PJ Library in New York

As parents, it can be challenging to know how much of the news to share with kids. This previously published article has some helpful advice about approaching all kinds of complicated topics with an understanding of children's feelings and what they may or may not already know.

For today's Jewish American Heritage Month fun fact and highlight, we're highlighting the programming and videos available from our very own 92nd Street Y. It's a New York gem known as a world-class cultural and community center where people from all over connect through culture, arts, entertainment, and conversation. As a proudly Jewish organization, 92Y enthusiastically welcomes and reaches out to people of all ages, races, faiths and backgrounds while embracing Jewish values like learning and self-improvement, the importance of family, the joy of life, and giving back to a wonderfully diverse and growing community, both locally and around the world. You can also explore a full section dedicated to Jewish life on their website: https://www.92y.org/jewish-life.aspx

For today's Jewish American Heritage Month activity, explore the National Museum of American Jewish History.

Are you following the American Jewish Historical Society (AJHS)? The AJHS is the oldest ethnic, cultural archive in the United States. AJHS provides access to more than 30 million documents and 50,000 books, photographs, art, and artifacts that reflect the history of the Jewish presence in the United States from 1654 to the present.

For your sweet evening reading pleasure. The words we hand down through the generations might be different (and different languages too), but the special way they communicate love is universal. Do you have Lesléa Newman's book at home? https://pjlibrary.org/books/kiss-on-the-keppie/if170

Max loves his grandpa. When they say good-bye after a visit, Grandpa reminds Max that the moon above them at Grandpa’s house is the same moon that will follow him all the way home. And on that swervy-curvy car ride back home Max smiles as the moon tags along, thinking of Grandpa. Dolly Parton reads "Max and the Tag-Along Moon," written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper. We books about grandparents and their special bond with grandchildren. If you have a FaceTime call coming up, pull out one of these: https://pjlibrary.org///15-books-to-read-with-grandparents

"My daughter LOVES this book. She's just learning body parts so she loves pointing to them. She loves the mirror in the back and she likes the rhythm. I love that it affirms that she's a miracle and every part of her is perfect just as it is." -PJ Library parent Enjoy this animated read-along of "Just Look at You!" written by Bara Bat-Shem, illustrated by Jane Massey, and published by PJ Publishing.

If you're looking for ways to approach current events with children, ADL - Anti-Defamation League has a "Table Talk" series, with possible questions and answers by topic: https://www.adl.org//resou/tools-and-strategies/table-talk Here are some tips they offer for these discussions:... 1. Find out what children already know (or have heard) and use the summary information in the guide to expand on their prior knowledge. Ask what else they want to know and research together to learn more. 2. When discussing the topic, ask open ended questions that deepen the conversation. Be mindful not to judge their responses and listen thoughtfully. 3. Think together about a child-level action they can take; this can be something they do on their own or something you do together or as a family.

Does dad need a little encouragement in his dad duties? This afternoon's story is a joyous celebration of dads of all types and everything they do. Musician Josh Homme reads this colorful, heartwarming tale about a father and daughter who swap places at school. This is "School for Dads," written by Adam and Charlotte Guillain and illustrated by Ada Grey.

What makes Shabbat special in your home? Today's animated storytime features the book "Saturdays Are Special," written by Chris Barash and illustrated by Abigail Marble.

Are you struggling to find answers to the big questions your child is asking, maybe about something they overheard on the news or from a friend? When children are having big feelings, familiarity brings calm. Use one of these books to remind children that while things may feel scary and sad now, they can still take refuge in a favorite story. These book lists are curated by topic, including: Speaking up... Loss Routine Friendships Making change Welcoming Immigration Being Jewish See more

Do you have trouble finding your smile sometimes? Augustus the tiger is large and fearless, but he's sad because he's lost his smile. Only when it begins to rain and a puddle forms does he find his smile staring back from his reflection, and realizes that his smile is always there, as long as he's happy. British actor Vicky McClure reads "Augustus and his Smile," written and illustrated by Catherine Rayner.

Get your morning started by learning sign language with Sign Language Shabbat, written by Jennifer Rosner & Alisa Greenbacher, illustrated by Shelley Rotner & David Hyde Costello, and published by PJ Publishing.

The "book swap n’ stroll" - what a fantastic way to see neighbors from a distance and make some room on your bookshelves. What do you do with the books your children have outgrown?

Have you found any recipes your kids will help cook AND also eat? All three of these "easy for kids" recipes sound absolutely delicious: https://www.wbur.org/hereand//29/cooking-with-kids-recipes Here are a few more ideas the whole family can help with, from the PJ Library blog: https://pjlibrary.org//10-classic-jewish-foods-to-make-wit

You might know the hit YouTube series Kid President. Soul Pancake, the channel that created the show, is at it again with Kid Correspondent, breaking down big topics and explaining them to kids, by kids. If you're looking for some not-so-noisy election programming to watch as a family, this four-part series is it. For some related book options, check out these PJ Library selections to see how Election Day and tikkun olam are related: https://pjlibrary.org//novemb/election-day-and-tikkun-olam