Take a trip to Israel with PJ Library

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

The summer is upon us, school is out and long lazy days with rainy afternoons are here. Why not escape the Florida heat and plan to spend some time taking a family trip to Israel with PJ Library, right here in Naples?

Join us at TumblesNaples on July 17 at 3:30 p.m. to begin your Israel in Naples journey with a celebration of Tu-B’av; the Israeli Day of Love and on Aug. 14 at 3:30 p.m. for an afternoon of Colors in Hebrew Scavenger Hunt. We will have snacks and fun in this wonderful airconditioned new space for play and learning!

Written by Vivian Newman; Illustrated by Akemi Gutierrez

Written by Leslie Kimmelman; Illustrated by Talitha Shipman

Written and Illustrated by Rachel Shalev

Until we get together, please check out these age-appropriate PJ Library books or consider trying out any of the engaging ideas listed below to bring Israel to the kiddos in your very own living room:

• Use the book “Welcome to Israel” to talk about the size of Alicia Feldman Israel (similar to New Jersey), the history of Israel and the birth of Israel as a nation, the first Jews (Abraham and Sarah), the Star of David and the Dead Sea (lowest point on Earth).

• Make a detailed map of Israel and its neighbors. (Love this one!)

• Learn about Israel’s currency (and make up a notebook sheet for it).

• Make a dinner of baked felafel sandwiches (see recipe at https://www. foodnetwork.com/recipes/baked-felafelsandwiches-recipe-1938264) with a side of hummus for dipping.

• Download some Israeli music and break out the percussion instruments for a dance party, Israeli style.

• Take the quiz shared on this page to see what you have learned about Israel.

Check out the super cute PJ Library books to explore Israel with your littles at https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/ pjblog/april-2017/tour-israel-with-thesepicture-books.