Editor’s Note: It’s almost Purim so it's the perfect time to mix things up a bit. So instead of showcasing one book and one author, this week brings you three wonderful new books all newly published by PJ Publishing, PJ Library’s publishing imprint. Launched in 2016, the imprint has produced more than 60 English-language editions of kid-friendly Jewish-themed books.
These new titles (Today I Am a Hamantasch, by Varda Livney, Purim Baskets, by Nancy Churnin, and Purim Possibilities, by Barbara Kimmel) are bursting with Jewish joy at exactly the right time of year. In addition to the books, PJ Library offers three additional ways to celebrate and learn. There is an updated PJ Purim hub featuring everything families need to learn about and celebrate the holiday. Families can download or purchase PJ Library’s A Time to Hope guide about the winter holidays, from Hanukkah through Purim. And PJ Library’s Get Together Microgrant families in North America are eligible for a Get Together Microgrant of $100 to host a Purim-themed event with friends or family.
Purim! Purim! Purim!
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Today I Am a Hamantasch, by Varda Livney, will be distributed to 9,000 zero-year old subscribers in February.
Author/ Illustrator Varda Livney
Bio: Varda Livney lives on a kibbutz with her family and 1,000 other assorted people, dogs, cats, cows and olive trees. She works in a little shed, smack in-between the baseball field and the cowbarn, which ensures that she gets to hear the crack of the bat and smell the cows while she tries to figure out how to bring world peace through drawing cats and bunnies. Varda designed textiles, packaging, gifts and over 400 greeting cards for Recycled Paper Greetings, before pivoting into writing books for kids. She is honored to have Today I Am a Hamantasch be her 7th PJ Library book.
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Purim Baskets, by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Amy Schmiler-Safford, will be distributed to 20,000 one-year olds this February.
Author Nancy Churin (photo credit: Kim Leeson)
Bio: Nancy Churnin is a former theater critic and journalist who has turned her passion for shining light on people making a positive difference in her North Texas community to writing books about people who have made a positive difference in the world. The proud daughter of a retired teacher, Nancy loves visiting schools and encouraging kids to follow the dreams that can make them heroes of their own stories, too. Her books have received many honors including the National Jewish Book Award, Grinspoon Jewish Story Award, South Asia Book Award, Sydney Taylor Honor and Notables, Junior Library Guild selections, Silver Eurekas, National Council for the Social Studies Trade Books, Bank Street College of Education Best Books, A Mighty Girl picks, multiple state lists, including the Texas 2X2 and California Reads, and have received starred reviews. You can find resources, teachers guides and projects on www.nancychurnin.com
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Purim Possibilities, by Barbara Kimmel and illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich, will be distributed to 39,000 three-year old subscribers this February.
Author: Barbara Kimmel
Bio: Barbara Kimmel is a children’s book author and playwright who creates playful, interactive stories that engage young readers. Her debut board book, Hanukkah Hippity-Hop (Kar-Ben Publishing), was named a 2024 “Best Jewish Holiday Children’s Book” by the Association of Jewish Libraries. Her upcoming title, Purim Possibilities (PJ Publishing), featuring reusable stickers, received the 2026 Grinspoon Jewish Story Award. Barbara and her husband live in Atlanta and are the proud parents of three grown children. Learn more at barbarakimmelwrites.com.
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Varda lives on Gezer! Where I used to live! Hi friends!