High Holiday Stories Enriched with SEL Themes
Looking for a new way to enrich Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
Apples & Honey Press has a strong and growing list of great books you can use for the High Holidays storybooks that also include many important social-emotional themes.
Apples, Apples, All Year Round: A Celebration of Jewish Holidays
By Barbara Bietz and June Sobel; Illustrated by Ruth Waters
A colorful year of Jewish holidays, with themes of joy and friendship.
Free supplemental activity guide is now available for teachers and parents Download it here or at behrmanhouse.com
Challah, Challah, for You and Me - NEW!
By Barbara Bietz and June Sobel; Illustrated by Ruth Waters
A sweet introduction to connecting and bonding with family and loved ones over bread together.
By Eric A. Kimmel; llustrated by Tamara Anegon
Miriam seeks to solve her sasquatch dilemma, and in the process develops social awarenss about how our initial impressions of others may be a bit mistaken.
Avital the Pirate - NEW!
By Pamela Moritz; Illustrated by Damien Jones
Avital hops aboard her uncle's pirate ship for fun and adventure (and to avoid cleaning her room) just before Rosh Hashanah. She teaches uncle Brownbeard and his crew some healthier uses for their skills. Themes of regulating your behaviors, cooperation, and self-reflection.
Once Upon an Apple Cake
By Elana Rubinstein; Illustrated by Jennifer Naalchigar
A fast-paced, magical chapter book about a girl who loves to cook, a rivalry between two family restaurants, and a secret Rosh Hashanah recipe. Has themes of problem solving, neogtiating conflict, and communication. The first in a series.
Jackie and Jesse and Joni and Jae
By Chris Barash; Illustrated by Christine Battuz
Four young friends reflect on mistakes and look forward to a new year in this Rosh Hashanah story.
By Megan Hoyt; Illustrated by Christine Battuz
This countdown to Rosh Hashanah explores both culturally specific holiday practices and life on a small family farm, while providing a message of community and cooperation.
Big Sam: A Rosh Hashanah Tall Tale
By Eric A. Kimmel; Illustrated by Jim Starr
While making a giant challah for Rosh Hashanah, Big Sam makes an even bigger mess. "Nothing but pure fun from beginning to end, with a gentle environmental lesson thrown in". – Jewish Book Council
Little Red Rosie
By Eric A. Kimmel; Illustrated by Monica Gutierrez
A young girl enlists her stuffed animal friends to help make the challah for Rosh Hashanah. Themes of cooperation and friendship.
The Baddest Wolf of All? -NEW!
By David Sherrin; Illustrated by Martín Morón
On his journey to ultimate badness Big Bad Wolf encounters the Evil Queen and Snow White, and has decide whether he really wants to live up to his name after all. Themes of self-reflection and self-awareness tie in perfectly for Rosh Hashanah, along with appearances of apples and honey.
By David Sherrin; Illustrated by Martín Morón
A fractured fairy tale mash-up that find Big Bad Wolf struggling to understand whether he has the capacity for change, and in the process discovers friendship among those he once thought of only as tasty snacks. Themes of regulating one's behavior and thoughts, and developing healthy relationships.
Yom Kippur Shortstop
Written by David A. Adler; Illustrated by Andre Ceolin
A Little League ballplayer must choose between playing an important game and attending a Yom Kippur service. Inspired by Sandy Koufax, who sat out a 1965 World Series game on Yom Kippur. Themes of self-reflection, self-awareness, and decision-making.
If I Swam with JonahBy Pamela Moritz; Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley
What would you do if you met Jonah and the big fish? Would you make them a seaweed snack? Join them for a swim in the sea? Maybe you'd show Jonah how to help others. Themes of empathy and cooperation. The Book of Jonah is traditionally read on Yom Kippur.
"The perfect addition to a family Yom Kippur service." - Jewish Book Council
By Barry Schwartz; Illustrated by James Rey Sanchez
Jonah lived by the sea. As a boy, he heard fishermen tell tales of whales that swallowed up ships. But he never expected to be swallowed up himself! Themes of empathy, independence, and decision-making. The Book of Jonah is traditionally read on Yom Kippur.
