AGAWAM, MA (March 26, 2024) — This March, PJ Library Presents, the award-winning podcast network for kids, has crossed the one million download milestone. As one of the largest free book programs in the world, PJ Library launched the network three years ago as another way to help parents bring Jewish stories, celebrations, and traditions into family life. Its lineup of podcasts has captured awards, accolades, and now the ears of thousands of Jewish kids around the world.
“We’re thrilled to cross this incredible benchmark,” says Alex Zablotsky, Executive Director of PJ Library. “We want to share more Jewish stories with kids around the world and in addition to our books, the podcasts allow us to reach families where they are already consuming media online. We’re excited for the future of PJ Library Presents!”
Produced by a PJ Library creative team headed by the Director of Digital Content, Alli Thresher, PJ Library Presents -- the only Jewish storytelling-themed podcasts -- celebrates their audio milestone by launching Passover episodes of their top two podcasts: the pre-school focused AFTERNOONS WITH MIMI, and BEYOND THE BOOKCASE, featuring stories for older kids ages 6 to 12. Both winners of prestigious Parents Choice and NAPPA Awards, the series have just wrapped their 10-episode third seasons, which included BEYOND THE BOOKCASE’S “Chasing Joha Through Passover” where kids will learn about Passover traditions from around the world and “Story for Another Time Passover in Mashal” which follows Auntie PJ and Elijah as they seder-hop through the enchanting and fictional land of Mashal. Shortly, AFTERNOONS WITH MIMI will launch a Passover-themed playlist full of stories for young children, including a re-air of the original “The Passover Pirate.”
PJ Library Presents has also recently launched RADIO CHITAIKA, a new series featuring classic Jewish stories presented in Russian and Ukrainian. Featuring acclaimed actors such as Gera Sandler, Masha Pruss, along with Jane Tuv, Zhenya Ponomarenko, and others, the series brings to life captivating tales in Russian (with bonus episodes in Ukrainian) including episodes based on the storybooks “The Suitcase,” “The Fabulous Tale of Fish and Chips,” “The Sabbath Lion and Until the Blueberries Grow,” adapted and translated folk tales “The Miracle Bread” and “The Lost Chickens,” and more. With over one million people in the US speaking Russian and Ukrainian, RADIO CHITAIKA seeks to serve families speaking their native languages at home.
About PJ Library
PJ Library, a global program available in 40 countries, provides Jewish families with free high-quality children's books and other resources that foster a deeper connection with Jewish life. Over 18 years, PJ Library has provided 50 million books to kids ages 0-12 worldwide. It is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation who partners with local Jewish organizations to fund PJ Library and make it available in their community. Learn more and sign up at pjlibrary.org.
####