Following the events of October 7, 2023, the pressing need for more children’s books about Israel has become urgent. To help strengthen pride in and connection to Israel, we decided to do something about it “Israeli style” – with chutzpa. We are gifting 18,000 books about Israel to children in North America over the next 18 months. The costs will be covered by donations, some books will be printed in Israel to support the local economy and some books will be purchased from publishers outside Israel. The majority will be picture books (2 -7 yrs) that showcase life, culture and the natural beauty of the country. Some will be middle grade novels (8-12 yrs).
Made possible through the generous support of Danna Azrieli & Danny Hakim and Fran & Bobby Lent.
Here are the first books we selected for the project. We purchased A Concert in the Sand from Kar Ben and My Israel and Me from Kalaniot in the US, Mizrahi Books in Israel published Sweet Letters, Not at the same time, Noni and Ima, and Superhero Ben with both the English translations and the Hebrew text. They are now printing Hatikvah, also in Hebrew and English which will be delivered by Hanukah.
We have partnered with the JCC Association of North America to distribute the first seven thousand books to ten communities. Veronica Maravankin, Vice President, Sheva Center took the initiative to built a dedicated year-long ‘Israel’ curriculum around them and to train the teachers. Some books will stay in the classroom, but most will be given to the children to take home and share with friends and family. We are happy to add additional distribution channels.
TheTeam
The team comprises members of the international children’s writers and illustrators’ community with special interest in Israel.
Project initiator Michelle Orrelle has over twenty years international experience in media and entertainment is joined by Israel Mizrahi, manager and owner of M. Mizrahi family publishing house, Devora Busheri, editor-in-chief Mizrahi books, PJ library author, editor and translator with 30 years’ experience in Jewish education and a network of advisors including Galina Vromen, former Executive Director at Keren Grinspoon’s PJ Library Project in Israel, Sifriyat Pajama, Susan Kusel, author and children’s and Judaic book consultant, librarian, bookstore buyer and bookseller who has served on multiple book award committees, Sarah Aronson, author and writing instructor at The Highlights Foundation, Anna Levine, author, and SCBWI Israel founder and RAE (Regional Advisor Emeritus).
Many more clever, helpful and concerned professionals are also assisting us in realizing this important project.
