ROSH HASHANAH SQUARE-CIRCLE-STAR!
Learning shapes is easy in this unique board book celebrating the holiday of Rosh Hashanah. From baking a circular challah to listening to the blast of a spiral shofar to folding triangular napkins for the dinner table, young readers will grasp the concept of shapes as they learn about the Jewish New Year! With simple but clever rhyming text paired with stylish, appealing art, this is a perfect starter board book for children just beginning to learn core concepts—and it doubles as the ideal Rosh Hashanah gift.
A JEWISH HOLIDAY CONCEPT BOOK: BOARD BOOKS TO CELEBRATE THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS, it also includes an age-appropriate explanation of Rosh Hashanah and the ways in which the holiday is celebrated. Publication by Abrams Appleseed on August 4, 2026. ROSH HASHANAH SQUARE-CIRCLE-STAR! A First Shapes Book can be ordered here.
HANUKKAH 1-2-3!
Learning to count is as easy as 1, 2, 3 in this unique board book celebrating the holiday of Hanukkah! From opening one gift to lighting two menorah candles and all the way to ten people singing a round, young readers will grasp how to count as they learn about the Jewish holiday called the Festival of Lights! With simple but clever rhyming text paired with stylish, appealing art, this is a perfect starter board book for children just beginning to learn core concepts—and it doubles as a perfect Hanukkah gift! The first in the series A JEWISH HOLIDAY CONCEPT BOOK: BOARD BOOKS TO CELEBRATE THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS, it also includes an age-appropriate explanation of Hanukkah and the ways in which the holiday is celebrated. Publication by Abrams Appleseed on September 16, 2025. HANUKKAH 1-2-3! A First Counting Book can be pre-ordered here.
The Mouse Who Loved Latkes
When the Katz family moves in, C.J. Mouse is scared. But a delicious aroma lures C.J. out of his hiding hole. Nibbling jelly doughnut crumbs in the kitchen, he hears a soft voice say, “Hello.” C.J. watches the Katz family spinning a dreidel and eating chocolate coins. It looks like fun, but a mouse can’t play with cats! “Hello again,” says the littlest Katz. “Please don’t go. I could use a friend.” C.J. soon discovers that Mrs. Katz’s latkes taste as delicious as they smell. But can C.J. overcome his fear and make some new friends just in time for Hanukkah? Written and illustrated by Joy Nelkin Wieder, The Mouse Who Loved Latkes makes as a perfect holiday gift! Publication by KAR-BEN Publishing on October 7, 2025. The Mouse Who Loved Latkes can be pre-ordered here.
Gnomes and Ungnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures
The Writers’ Loft authors and illustrators have done it again! Their third illustrated poetry anthology for children features mythological creatures from around the world—from the nightmare eating Baku of Japan to the primordial Ziz from the Ancient Near East! Through the lens of 109 authors and illustrators, this 86-page anthology crisscrosses the globe to bring all manner of hidden creatures to light. For even more fun, the illustrators have hidden a gnome on every spread. Can you find them all? With more than 13 different types of poems, this anthology is an excellent resource for teachers, librarians, and caregivers. Published by The Writer’s Loft Press. REVIEWS: Amazon customer says, “There’s something in here for everyone. This book is fun but also educational! It would be an asset to any elementary classroom or home library. Kids will learn about mythological creatures from around the world and also about different kinds of poems.” Purchase this book here: Gnomes and Ungnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures
Friends & Anemones: Ocean Poems for Children
Set sail on an epic ocean voyage with 70 well-loved and emerging New England authors and illustrators, including Peter Reynolds, Jane Yolen, Kip Wilson, Josh Funk, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Matt Forrest Esenwine, and Joy Nelkin Wieder. Explore our watery world, from the intertidal zone to the mysteries of the deep. A whimsical and fascinating collection of original poetry and art, this anthology is a feast for both eyes and ears, and a valuable ecological and poetry resource for parents, librarians, and teachers. Published by The Writer’s Loft Press. REVIEWS: Amazon customer says, “This fun anthology is beautiful and educational. The illustrations are amazing, and the poetry offers something for everyone. The end explains different types of poetry so kids (and adults) can write their own. The book also supports the Rozalia Project for a clean ocean.” To purchase this book, click on the following link: Friends & Anemones: Ocean Poems for Children
The Passover Mouse
In this charming and witty Passover story about kindness, community, tradition, and forgiveness, a little mouse disrupts a town’s preparations for the holiday when it steals a piece of leavened bread–or chometz–just as all the houses have been swept clean in time for the holiday, spoiling everyone’s hard work. But just when it seems as if the townsfolk will never be ready for their Seder, the little mouse’s actions unwittingly bring everyone together, to work as a group to save the holiday. Jewish families at Passover will embrace this rollicking, funny, and ultimately inspiring story–based on an original tale from the Talmud. It’s sure to become a modern holiday classic that’s shared year after year among the generations.
