My First Jewish Baby Book: Almost everything you need to know about being Jewish―from Afikomen to Zayde

by Julie Merberg

This irresistible board book gives little ones (ages 0–3) an alphabetical introduction to Judaism—the delicious foods, meaningful rituals, lively holidays, expressive language, and more.

Hip illustrations accompany snappy, rhyming text in a fun, fabulous package that is a must-have for any Jewish baby's nursery. This tiny tome covers quintessential foods such as bagels and brisket, rituals and holidays including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Shabbat, and Hanukkah, as well as important cultural references (F is for Fiddler on the Roof!) with a little Yiddish thrown in. Parents and grandparents will love sharing every concise, funny entry with the little ones in their lives.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Jewish

28 pages, Board Book

Published November 6, 2018

Reviews

[Danielle Lee]

Just getting in touch with my Jewish side !!

[AN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super adorable and very smart board book for babies being raised in Jewish households (or neighborhoods, or just being raised inclusive of world cultures). I was surprised to find so much vocabulary in such a small book. The graphics are beautiful, the rhythm of the writing flows nicely, and overall this is one of the best baby books I've come across for Jewish families.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I read a Jewish Baby Book? Because I saw it on the shelf at work and it looked cute.

Was it?

You betcha! 😂

I’ve already logged it in my mind as a future purchase for any Jewish friends/acquaintances that may have children.

[Avi’s Dad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this are great, though the rhythm of the writing is a little awkward in places.

[Samantha Levin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"X is for Xylophone (Jews love music!)" 🤣

[Jenna Neumeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

My First Jewish Baby Book is a picture book. This book is intended for children from baby to three years of age. It was selected as one of the children’s book review’s best Jewish book for kids in 2018. This book was also selected as one of cool mom picks 12 fantastic Hanukkah gifts for kids that are cool,not corny in 2018. My first Jewish baby book gives us and introduction to Judaism through the alphabet. It introduces us to their foods, rituals, holidays, and language. I rated this book four stars. I gave this book this rating because it does a great job introducing Judaism. It talks about things like Bar Mitzvahs, Hanukkah, and Passover. It also has great illustrations so you can see what they would look like. For children growing up in a Jewish household I can see how it is great because it touches many aspects of Judaism. But for children overall I give it a four because children who are not growing up Jewish are not familiar with some of these terms at all. It will be difficult for them to understand some of the vocabulary in the book without any background. I feel that this book appeals to young readers. It is a great way to introduce them to the basics of Judaism. I would use this book as a way to teach Judaism when working with young children. I feel that it is great for children to be exposed to different backgrounds at a young age and this book is a great way to do this.