PJ Library Presents: Afternoons With Mimi

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 about the Jewish value of welcoming guests, visit pjlibrary.org/values. For full show notes, check out our website, pjlibrary.org/podcast.

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 learn more about Jewish values, and to discover some great books about hashavat aveidah visit pjlibrary.org/values.

Surprise! The PJ Library Presents team is releasing a few Afternoons With Mimi episodes early. Get a sneak peek of season three with today's episode where Kiddo deals with the struggles of being a big brother.  Baby Zee is throwing crackers everywhere and Kiddo is not amused! Luckily Mimi is there with a story, a nice plate of rugelach, and a special photo album, to calm things down.  If you love the story that Mimi tells Kiddo, be sure to check out other versions of this classic folktale on our website: pjlibrary.org. 

Enjoy a playlist full of Passover-themed episodes from across our network of shows. Set the seder table with Kiddo and Mimi, cook up a feast with Humpty Dumpty, search for the afikomen with a pirate, and more!  Learn more at pjlibrary.org/passover -- and don't forget, you can download a free Haggadah too!

In a special bonus episode, Kiddo calls his uncle in Tel Aviv. Come along and enjoy the soundscape of a bustling Israeli neighborhood.

It's time for the seder and Kiddo is helping Mimi get ready. What goes on a seder plate? Why? Where does everyone sit? Do babies have to ask the Four Questions? Learn more at pjlibrary.org/Passover

Kiddo is not feeling great so Mimi pays him a visit. Her wonderful story teaches about the mitzvah of visiting the sick, and is sure to make even healthy listeners feel better.  The story featured in today's episode is Perhaps, Just Maybe, written by Tuvia Dikman, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt, and published by Green Bean Books. Used with permission from Green Bean Books.

Big things are happening at home and Kiddo doesn’t feel ready for change. One constant in his life though is Mimi, always there with wise words and a story to help put things in perspective.

Woohoo! Kiddo’s got fancy new shoes and cool new big-kid friends. But has he become too cool for the buddies he’s known all his life? Good thing he’s always got Mimi for advice.   In this story Mimi uses a classic folktale to help Kiddo reach his own conclusions about inclusivity and respect. If you'd like to find another version of the tale to read with your family, visit PJLibrary.org/books