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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

"Literary Hub published a list of 100 Notable Small Press Books of 2025 which included a single board book and one other book for children: WITH A NEEDLE AND THREAD by Jennifer Stempel and Libi Axelrod" www.publisherspotlight.com/best-of-the-...

publisherspotlight.com

Best of the Year Lists Are the Best! - Publisher Spotlight

This article was last updated 31 December 2025 What’s better than a book award? A list of best books! Why? There are more titles to choose among and to compare and contrast. While judges who determine...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Coming next year! A new #picturebook by Rebecca Gardyn Levington illustrated by Asya Aizenstein! BRAVE LIKE ESTHER: A PURIM STORY told from Esther’s point of view is a rhyming picture book that is a modern retelling of the Purim tale rebeccagardynlevington.com/books/brave-...

rebeccagardynlevington.com

Brave Like Esther: A Purim Story - Rebecca Gardyn Levington

Coming from Kalaniot in January 2026! BRAVE LIKE ESTHER is a picture book that modernizes the story of Queen Esther, recited each year during the joyous Jewish holiday of Purim, by telling it from Est...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Congratulations to The Book of Life Podcast on 20 years of sharing Jewish Kidlit (Mostly)! Hear author Shoshana Nambi singing "Hine Ma Tov” at time stamp 21:38, is sure to make your heart melt. Shoshana’s books, THE VERY BEST SUKKAH: A STORY FROM UGANDA and SLOW DOWN, SHOSHI! IT’S SHABBAT IN UGANDA

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

In WITH A NEEDLE AND THREAD the main character, isn't the only one who benefits from the various items her dress is turned into: A boy gets a tallis for his bar mitzvah, the community gets a new tablecloth for simchas, and more www.tabletmag.com/sections/com...

tabletmag.com

The Best Jewish Children’s Books of 2025 - Tablet Magazine

This year’s top picks include inspiring refugee stories, immersive fantasies, and fascinating biographies ranging from Leonard Cohen to Louis Brandeis

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

"Somehow, hapless Mendel manages to share the miracle of Hanukkah" in MENDEL'S HANUKKAH MESS UP by Chana and Larry Stiefel, illustrated by Daphna Awadish www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/9-n...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

A DRAGON CALLED SPARK "is a sweet book celebrating friendship and the beauty of sharing parts of ourselves with others" says reviewer Hannah Srour-Zackon in The Canadian Jewish News thecjn.ca/arts-culture...

thecjn.ca

Book reviews: Some Hanukkah picture book suggestions for the youngest readers

Dragons, cats and mice, and a golem are the stars in this year's crop of Hanukkah books.

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

#StandUpToJewishHate. In A DRAGON CALLED SPARK: A HANUKKAH STORY by Lily Murray, Eva shares her Jewish traditions with others, bridging connections and making new friends. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all learned about each other’s cultures?

When EVA moves to a new town everything feels strange. Eva isn't lonely though-- she has SPARK, her very Own DRAGON to keep her company.
But perhaps Spark would like a dragon friend to play with?
So, Eva makes a very special
HANUKKAN wish.
A magical story about friendship and imagination from the bestselling author of A Dress with Pockets.

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

"Bask in this transcendant holiday book" says @fuse8.bsky.social at @slj.com about SLOW DOWN, SHOSHI! IT'S SHABBAT afuse8production.slj.com/2025/12/04/3...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Your whole family can sing along to these Jewish tunes from all over the world—from Russia to Israel, in Hebrew, Yiddish & Ladino JEWISH SONGS FROM AROUND THE WORLD which the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle’s Liza Wiemer recently reviewed, calling it “captivating” www.instagram.com/p/DOL7wzDDRl...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

"Many readers and listeners will likely identify with the friendship arc, and the fantasy elements intriguingly leave room for interpretation...or a coping mechanism?" says @thehornbook.bsky.social of A DRAGON CALLED SPARK www.hbook.com/story/holida...

hbook.com

Holiday High Notes 2025

From the November/December 2025 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.

