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From fake burps to reverse tashlich, new children’s books bring the High Holidays to life

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A surge of new children's books on the High Holidays, particularly Sukkot, is hitting shelves in 2026.
  • Experts note the unusual quality and quantity of Sukkot-themed books this year, with one originating from a mainstream secular press.
  • The books cover various traditions like apologizing for Yom Kippur and engaging with Tashlich on Rosh Hashanah, featuring communal celebrations, festive foods, and diverse characters.

A notable increase in new children's books focusing on the High Holidays is surprising observers of Jewish children's literature. This year, 2026, has seen a "bumper crop" of titles, with a particular emphasis on Sukkot, a harvest festival.

Heidi Rabinowitz, a Jewish librarian and host of the Book of Life podcast, described the number of Sukkot books as "unusual" and "very exciting," especially given their consistently high quality. She also highlighted the significance of one book being published by a mainstream secular press, a departure from the smaller boutique publishers that typically release such content.

It is unusual for multiple Sukkot books to be published in the same year, especially of consistently high quality. It’s very exciting.

— Heidi RabinowitzRabinowitz, a Jewish librarian and host of the Book of Life podcast, noted the unusual number of Sukkot books released this year.

Rabinowitz suggested that Sukkot's appeal might stem from its family- and environmentally friendly nature. The new books explore a range of Jewish traditions and values, including Yom Kippur's theme of apology and Rosh Hashanah's "reverse Tashlich" practice, which involves symbolically casting away sins. They also depict communal celebrations, festive foods, and diverse family representations.

Sukkot is family- and environmentally friendly, and I think that is a big part of its appeal.

— Heidi RabinowitzRabinowitz offered a possible explanation for the surging interest in the harvest holiday.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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