The lively holiday of Purim has much to teach us about courage, bravery, and Jewish survival but it is also great fun. Here is a selection of children’s books which feature Purim and have a cast of Jewish children in costume and out.
The Book of Elsie by Joanne Levy
Elsie creates a fundraiser for her synagogue’s Purim party, and when antisemitism strikes she encourages her community to remain strong and brave. Ages 8 – 12
A Persian Princess by Barbara Diamond Goldin, illustrated by Steliyana Doneva
Raya learns important lessons about Purim and about life from her loving grandmother. Ages 5 – 9
Duct Tape Purim by Carolyn Bernhardt
A fun and unusual approach to crafts for the holiday of Purim. Ages 7 and up
Queen Vashti’s Comfy Pants by Leah Rachel Berkowitz, illustrated by Ruth Bennett
Vashti’s bold decision to defy the king empowers her to make her own choices. Ages 5 and up
Sweet Tamales for Purim by Barbara Bietz, illustrated by John Kanzler
In Arizona, Rebecca’s traditionally prepared hamantaschen meet with misfortune but her friend Luis saves the day by providing his family’s traditionally prepared tamales. Ages 5 – 8
Esther Didn’t Dream of Being Queen by Allison Ofanansky, illustrated by Valentina Belloni
Esther gradually finds self-confidence and grows into the queen who is able to save the Jewish people. Ages 6 – 11
The Purim Panic by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Olga Ivanov and Aleksey Ivanov
Ruby loses an important ring but she finds it with the help of her grogger-shaking younger brother. Ages 4 – 7
Meet the Hamantaschen: A Purim Mystery by Alan Silberberg
A zany mystery in the spirit of Purim, turning reason on its head. Ages 4 and up
The Queen Who Saved Her People by Tilda Balsley, illustrated by Ilene Richard
A story told in rhyme about Esther, Mordechai, Haman, Ahasuerus, and a rich supporting cast of others. Ages 5 – 10
The Purim Costume by Peninnah Schram, illustrated by Tammy L. Keiser
Rebecca shows that Vashti was an important part of the Purim story without whom Esther could not have saved her people. Ages 6 – 9
The Purim Superhero by Elisabeth Kushner
Nate discusses Purim costumes with his fathers and learns that he can be unique while still fitting in with the crowd. Ages 4 – 9
Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale by Barbara Diamond Goldin, illustrated by Jaime Zollars
Herschel, an underestimated blind boy, shows his family that he can create something wonderful. Ages 7 and up
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.
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