Purim is a Jewish festival that has its roots in the biblical story of Esther. The celebration commemorates Queen Esther and her boldness, which saved the Hebrew people from Haman’s plan to eliminate them.
You may also enjoy our lists of Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Hanukkah books!
I have been familiar with Esther’s story for most of my life, but knew very little about how Jewish people celebrate Purim today. So, I did what I usually do in these situations: I grabbed my crew and headed to the library! We found some excellent children’s books about Purim.
These books are wonderful choices both for families that celebrate Purim and those looking to learn more about how Purim is observed. We loved these children’s books about Purim, and I hope your family does, too.
11 Children’s Books About Purim
Book links are Amazon referral links.
Sammy Spider’s First Purim by Sylvia Rouss
Sammy is so excited to help Josh celebrate Purim. However, when he gets stuck in a grogger, it seems as though his holiday won’t be a happy one! This book highlights many elements of the Purim celebration, and kids will love the bright, happy illustrations.
We love the Sammy Spider series, and I recommend sharing it with kids ages 3 and up.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
The Purim Superhero by Elizabeth Kushner
Nate is looking forward to his synagogue’s Purim celebration, and he really wants to dress up like an alien. However, all of his friends are dressing as superheroes. He’s torn between doing what he wants and fitting in with his friends. With the help of his dads, he makes a decision that is right for him.
This book is perfect for sharing with kids ages 4 and up.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
Talia and the Haman-Tushie by Linda Elovitz Marshall
When Talia’s Grandma says they are going to make hamantaschen, Talia is grossed out; she thought Grandma said haman-tushie! As the two bake together, Grandma explains the story of Purim and Talia learns more about her heritage.
This sweet story is perfect for preschoolers!
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
The Queen Who Saved Her People by Tilda Balsley
This rhyming tale is a retelling of the story of Queen Esther, in simple language that children can understand. If your family is interested in the religious background of Purim, this book is a great place to start.
I recommend sharing this book with kids ages 5 and up.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
Purim Is Coming! by Tracy Newman
Even the littlest readers can in on the fun of Purim! This board book features the various elements of the Purim celebration, punctuated with the refrain that, “Purim is coming!”
This selection is great for babies and toddlers, but preschoolers will enjoy it, too.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
Purim Chicken by Margery Cuyler
The barnyard animals are putting on a Purim play! When the star of the show, Quack the Duck, goes missing, it’s up to Cluck the Hen to be brave like Esther and save the day. This fun and engaging story about courage is something all kids will relate to, no matter their faith.
I recommend sharing this book with kids ages 3 and up.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
Is it Purim Yet? by Chris Barash
How can you tell that Purim is coming? This rhyming story introduces readers to key elements of Purim, like the hamantaschen, the Megillah, and the traditional costumes. It’s part of an excellent series that introduces kids to Jewish holidays.
This story is perfect for reading with kid ages 3 and up.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale by Barbara Diamond Goldin
As the only visually-impaired person in his village, Herschel is sad that he misses out on many elements of the Purim celebration. More than anything, he wants to be able to help his mother prepare the hamantaschen. An angel visits him in a dream and encourages him to make what he sees, and when he does, the results are beautiful.
This moving story is excellent for sharing with kids ages 4 and up.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
The Mystery Bear: A Purim Story by Leone Adelson
Little Bear wakes up from his long winter nap and heads out to find some food. He’s drawn to a Purim celebration, where the people assume he is simply a child in a bear costume! A little boy suspects that Little Bear might be more than a person in a costume, but everyone else is having too much fun to pay attention.
This super funny story is great for children ages 3 and up.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
Purim Play by Roni Schotter
Frannie and Ezra look forward to their family’s Purim play every year. But when two of their cousins wind up with the flu, they wonder if they’ll have to miss out on this special tradition. Their elderly neighbor saves the day in a way they could’ve never imagined!
I recommend sharing this Purim book with kids ages 4 and up.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
Barnyard Purim by Kelly Terwilliger
When Farmer Max heads out to a Purim play, he leaves the animals behind. So, they decide to put on their own play! Everyone gets busy preparing for their roles, but when an actual dangerous enemy arrives on the scene, Duck must summon all her courage like Queen Esther did. Can she save the day?
This is a super fun Purim book for kids that is great for ages 4 and up.
Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon
