Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • I’m Signing Books at ALA 2025 in Philly!
Menu
Jewish Folktale-Inspired Books

12 Jewish Folktale-Inspired Books

Posted on January 6, 2020June 22, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Please welcome award-winning guest author, Elizabeth Suneby, and author-illustrator, Laurel Molk,
with their newest book, No Room for a Pup! published by Kids Can Press.

This fun read-aloud, cleverly illustrated book is a hilarious twist on a revered Yiddish folktale about
gratitude popularized in It Could Always Be Worse, published in 1977.

In No Room for a Pup!, an urban neighborhood replaces an Eastern European shtetl, a small
apartment replaces a one-room hut, and a girl who takes matters into her own hands to solve her “I
want a dog” dilemma replaces a rabbi who solves a family’s perceived problem. Perfect for dog lovers of any age. Warning parents: this book could convince you to get a pup. [picture book, for ages 4 and up]

We are giving away three signed copies of Elizabeth and Laurel’s book. Please fill out the
Rafflecopter at the bottom to enter.

p.s. Here are a few more:

The Blue Butterfly of Cochin by Ariana Mizrahi, illustrated by Siona Benjamin

The story begins with Leah, who lives in a Jewish community located in India in the city of Cochin. After three thousand years of living here, they decide to relocate to the newly formed state of Israel. A blue butterfly comforts Leah as she contemplates the big move. In her new home in Israel, she misses her life in India but the blue butterfly follows her to help her realize that both locations can be considered home. This is a true story that feels like a modern folktale. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

The Blue Butterfly of Cochin by Ariana Mizrahi and Siona Benjamin

Seven Good Years: A Yiddish Folktale by Shoham Smith, translated by Ilana Kurshan, illustrated by Eitan Eloa

This is a folk tale about appreciating what you have and living a simple good life. A family is granted a fortune by a magical person for only seven years. He gives them a pile of gold but when he returns in seven years, he is surprised that they kept their simple life, using the gold only to pay for their children’s education. They only took what they needed and returned the remaining gold to the magical person who rewarded them with seven more good years. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Seven Good Years: A Yiddish Folktale by Shoham Smith, Eitan Eloa,

12 Jewish Folktale-Inspired Books

It Could Always Be Worse by Margot Zemach

This award-winning book communicates the importance of gratitude through a classic telling of the
admired Yiddish folktale. Get ready to be taken back to a small town in Eastern Europe in the 1800s. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Another award-winning book featuring a Yiddish folktale, this time teaching that you can always
make something, even out of nothing. The engaging format keeps kids guessing what Joseph makes
next. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman

Take another trip to a shtetl in this retelling of Joseph’s Overcoat to learn how a grandfather
lovingly transforms a favorite blanket over and over again. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Bone Button Borscht by Aubrey Davis, illustrated by Dusan Petricic

A retelling of the classic Stone Soup tale teaches the power of community and cooperation taught
by none other than a local beggar. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Gathering Sparks by Howard Schwartz, illustrated by Kristina Swarner

Another award-winning retelling of a folktale, this time of a 16th-century myth, inspires readers to
see that we all can make the world a better place. Tikkun olam (repair the world) is beautifully
illustrated and told. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Rabbi Harvey series by Steve Sheinkin

A funny, action-packed story inspired by classic Jewish folktales, Talmudic teachings, and insights of
the wise men of Chelm—an imaginary Polish town inhabited by fools. For upper elementary and
middle school readers. [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Never Say a Mean Word Again by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard

A tale from Medieval Spain teaches that kindness and friendship are often the best antidote to
meanness. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Treasure by Uri Shulevitz

Yet another award-winning retelling of a folktale. Think of this book as a lesson in “wherever you go,
there you are” — that is, there’s no place like home to find your treasure. [picture book, ages 6 and up]

The Rooster Prince of Breslov by Ann Redisch Stampler, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

What a joy to find a book where the author captures the folktale her grandmother learned a century
ago in Eastern Europe and shared with her. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

No Room for a Pup! 3 Signed Book GIVEAWAY!

We are giving away three signed copies of Elizabeth and Laurel’s book. Please fill out the
Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Laurel Molk

Laurel Molk has always loved to draw and sold her first drawings to her neighbors for a penny apiece. She went on to earn degrees from Tufts and RISD and after several years of freelance illustration focused her attention on illustrating picture books. In her spare time Laurel tutors emerging readers in a first/second grade classroom and draws large dragons and spaceships for her local library. She lives near Boston with her family, a big black dog and a flock of ducks. Learn more at her website.

Elizabeth Suneby

Elizabeth Suneby is an award-winning author who writes books for children and teens to help them find their voice in a hopeful world. She leads interactive workshops with students across Massachusetts and the country. Liz also writes magazine articles and content for organizations. A graduate of Brown University, Liz lives outside of Boston. She and her husband are empty-nesters, grateful that their two recent college graduates live and work locally. Learn more at her website.

