Four new books on the way

PJ Library’s Sephardic Stories Initiative is entering its third year.

PJ Library’s Sephardic Stories Initiative (SSI) was launched in 2024 to inspire, motivate and empower authors of Sephardi and Mizrahi backgrounds to leverage their cultural histories and meaningfully add to the canon of Jewish children’s literature. Since then, the program has supported two cohorts of historically underrepresented Jewish authors through network building, resource sharing and editorial development. Now, PJ Library’s publishing imprint, PJ Publishing, has secured four new book deals with Sephardic Stories Initiative authors.

“PJ Publishing is excited to bring to life several of the manuscripts coming out of the Sephardic Stories Initiative,” said Naomi Shulman, managing editor of PJ Publishing. “It’s so important to add these perspectives and voices to the canon of Jewish children’s literature. Now, young Sephardi and Mizrahi readers will encounter more mirrors of their own cultural traditions in their books and maybe will even be inspired to write their own stories someday.”

The four book deals made by PJ Publishing are:

• Na’ima’s Shavuot Eve by Rinat Hadad Siegel, illustrated by Yinon Ptahia. This picture book invites readers into the Jewish community of Iraq in the first half of the 20th century, where a young girl makes a valiant attempt to stay up all night to observe the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. Publication is tentatively slated for Spring 2027. Hadad Siegel was a member of SSI cohorts 2 and 3.

• Pedahzur and the Quest for the Hidden City by Arnon Z. Shorr, illustrated by Reut Bortz. This is PJ Publishing’s first graphic novel for middle graders. Set in 1945 Libya, the story follows young Pedahzur as he teams up with a mysterious merchant and a talking cat to find the lost city of Derna – and the power to save his home. Publication is tentatively slated for early 2028. Shorr was a member of SSI Cohort 1.

• Shai’s Lesson by Adam Eliath. When young Shai spends the school day tutoring another student, his father is irritated with the teacher. Shouldn’t his son be learning new material? But a visit to the beit din, the Jewish court, results in a new perspective for all. Set in 19th-century Morocco, this lyrical tale will be thought-provoking for children and parents alike. Eliath was a member of SSI Cohort 2.

• Signs of Magic by Nimrod Dweck. Big sister Nuzha seems to have all the answers – what day it is, how to get to the market, even which herbs Mama needs for dinner. Little sister Jamila can’t figure out how Nuzha always knows. Is it magic? Taking place in the lively, diverse Tiberias of the mid-1800s, this story explores the different ways that knowledge can take shape‚ and the magical bond of sisterhood. Dweck was a member of SSI cohorts 2 and 3.

Additional SSI authors have moved work forward with PJ Library, including Cohort 2 members Enid Baxter Ryce, whose middle grade novel (the name of which hasn’t been officially announced) has received an initial Grinspoon Jewish Story Award, and Erez Hadad, whose picture book The Key was selected for use by PJ Library’s sister program in Israel, Sifriyat Pijama. Cohort 1 member Sarah Aroeste’s board book Uno Dos Tres was published by PJ Publishing and sent to 1-year-olds in 2025.

Now in its third year, the SSI program, which is made possible by the support of the Seattle-based Samis Foundation, continues to promote emerging and mid-career children’s book writers inspired by Sephardic, Mizrahi and Ethiopian traditions. The 12 members of the 2026 cohort, which began in January, were selected for the program based on their strong craft and authentic voices, each bringing a passion for telling the stories of historically underrepresented Jewish communities. By year’s end, each writer will complete one polished book manuscript that is ready for consideration by PJ Library, as well as a complete group anthology of their collected work. They’ll also collaborate on co-editing and peer review, and build a lasting community based on shared affinity for cultural storytelling and creative connection.

“We know how rare it is for writers to receive the time and space their craft deserves, and we’re honoured to be supporting these writers in developing original stories rooted in their personal traditions and histories,” said Alisa Koyrakh, director of books, PJ Library. “It’s also been incredible to watch the friendships and connections that have grown out of these cohorts, and I have no doubt this community will continue to flourish and write long after the fellowship ends.”

PJ Library sends free storybooks and activities to families with children ages 0-12 and offers ways to connect with community. The program was founded in 2005 by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) and, with the support of donors and partners, now distributes more than 650,000 books in seven languages to children in more than 40 countries every month. Anyone who visits PJ Library’s website can hear original storytelling podcasts and explore a vast collection of Jewish parenting resources. Learn more or sign up for monthly children’s books at pjlibrary.org. 

– Courtesy PJ Library