A challenging project has Kiddo and his friends frustrated. They need to construct something that can protect an egg for their school’s Egg Drop event, but each friend has tried their own ideas without success. Mimi reads the book Five Brave Knights vs. the Dreadful Dragon, a story about kids facing similar, though fire-breathing, frustration. What can we do when our individual efforts aren’t enough?In Hebrew, the word for “together” (yachad) shares the same root as the word for “individual”...

While searching for a game in Mimi’s closet, he finds a trunk full of funny costumes, plus flyers and other memorabilia from old comedy shows. Mimi explains that his great uncle Levi used to be a comedy performer, part of a long line of laughter in the Jewish tradition of finding happiness even in hard times. She shares a few famous names, telling Kiddo about Jewish comedians she’s enjoyed, like Gilda Radner, Mel Brooks, and others.   Episode Cast and Credits: Afternoons With Mimi is a...

Sure, Kiddo calls his little brother “Zee,” but what is his full name and where does it come from? What makes names so important anyway? Kiddo learns about the Jewish value of Lekol ish yesh shem, the significance of names.   Episode Cast and Credits Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library The book My Name is Aviva was written by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Ag Jatkowska, and is used with permission from Kar-Ben Publishing, a division of Lerner Publishing Group,...

  Kiddo wants to go to his friend Noam’s birthday party at the trampoline park, but it’s at the same time as his cousins’ play, and cousin Emilia could really use Kiddo there to calm her nerves. Mimi reads the book Rosie Saves the World which highlights the Jewish value of mutual responsibility. Kiddo knows the trampolines would be a blast, but can he find a bounce in his step from the mitzvah of helping family first?   The book Rosie Saves the World was written by Debbie Herman, illustrated...

Kiddo arrives to find Mimi sewing. She explains that Ms. Jenn left her coat behind when visiting, so Mimi’s giving it some needed repairs. Kiddo is eager to start playing and wants to know why they don’t just bring the coat to Ms. Jenn. Mimi shares a modern version of a classic Jewish story about the importance of not only returning lost items, but caring for them too.   Episode Cast and Credits:   Note: The version of The Lost Chickens folktale in this episode was adapted by Alli Thresher...

It’s challah-baking time, but when Kiddo tries to braid the dough, it keeps ending up in a big tangled blob. Mimi knows the power of a good story, so she reads the book An Egg for Shabbat. It’s about a young boy trying to go fetch an egg for his mother. He keeps accidentally breaking egg after egg in different ways, but eventually shows us all that these aren’t failures, just learning steps on the way to success.   The book An Egg for Shabbat was written by Mirik Snir, illustrated by Eleyor...

  No one is born with the knowledge of how to be a kind person. That's something we all learn as we grow. Follow along this week in a playlist of stories as Kiddo, with some help from Mimi, learns valuable lessons about being a good friend and neighbor.

Kiddo needs more space to race!! He really REALLY wants a huge playroom so he can build a giant racetrack for his toy cars. He’ll never be satisfied trying to fit a track on Mimi’s kitchen table. Mimi recounts a Jewish folk tale about a man who really REALLY wishes he had as big a home as his neighbor. A rabbi gives advice that seems totally unhelpful at first, but surprisingly helps the man move to a happier space – without even changing his location. Hopefully Kiddo can shift into that same...

This episode features the book, The Rabbi Slurps Spaghetti, written by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Sharon Davey. It is used with permission from Behrman House, Inc.   Kiddo is pretending to be a grownup, doing what he thinks adults do at work. Inspired by Mimi’s reading of The Rabbi Slurps Spaghetti, Kiddo learns that curiosity is an important Jewish value.   Episode Cast and Credits: Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher,...

Kiddo tells Mimi of a rumor that the creepy old house in their neighborhood is occupied by a wizard who has his whole yard booby-trapped! Mimi decides to dispel the myth by bringing Kiddo to the house to meet its owner, her friend, Mr. Johansen. The man is very kind and very much not a wizard. In fact, the only magic comes from Mimi, who transports us all with a new spin on a traditional Jewish folktale about the dangers of lashon hara, Hebrew for evil language or gossip.   Meeting Mimi's...

Kiddo balks at the idea of brushing his teeth, but Mimi cleverly explains that it's a mitzvah, -- commandment or good deed -- which is something he loves. In this episode, she reads, Hillel Takes a Bath, written by Vicki L. Weber and illustrated by John Joven, and used with permission from Behrman House.   Episode Cast and Credits: Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher, Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Writers and Story Editor:...