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Reposted by Kalaniot Books

The Horn Book @thehornbook.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Day 12 of #25DaysofHolidayBooks: A DRAGON CALLED SPARK: A HANUKKAH STORY by Lily Murray; illus. by Kirsti Beautyman (@kalaniotbooks.bsky.social) www.hbook.com/story/review... #HolidayHighNotes #HornBookHolidays #holidaybooks #giftaday #bookaday #kidlit #hannukah

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

THE LITTLE CANDLE "provides a friendly depiction of a Hanukkah celebration, and conveys a fair bit of holiday information at the same time" www.sydneytaylorshmooze.com/2020/09/revi...

sydneytaylorshmooze.com

Review: The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story

The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story by Rabbis Kerry and Jesse Olitzky, illustrated by Jen Kostman Category: Picture Books Reviewer: ...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

Get to know Mendel from MENDEL'S HANUKKAH MESS UP by Larry and Chana Stiefel & Little Flicker from THE LITTLEST CANDLE: A HANUKKAH STORY by Rabbis Jesse and Kerry Olitzky this afternoon at Books of Wonder, NYC 3 pm

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

URI AND THE KING OF DARKNESS “combines imagination and illustration to tell the story of Hanukkah, while also acknowledging a common childhood fear of darkness" is "written in rhyme...& translated from Hebrew by Ilanna Kurshan" www.sydneytaylorshmooze.com/2024/10/revi...

sydneytaylorshmooze.com

Review: Uri and the King of Darkness

Uri and the King of Darkness: A Hanukkah Story by Nati Bait, illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountain Publi...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

"Of the holiday books I reviewed recently," THE LITTLEST CANDLE "is the most inspirational.... With a can-do attitude and kindness, even a small candle makes a big difference" twobookwormsblog.wordpress.com/2020/11/12/r...

twobookwormsblog.wordpress.com

Review: The Littlest Candle

Review: The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story Authors: Rabbis Kerry & Jesse Olitzky Illustrator: Jen Kostman Publisher: Kalaniot Books, 2020 The candles in the drawer are having a discussion. W…

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Reposted by Kalaniot Books

YAbookscentral @yabookscentral.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Join YABC for the second day of our #bundledgiveaway fun featuring books about #Hanukkah yabookscentral.com/yabc-festiva... #Menorah #Jewish #freebooks #kidlit

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

This Hanukkah, get to know some of the special characters in these #kidsbooks — whether it's a magical dragon, a lovable klutz, a humble candle, or an adventurous brother and sister—these stories will light up your holiday

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Reposted by Kalaniot Books

Betsy Bird @fuse8.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

Are you ready to celebrate the books you know, and discover the ones you had no idea about? December's gonna be a WHOLE THING!! afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/30/i...

afuse8production.slj.com

It’s Almost Heeeere….

Are you ready to celebrate the books you know and discover the ones you had no idea about? December's gonna be a WHOLE THING!!

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

Come visit us at Booth 701 during #ncss25 starting Friday!

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

We've bought world rights to Hear Me Roar! I'm a Hanukkah-saur by Naomi Gruer, illustrated by Mel Zohar, in which a dino-crazy kid hopes to roar his way through Hanukkah. Publication is set for fall 2026 www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Download this free reproducible activity guide. Use it alongside your copy of Mendel's Hanukkah Mess Up in your home, classroom, or library kalaniotbooks.com/mendels-hanu...