Publication by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on January 28, 2020. STARRED REVIEW: Kirkus says, “A book that fits moving scenes, puzzles, and mice into the same story is an excellent addition to the Jewish tradition.” The Passover Mouse can be ordered at Random House Children’s Books.
For more information, go to the Passover Mouse page.
An Assortment of Animals: A Children’s Poetry Anthology
An illustrated collection of original poems about animals from New England authors and artists, An Assortment of Animals: A Children’s Poetry Anthology captivates the imaginations of young readers. Undiscovered poets’ and illustrators’ work sits side by side with never-before-seen work of accomplished authors and artists like Jane Yolen, Brian Lies, and Josh Funk. The anthology takes the reader on a journey from funny to poignant and wistful to thrilling. The animals range from anteater to vulture, the poetry from limerick to free verse, and the art from dreamy watercolor to humorous digital drawing.
Published by The Writer’s Loft Press.
REVIEWS: Amazon customer says, “This is a lovely collection of work from a group of talented writers and illustrators – but mostly, it’s just fun! Great to read aloud with kids, who will certainly find their own favorites – pangolins, albatross, flamingoes – poems and pictures both!”
To purchase this book, click on the following link: An Assortment of Animals: A Children’s Poetry Anthology
LEAD21
Wright Group LEAD21 reading and language arts program is a groundbreaking and comprehensive literacy platform for grades K-5 from McGraw-Hill. Joy Nelkin Wieder contributed 27 leveled readers in both Fiction and Nonfiction with titles such as Grandmother’s Gift, The Very Careful Rabbit and Is It Alive?
Wright Group LEAD21 focuses on differentiation and acceleration. Nonfiction and Fiction selections are written at four different levels to provide all levels of students the opportunity to read, write and discuss the same grade level topics. Rigor, inquiry, access to complex text, and close reading strategies are integrated and aligned to the Common Core State Standards.
Reviews:
The Indiana Department of Education: LEAD21 is fully approved as a core reading program in grades K-5. The program consistently meets or exceeds expectations at all grade levels. For more information about these innovative materials for the 21st Century classroom, visit the IDOE website.
Let’s Talk About the Sabbath
Let’s Talk About the Sabbath is a delightful book by renowned Jewish children’s author, Dorothy Kripke, which guides young readers through all aspects of Shabbat from welcoming the Sabbath Queen to celebrating Havdallah. Joy Nelkin Wieder’s watercolor illustrations relate the special joy and light of Shabbat. With Kripke’s graceful text and Wieder’s rich, original artwork, Let’s Talk about the Sabbath is a truly valuable addition to any family’s collection.
Published by Alef Design Group an imprint of Torah Aura Productions
REVIEWS:
Children’s Literature: The illustrations are charming. A gentle introduction to a very important subject. Non-Jews who are interested will find it fascinating.
To purchase this book, click on the following link: Let’s Talk About the Sabbath
The Secret Tunnel
An exciting adventure story set in biblical Jerusalem for ages 7 to 9, The Secret Tunnel is written and illustrated by Joy Nelkin Wieder. Yonatan and his father must dig a tunnel under Jerusalem to bring water into the city before they are surrounded by the enemy! Will they finish in time?
Known as Hezekiah’s Tunnel, this ancient waterway still exists today and continues to bring clear spring water into Jerusalem.
Published by Hachai Publishing.
REVIEWS:
Judaism: A short, chapter book with bright, clear letters, well placed illustrations and lots of excitement. This historical adventure has humor, and all the positive midos and mitzvos that discriminating parents and teachers look for in excellent Jewish children’s books. (119 Pages )
To purchase this book, click on the following link: The Secret Tunnel
