Purim books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate
When is Purim? Monday 22 March 2027 to Tuesday 23 March 2027.
Purim is a joyful Jewish festival remembering how Queen Esther bravely saved the Jewish people of ancient Persia from the wicked Haman. It's one of the most fun days in the Jewish year, with costumes, noise and treats.
Who celebrates Purim, and books for each
Jewish
Families hear the Megillah (the Book of Esther) read in synagogue, booing and shaking noisemakers (groggers) whenever Haman's name is said. Children dress up, people send gifts of food to friends (mishloach manot), give to the poor and eat triangle cookies called hamantaschen.
📖 Free guideSammy Spider's First Purim
Sylvia A. Rouss
a costume, a grogger and a curious spider, for the youngest
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guideCakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale
Barbara Diamond Goldin
a boy who is blind shapes beautiful Purim cookies
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
Questions to ask while you read
Use these with any of the Purim books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.
- What is the family in the story getting ready for?
- Which part of Purim would you most like to try, and why?
- How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
- Is anything in the story like something your family does?
- What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Purim?
Ways to celebrate Purim with children
- Make a grogger from a plastic bottle and dried beans, and shake it at Haman's name.
- Bake hamantaschen with jam.
- Dress up as your child's favourite brave character.
- Put together a small food gift for a neighbour.
Purim picture books at a glance
All the Purim books on this page: Sammy Spider's First Purim (Sylvia A. Rouss), Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale (Barbara Diamond Goldin).
Questions parents ask about Purim
Who was Queen Esther?
A Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. When the king's adviser Haman planned to harm the Jewish people, Esther bravely went to the king and saved them.
Related festivals: Passover · Hanukkah
All festivals, by month and by faith →
Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.