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Reposted by Kalaniot Books

Publisher Spotlight @pubspotlight.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

“Perfect for young children and families, this engaging sound book helps kids explore language, music, and culture in a hands-on, joyful way” Jewish Songs from Around the World @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social Booth 200 #naeycAC www.simonandschuster.com/books/Jewish...

simonandschuster.com

Jewish Songs From Around the World

Celebrate Jewish culture with this illustrated musical board book featuring songs from around the world. Includes easy to push buttons, an on/off s...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Thanks to The Jewish Grandparents Network for praising SOOSIE, THE HORSE THAT SAVED SHABBAT by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt among its sophistocated #picturebooks for older kids! jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org/family-room/...

jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org

Best Children’s Books about Shabbat - Jewish Grandparents Network

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

WITH A NEEDLE AND THREAD: A JEWISH FOLKTALE FROM CUBA "teaches the value of conserving household items and materials for future, repurposed use; incorporates some Jewish life-cycle events...and introduces Cuban geography and history” www.sdjewishworld.com/2025/10/17/j....

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

A DRAGON CALLED SPARK is featured among 6 Adorable Titles to Share for #Hanukkah in @slj.com "A heartwarming book that blends the magic of dragons with the traditions of Hanukkah" www.slj.com/story/6-ador...

slj.com

6 Adorable Titles to Share for Hanukkah and Other Jewish Holidays

Elephants, mice, and dragons make their appearance in these fun and festive board books and picture books.

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Reposted by Kalaniot Books

Publisher Spotlight @pubspotlight.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

“Community and history are stitched together in this heartfelt tale about coming together to make a whole greater than the sum of its parts” WITH A NEEDLE AND THREAD from @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/with...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

"SLOW DOWN, SHOSHI! invites readers to share a day w/ Shoshi, revel in her favorite responsibilities & relax w/ her under the stars all against a backdrop of a family of faith. Back matter offers more information about Jewish communities in Uganda" glassofwineglassofmilk.blogspot.com/2025/11/slow...

glassofwineglassofmilk.blogspot.com

Slow Down, Shoshi!

Slow Down, Shoshi!: It's Shabbat in Uganda Written by Shoshana Nambi Illustrated by Moran Yogev Published by Kalaniot Books Mom's Review Y...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

With many in need IRL reading OUT AND ABOUT with little ones can inspire a discussion of how it "elegantly illustrates the mitzvah of tzedakah. It also demonstrates the value of giving anonymously" www.sydneytaylorshmooze.com/2023/08/revi...

sydneytaylorshmooze.com

Review: Out and About: A Tale of Giving

Out and About: A Tale of Giving by Liza Wiemer, illustrated by Margeaux Lucas Kalaniot Books, 2023 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Shirley...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

The Jewish Grandparents Network included SLOW DOWN, SHOSHI! IT’S SHABBAT IN UGANDA by Rabbi Shoshana Nambi with illustrations by Moran Yogev on their list of the Best Children’s Books About Shabbat jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org/family-room/...

jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org

Best Children’s Books about Shabbat - Jewish Grandparents Network

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

"Written for children yet informative for adults" WITH A NEEDLE AND THREAD "teaches the value of conserving household items and materials for future, repurposed use; incorporates some Jewish life-cycle events...and introduces Cuban geography and history" www.sdjewishworld.com/2025/10/17/j...

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

There’s a new free activity guide available to spark creativity and extend the themes in A DRAGON CALLED SPARK: A HANUKKAH STORY by Lily Murray with illustrations by Kirsti Beautyman. Go to kalaniotbooks.com/free-book-ac... to download the guide

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

"Community and history are stitched together in this heartfelt tale about coming together to make a whole greater than the sum of its parts" in Jennifer Stempel's WITH A NEEDLE AND THREAD www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/with...

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Reposted by Kalaniot Books

April Henry @aprilhenry.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

One year I was doing school visits when the librarian got a call. Banned Books Week was the following week, and she had booked time in all the classrooms. She was told she could not discuss it or even mention it, as it would be "poking the bear."

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Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Celebrate Shabbat with Shoshi and her family in Uganda! @slj.com says that SLOW DOWN, SHOSHI! IT’S SHABBAT IN UGANDA by Rabbi Shoshana Nambi “. . . offers both a sweet intergenerational story and meaningful cultural insight. . . .”

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