Recommended by Ricki Duffee

A charming retelling of the Hebrew Bible’s story of “Creation” (rather than “the Fall”), a story shared in essence by all the world’s Abrahamic religions. This retelling makes room for hope, good stewardship of the earth, and equal value of both men and women. The illustrations are bold and original.

This is a nurturing book written for children, but appealing to all. The Woman ate the unripened fruit of knowledge from the Tree of Life, but God was not angry. God said humans were created “for their longing to know.” He encouraged the man and woman to walk the 4 paths of wonder, emptiness, making and coming home. “These 4 paths of life will help you to learn and to care.”

“And God blessed them both, saying, ‘I will ripen your gift as you walk the paths of light. Your gift will be a blessing seed. It will leap from your hearts into the hearts of others. Go now and spread my blessing throughout the Earth.”

Recommended by Ann Carlson

Have you ever heard a book sing, or maybe looked at music? When do senses collide? This book is a song — popular in many faith traditions, especially Unitarian Universalist. And, it is a visual journey into that song.

“We are all travelers on this earth, sailing through the cosmos together on the planet we all share. Blue Boat Home follows an adult and child reverently experiencing a beautiful day together in their community, both appreciating the here and now and looking outward and upward to the vast transcendent glory of the universe. With musician Peter Mayer’s striking and poetic lyrics and imaginative illustrations by artist Sue Todd, Blue Boat Home will foster wonder and care for our natural world in young readers and adults alike.” (book publisher)

This book is proof that a book can be deep, profound, theological, and yet appealing and accessible to both toddler and nonagenarian, and everyone in-between. For one compelling rendition of the song, listen here: https://youtu.be/AryGag8fluE.

“The wide universe is the ocean I travel and the earth is my blue boat home.”

Recommended by the Publisher

What if Famous Artists Lit the Hanukkah Candles? invites children and families to imagine how painters like Van Gogh, Basquiat, and O’Keeffe might have approached the ritual of lighting Hanukkah candles—through color, rhythm, and emotion. Each page pairs a menorah with a visual homage, offering a gentle, whimsical way to explore tradition through art. The holiday of Hanukkah emphasizes the miracle of light, perseverance, and rededication. The book includes an appendix timeline of the artists referenced, useful for teaching children about art (or for reminding adults who these famous artists are).
The idea of artists—from any faith or background—“lighting” candles metaphorically or literally taps into universal themes: creativity overcoming darkness, the human impulse to shine, and collective renewal. For an interfaith audience, these themes resonate broadly: many traditions have festivals of light, or rituals of renewal. A book that frames Hanukkah imagery through the lens of artistic vision invites connection across traditions.

“To Nana, every candle has a personality, every tradition welcomes imagination, and every child deserves a story that glows.”

Recommended by Sydelle Pearl

“This beloved anthology for the whole family consists of five original tales, each linked to an important Jewish holiday and featuring the prophet Elijah. In each tale, Elijah comforts those who are generous, wise, and fair while challenging those who are faithless.” (from the publisher)

“It is heartfelt; it is comprised of original tales told in the style of old folktales; tales have been honed due to the storytelling process; contains a glossary at the back to explain unfamiliar words to readers from various backgrounds.” (from the author)

“Elijah’s Tears is full of beautiful stories and insight into Jewish folklore. The stories will touch your heart.” ~An American Bookseller Pick of the LIsts.
“The common element in these five tales is the beauty of faith and the blessings found in doing for others…Pearl’s language is direct, lending itself to reading and telling aloud.” ~Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Stories about the prophet Elijah abound in Jewish folk literature. He is shrouded in magic and mystery. Some people Believe that they have met or will meet Elijah during their lifetime. Perhaps you’ve seen him?”

Recommended by Ann Carlson

Beautifully illustrated memoir of a Jewish child, 4-years old in 1939, and his eight-year journey with his family fleeing Poland and the Nazis, and then during the changing dynamics of post-war Europe. Although being Jewish is not “front and center” in the young boy’s mind, one learns a lot about Eastern-European Jewish family life and religious practice in this historical snapshot, simply by his descriptions of their daily lives.

I particularly like this book because it presents proufoundly disturbing history through the eyes of a child. It deals with the unavoidable and gravely serious subjects of violence and death, yet because if is presented with the intimacy and realism of a child, it is not above the capacity of quite young readers, if they are sensitively guided through the reading