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

10 Jewish Folktale-Inspired Books & 3 Book GIVEAWAY!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Mythology & Folk Tale Book Lists

24 Wonderful Chinese Folk Tales for Kids

Vietnamese Folk Tales for Kids

21 Wonderful Japanese Folk Tales Books for Kids

Hawaiian Folk Tales & Children’s Books

Filipino Folk Tales

Seven Amazing Folktales from India

15 Great Korean Folktales for Kids

Native American Folklore & Creation Stories by Native Americans

Top 10: Mythology Books and Resources for Kids

Ten Fabulous Folk Tales from Around the World

Funny Asian Fractured Fairy Tales

The Runaway Rice Cake by Ying Chang Compestine and Tungwai ChauGoldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim and Grace Zong

The Rock Maiden Chinese Folk Tale

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants®  Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

21 thoughts on “12 Jewish Folktale-Inspired Books”

  1. Patricia Nozell says:
    January 6, 2020 at 9:09 am

    What a terrific, and timely, list! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Patricia Nozell says:
      January 6, 2020 at 9:10 am

      And for favorites, I loved Gittel’s Journey.

      Reply
  2. Benjamin Caldwell says:
    January 6, 2020 at 9:53 am

    Adam & Eve’s New Day by Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

    Reply
  3. Patricia Tilton says:
    January 6, 2020 at 10:58 am

    Excellent list! Have read a few books you’ve mentioned, but see more I could read.

    Reply
  4. Lisa says:
    January 6, 2020 at 1:43 pm

    One of my favorite picture books is A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A story about knitting and love by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Mrs. Goldman is the elderly neighbor of Sophia, and together they knit and perform good deeds.

    Reply
  5. John Smith says:
    January 6, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    “The Rooster Prince of Breslov” has such great cover art! I’m going to try to look that up!

    Reply
  6. Debra Branigan says:
    January 6, 2020 at 2:48 pm

    I loved Stone Soup when I read it to my older sons. Other books I have enjoyed with my children 1) All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee , 2) Another Sheep Turned Up by Laura Gehl, and 3) The Cats on Ben Yehuda Street Yehuda Street. Thanks for the list and the chance.

    Reply
  7. Leslie Nakagawa says:
    January 6, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    One of my all time favorite books is Bagels for Benny.

    Reply
  8. Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez says:
    January 6, 2020 at 3:28 pm

    Ha! I love the “It could always be worse” tale, so excited to see a new spin on the tail 😉

    Reply
  9. Beth T. says:
    January 7, 2020 at 1:11 am

    In addition to “Stone Soup”, which is an evergreen favorite and was a big hit when my mom used to teach it to her 1st graders and make soup in the classroom, I recently read “Dreidel Day” by Amalia Hoffman, which was delightful.

    Reply
  10. beth says:
    January 17, 2020 at 9:55 am

    We used to read Stone Soup so much that the book fell apart so I will go with that one.

    Reply
  11. tricia allington says:
    January 31, 2020 at 10:27 pm

    would be amazing to win. great find

    Reply
  12. April Morin says:
    February 2, 2020 at 12:22 pm

    I loved Stone Soup and Bagels for Benny. Great lessons to be read over and over again.

    Reply
  13. Ed says:
    February 4, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    Ida, Always

    Reply
  14. EMMA L HORTON says:
    February 4, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    A HAT FOR MRS GOLDMAN.

    Reply
  15. Dee Hadley says:
    February 4, 2020 at 8:15 pm

    I have never read any of these. I did see several i think my grandkids would love me to read to them though. No Room for Pup looks like a great book also.

    Reply
  16. Laurie Benjamin Emerson says:
    February 4, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    I love Abuelita’s Secret Matzahs , The Tree in the Courtyard, My Grandfather’s Coat. As a Jewish mom I love finding new books for my children and myself.

    Reply
  17. sarah conaway says:
    February 5, 2020 at 2:24 am

    Chik Chak Shabbat

    Reply
  18. Philip Lawrence says:
    February 5, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    My favorite Jewish picture book is “Ida, Always”.

    Reply
  19. Lily Kwan says:
    February 5, 2020 at 11:18 pm

    I haven’t read any picture books with Jewish themes.

    Reply
  20. Frances (Discovering the World Through My Son's Eyes) says:
    February 10, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    Oh, I missed the giveaway but did enjoy this book list! Thanks Mia!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • Cover Reveal for Fight for the Right to Read June 16, 2025
  • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025! June 13, 2025
  • Sumo Joe turns 6 Years Old and 6 book GIVEAWAY! June 11, 2025
  • 7 Interfaith Picture Books & GIVEAWAY! June 9, 2025
  • Read Your World Summer Flash Sale! June 6, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT