IIn March, “PJ Library Presents'' achieved 1 million downloads. The award-winning children's podcast network has a Jewish component and was launched three years ago as an audio extension of a family-oriented Jewish nonprofit. PJ Library is one of the world's largest free book programs.
“We first started talking about podcasts and audio content for kids in 2018,” Ari Thresher, director of digital content at PJ Libraries, told WSJ. Thresher leads his creative team at PJ Library where he produces the show.
“We did some experiments, tried a few pilots, and launched our first show, 'Have I Got a Story For You!' in June 2019,” she said. “We did a lot of learning, data collection and planning, and in 2021 we launched two more shows, officially becoming a network that features stories for kids of all ages.”
In the preschool-focused Afternoon with Mimi, a wise and beloved grandmother bakes special treats, cuddles with her young grandchildren, and shares fairy tales and Jewish sacred stories in a warm, child-friendly way. I'll share. Aimed at older children from ages 6 to 12, “Beyond the Bookshelf'' features brave siblings named Mika and Miri who go on magical, often mystical adventures. Both series, which won prestigious Parents' Choice Awards and NAPPA Awards, have just completed their third 10-episode seasons.
“Many parents and grandparents have told us that the moments shared by Mimi and Kido in Afternoon with Mimi feel like memories pulled from their own lives,” Thresher said. Told.
“Beyond the Bookshelf is an exciting adventure story featuring familiar fairy tale characters as well as stories and folklore from the diversity of the Jewish experience and people.”
To celebrate the audio milestone, PJ Library Presents is launching Passover episodes of “An Afternoon with Mimi” and “Beyond the Bookshelf.”
In Beyond the Bookcase's Chasing Joha Through Passover, kids learn about Passover traditions from around the world, and in Story for Another Time Passover in Mashal, Auntie P.J. and Elijah explore a fascinating, fictional world. I'm following you as it flies around. The land of Mashal. “Afternoon with Mimi” launches a Passover-themed playlist filled with stories for young children, including reruns of the original “Passover Pirate.”
PJ Library Presents recently launched “Radio Chitaika,” which presents classic Jewish stories in Russian (with bonus episodes in Ukrainian). In the United States, more than 1 million people speak Russian and Ukrainian, so this program aims to serve families who speak their native language at home. Stories include “The Suitcase,'' which is based on a picture book, “The Wonderful Story of Fish and Chips,'' “The Sabbath Lion,'' “How the Blueberries Grow,'' and “The Miracle Bread,'' which is an adaptation and translation of a folk tale. ” and “The Lost Chicken.” ” more.
“'Radio Chitaika' provides a special listening experience for Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking families in the Jewish diaspora,” Thresher said. “And the Have I Got a Story For You! archive includes original episodes reimagining Jewish folklore and a special miniseries for kids preparing for their B-mitzvah experience. It is still preserved.”
She added, “We're so excited to continue our work to bring even more stories to families around the world.”
Thresher hopes that children and their families will find joy from these shows.
“What Jewish kids hear is so gratifying to know that they might see themselves in the characters,” she said. “We hope that for non-Jewish families who enjoy the story, the episodes will inspire them to learn more about Jewish culture, values and holidays.”
For more than 18 years, PJ Library has provided Jewish families with free, high-quality children's books and other resources that foster a deeper connection to Jewish life.
For more than 18 years, PJ Library has provided Jewish families with free, high-quality children's books and other resources that foster a deeper connection to Jewish life. This global program is available in 40 countries and has provided her 50 million books to children ages 0-12.
“We are thrilled to be working with PJ Library,” said Alex Zablotsky, executive director of PJ Library. “Time and time again, we hear how families love supplementing their beloved paper books with audio stories. The PJ Library Presents podcast connects with children and connects them with stories that celebrate Jewish values and culture. It gives us a creative, screen-free way to share.”
For more information and lots of free activities, visit PJLibrary.org.
