to emulate the adults they see in their lives and the pages of this book are filled with practical ways for even the littlest of children to do very grown up things. As he charmingly ponders whether his peyos can turn into propellers that can have him flying in the air or can morph into an umbrella when the rains start coming down, our young friend comes to appreciate what having peyos is really all about.

What Do Peyos Do? by Tzipora Wolman (Feldheim) – A whimsical look into the mind of a boy turning three who wonders if peyos have special powers. More importantly, the rhymes are well thought out which means that you won’t mind when your cutie wants you to read this one over and over and over again. With colorful, sweet illustrations that capture all the major elements of Chanukah including happy-faced kids, Light the Menorah is both educational and enchanting. Light The Menorah by Tova Gitty Broide (Hachai) – While reading time with your toddler may involve more chewing on the pages than anything else, babies love books.

The Adventures of PJ Pepperjay by Yehudis Backenroth