Best Children's Jewish Fiction Books of 2025

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume is a timeless classic that has been loved by millions of readers for over fifty years. The novel follows Margaret Simon, a twelve-year-old girl who has just moved to New Jersey and is trying to fit in with her new friends. They form a secret club where they discuss private subjects like boys, bras, and getting their first periods. Margaret doesn't have a religion but has a special relationship with God, and she talks to Him about everything. The book is relatable, funny, and heartwarming, making it a must-read for young girls.

The Friend That Stayed is a children's values book that teaches the importance of empathy and being present for someone in need. In the story, Bracha's painting gets ruined, and everyone tries to make her feel better, but nothing seems to work. This heartwarming tale shows how just listening and being there for someone can make a significant impact. As a parenting educator and coach, Blimie Heller recommends this book to both children and parents. The Friend That Stayed is a unique and touching story that will inspire readers to connect with others on a deeper level.

The Complete Brick Bible for Kids: Six Classic Bible Stories is a beautifully illustrated book that retells six classic Bible stories using LEGO bricks. The book is perfect for young readers who are new to Bible stories or who love LEGO. The stories include Noah's Ark, David and Goliath, Daniel and the Lions, Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors, Jonah and the Whale, and the birth of Jesus Christ. Each story is illustrated in full color and includes a fun search-and-find activity for kids to enjoy. Overall, this book is a great addition to any child's bookshelf and a unique way to introduce them to Bible stories.

All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor is a timeless classic that transports readers to the turn of the century in New York City. The book follows the five mischievous sisters as they share adventures, holidays, and surprises. The family's Jewish faith adds a unique dimension to the story, as readers learn about each beautifully depicted holiday. The book's true-to-life quality and deft illustrations make it a page-turner for children aged 9 to 12. Overall, All-of-a-Kind Family is a heartwarming and delightful read that highlights the simple pleasures of family and togetherness.

This Passover storybook, "It's Passover, Grover!", features a Seder at Grover's house, where he invites his friends to celebrate the occasion. The story's focus on the hunt for the Passover afikomen, a piece of hidden matzah, will keep children ages 2 to 5 engaged. The book also includes stickers, a poster of a Seder plate, and a press-out matching card game. The author provides a brief explanation of the history and customs of Passover at the end of the book. The story's messages of inclusion and friendship make it particularly timely and enjoyable for children.

Goodnight Bubbala is a fun-filled parody that transforms a classic bedtime book into a lively Jewish family gathering, complete with grandparents and lots of delicious food. The book features Yiddish words, a phonetic glossary, and a latke recipe by Ina Garten, the famous cookbook author. The book celebrates the Jewish values of cherishing loved ones, expressing gratitude, and being generous. The colorful illustrations by Jill Weber perfectly capture the exuberance and joy of the story.

This children's book, titled "I Had a Favorite Dress", is a heartwarming story about a young girl who learns to be resourceful and resilient as her favorite dress goes through a series of creative changes, from dress to shirt to tank top to scarf and so on. With the help of her patient and crafty mama, the protagonist realizes that when disaster strikes her favorite things, she doesn’t need to make mountains out of molehills—she "makes molehills out of mountains" instead! The collaged mixed-media illustrations of watercolors, graphite, colored pencil, and needle and thread are charming and complement the themes of growing older and keeping hold (and letting go) of special mementos. Overall, this book is an endearing and unique addition to any children's book collection.

The Birthday of the World: A Story About Finding Light in Everyone and Everything is a modern retelling of a timeless story about healing the world by finding light in everyone and everything. The New York Times bestselling author of Kitchen Table Wisdom, Rachel Naomi Remen, beautifully narrates how the light of the world broke into millions of sparks of light and fell into everyone and everything. The book emphasizes on finding light in the darkness, one spark at a time. This book is a must-read for children as it promotes values of love, kindness, and optimism.

Letters from Rifka is a heartwarming story of a young Jewish girl who flees from Russia to America with her family in 1919. Throughout her journey, she struggles with various challenges, including separation from loved ones, deadly diseases, and storms at sea. Based on a true story, this book presents Rifka as a strong-willed and determined heroine with an uncommon courage and unsinkable spirit. Karen Hesse's writing style is engaging and captivating, making this book a must-read for children and adults alike. Overall, Letters from Rifka is an inspiring tale of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

Noah's Ark, written and illustrated by Peter Spier, is a Caldecott Medal Winner and has been an iconic edition of this tale for over 40 years. The book retells the story of Noah's Ark with imaginative illustrations that capture both the danger and grandeur of the terrifying flood, as well as the lighter moments. Readers witness Noah's wife jumping on a crate to avoid rats, Noah shooing all but two bees from a busy hive, and all the animal babies being born in the spring. The book is a majestic and tender illustration feat that's a must-read for children and adults alike.