Earlier today, some friends wouldn’t stop arguing on a bumpy bus ride, and Kiddo is feeling so frustrated about it that his tummy hurts. At Mimi's, Kiddo calms down enough to talk about it, and of course Mimi has the perfect story to share, Aaron the Peacemaker. Mimi always finds a way to give Kiddo the tools to get through rough times.   Episode Credits:   Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library.   Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher, Associate Producer, Elizabeth...

Happy World Read Aloud Day from all of us here at PJ Library and Afternoons With Mimi. We hope you'll enjoy this lovely, nice and long playlist of Mimi reading your favorite PJ Library storybooks.   The Candlewick Written by Jennifer Rosner Illustrated by Kristina Swarner Published by PJ Publishing   The Chocolate King Written by Michael Leventhal Illustrated by Laura Catalaan Published by Green Bean Books   Benjy's Blanket Written by Miguel Gouveia Illustrated by Raquel Catalina Published by...

On the way to get ice cream, Mimi gives money to someone in need. Kiddo wonders why and worries that now they won’t have enough to buy ice cream. Mimi explains the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, and the small ways we can find and spread kindness and light.   Episode Credits: Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Writer: Alli Thresher Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and...

Kiddo wants to do so many things on his to-do list! But Mimi knows best and reminds Kiddo that it's Shabbat. Time to rest and snuggle up and read their latest PJ Library delivery: Saturdays are Special, written by Chris Barash, illustrated by Abigail Marble, and published by PJ Publishing.   Episode Credits: Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writer: Alli Thresher Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of...

Each Friday evening, families around the world begin the celebration of Shabbat. For many, the evening includes favorite foods, company for dinner, special songs, and blessings. This week, we have a playlist featuring stories all about Shabbat.  If you like what you hear, be sure to visit our other shows on our PJ Library Presents network. We've got not one, not two, but three special Shabbat playlists!

Kiddo is so bored and there's nothing to do. But Mimi knows that a little creativity can cure any dull day, even when all you have is a paper towel roll. Did you know that creativity and cooperation are both Jewish values? So is being a good friend. To learn more and find picture book recommendations, visit PJLibrary.org/values for more.

Right now, you might be on a long car or airplane ride, or maybe you're snuggling in a nice comfy blanket fort. Today we're bringing you a playlist of stories about sharing special family traditions. Enjoy!

What's that beautiful song Mimi is humming as Baby Z naps? Kiddo and Mimi share a snuggle as Mimi tells him all about the famous-and Jewish-Gerswhin brothers. Kiddo and Mimi welcome Baby Z as he wakes up with a beautiful rendition of "Someone to Watch Over Me." 

Kiddo just can't put down his game. He's almost at the next level! Mimi reminds Kiddo that Shabbat is near, and it's time to power down and rest. To make things even easier, Mimi just received the perfect story to share. Yitzi, The Trusty Tractor is written by Naomi Shulman, illustrated by Shelley Couvillion, and published by PJ Publishing.

While Mimi teaches Kiddo how to make a recipe for a party, she points out that this is just one of many traditions being passed down in their family. Kiddo learns that everything from Zee’s tzedakah box to the family’s stories, songs, and even table settings, are part of something much bigger.Whenever your children learn a family tradition, story, or recipe, that's l'dor v'dor, which is the Hebrew for "from generation to generation." To learn more, visit pjlibrary.org/values

Premiering this fall -- a new podcast from PJ Library Presents! Radio Chitaika features folk tales, beloved books, and Jewish stories, read aloud in Russian or Ukrainian by talented readers such as Gera Sandler, Marsha Pruss, Angelina Statyeva and more! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. 

Kiddo wonders why they’ve invited his friend Max over for a playdate at Mimi’s instead of at his own house.  Mimi explains it’s in consideration of Max’s needs, since her house is more accessible. Kiddo learns that the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, Hebrew for “welcoming guests,” includes making visitors feel comfortable and honored. Families will love Mimi’s retelling of The Candlewick, written by Jennifer Rosner, illustrated by Kristina Swarner, and published by PJ Publishing.To learn more...

Kiddo and Mimi are at the JCC pool having an amazing morning -- and things get even better when Kiddo finds a treasure. "Finders keepers, losers weepers," he shouts gleefully. On their way out, Mimi gives Kiddo a small lesson in hashavat aveidah - the mitzvah of returning lost objects and reminds him of a time that someone reunited him with his beloved stuffie. Will Kiddo change his tune and do the right thing? Will Mimi sign up for next week's aqua-robics? Find out in this week's episode. To...