![]() ![]() Selected titles are also available to anyone via Amazon.Īs for its name, PJ stands for pajamas, because "PJ Library supports reading any time of the day, but we know that many families sit down to read books at bedtime, in their pajamas," the website reads. Further, PJ Library’s website states that all Jewish families are welcome to enroll in the programs, “whatever your background, knowledge, or family make-up, or observance may be.” Zablotsky explains, “We view being Jewish as a religion, but also as a culture, nationality, ethnicity, thought, and philosophy.” And the books “tell all-encompassing Jewish stories, both religious and secular,” he says. Nevertheless, all of the titles tell stories through a Jewish lens, and the content has a broad appeal, according to Zablotsky. ![]() While some of the books PJ Library sends out through its programs are licensed from other publishers, several are new and original to PJ Publishing. Also slated for publication is Hanukkah at Monica’s by Varda Livney (Nov.) and I’m a Little Acorn, a board book illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford (Jan. Originally published in Hebrew, the book is based on a fable from the Talmud that follows five siblings. the Dreadful Dragon by Netalie Gvirtz, translated by Shira Atik, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt (Oct.). These include Jonah by Tammar Stein, illustrated by Sabina Hahn (Aug.), which is an early chapter book that retells the story of Jonah, timed with the Jewish High Holidays Hi, Hello, Welcome by Chris Barash, illustrated by Rosie Butchera (Sept.), a lift-the-flap board book about welcoming guests during Sukkot and Five Brave Knights vs. In addition to expanding the staff, PJ Publishing is releasing five new books between now and early 2023. “Working within a program that reaches such a large number of families, we are conscious of and respectful of those narratives and characters that can speak to all different kinds of families, and in a way that connects to Judaism and Jewish life. Referring to PJ’s backlist as “nutrient-rich soil,” she notes, “We want to grow in a way that takes the beauty there and elevates it.”Ĭhallenges lie in “being very intentional with the titles you’re going to publish,” Shinderman says. Shinderman’s goals at PJ Library include creating more author and illustrator connections and increasing annual output. She also founded the small press Barclay Square Books. Shinderman’s background includes working for Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, Disney, and Scholastic. It’s exciting to be a contributor in this space." Speaking with PW about her new role, Shinderman says PJ Publishing has “the opportunity to create engaging narratives with relatable Jewish characters that reflect the diversity of Jewish life and practice.” She adds, “There isn’t a lot of content out there for Jewish kids and families. Klarfeld reports to Zablotsky, while Shinderman, Barash, and Freedman each report to Klarfeld. Finally, Catriella Freedman has been promoted from director of PJ Our Way to director of author and illustrator stewardship. Additionally, Jill Shinderman joined PJ Library as director of publishing and creative development, while Chris Barash, formerly chair of the book selection committee, has been promoted to director of acquisitions. To meet its publishing targets, PJ Library recently hired Simon Klarfeld as director of content. “Global expansion requires a broader bandwidth to find authors in other languages and to adapt the books accordingly.” “We want to share new stories that haven’t been told,” says Alex Zablotsky, managing director of PJ Library. Output for the imprint is expected to increase to 20 titles a year moving forward through efforts to sign more authors and illustrators around the world. Since it was established in 2014, PJ Publishing has published 41 books to date. ![]()
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