Hi listeners! While the Beyond the Bookcase team works on the second half of Season 5, we have a very special bonus episode: a chat with a real-life monster expert! Join Golem and producer Alli as they sit down with Jack Zaientz from JewishMonsterHunting.com.    If your children are into monsters, magic, and folklore, this episode features a creative look into the background of some of the creatures and characters living in the magical land of Mashal.    This episode was written by Alli Thresher and Jack Zaientz. You can check out Jack and John Baltisberger's podcast for grown-ups at https://waywardchildren.buzzsprout.comBeyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments)More for kids who love monsters and folklore:  Jewish Picture Books for Kids Who Love MonstersOg Goes Rogue: A Modern Folktale About Og the Giant (mentioned in the show)Meet the Land of Mashal's Farmer Serach in the Season 2 finale

It's Sukkot in Mashal - what could be more fun? Join Miri and Micah as they are welcomed into the community sukkah by Zev, Farmer Serach, and some very boisterous little piggies.To learn all about sukkot - and figure out how to build your very own teeny tiny sukkah like Miri and Micah, head to pjlibrary.org/sukkot.Credits:  Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Petey Gibson and Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments) Cast Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri – Arianna Fox PJ - Laura Rondinella Famer Serach -- Daniella Rabbani Various little pigs -- Alli Thresher  

A playlist of Rosh Hashanah-themed stories.

Evie and Jacob are getting on each other's nerves--to save their friendship, Auntie PJ sends the kids on an errand to Mashal. Come along as Mr. Saifair, Golem, and special guest, Dafi Saifair, help the kids make amends, and return to their best selves in the new year.  Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Petey Gibson and Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast: Evie: Samantha Philyaw Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella Jacob: Rebecca Lee The Saifairs: Gregory David Barnett Golem – Pat Bordenave

The kids pop over to Mashal to deliver some Rosh Hashanah cards (and try to cheer up Jacob). While Mama Bear and Mary Quite Contrary prepare for a seder, the kids learn all about the simanim, symbolic foods of Rosh Hashanah, and receive some perfect advice for starting the year off right. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid and Petey GibsonConsultant: Rinat Hadad Siegel Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast: Evie: Samantha Philyaw Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella Jacob: Rebecca Lee Mama Bear: Yolanda Spearman Mary Quite Contrary: Journee LaFond  

Welcome back listeners! Today Chicken Little has a feeling, Bubbe has a vision, and Snow White has a handy solution. Join the crew as we learn about the mitzvah of visiting the sick in the Season 5 Premiere of Beyond the Bookcase.  Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast:Chicken Little: Blair WhichBubbe: EdrieEvie: Samantha PhilyawMicah: Maxwell GlickSnow White: Laura SchreiberAuntie PJ: Laura RondinellaVarious voices: Alli Thresher

Beyond the Bookcase will return with new episodes this August! For now, enjoy a special note from Golem, a listener shoutout, and a playlist of our clay protector's favorite stories. For full cast information and credits, please go to pjlibrary.org/podcast

In honor of National Storytelling Month, the PJ Library team has put together a small selection of "stories for another time" from Beyond the Bookcase seasons 4 and 5. Enjoy!

It's time for Passover! Settle in for a playlist full of stories featuring Passover traditions from all around the world.  In Humpty Dumpty and the Passover Feast we’ll visit Humpty Dumpty as he prepares to host the seder for the first time. Next we'll Chase Joha Through Passover to see how families all over celebrate and get ready for Passover. And finally, we’ll settle down for a lovely Passover seder in Mashal in a special Story for Another Time. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Humpty Dumpty and the Passover Feast Cast Jacob – Cara Cabal Coniglio Evie – Sylvia Beth Schmitz Blue – Maya Aoki Tuttle Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri – Arianna Fox Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Golem – Pat Bordenave Saifair – Tau Zaman Humpty Dumpty – John Henry Kurtz Hare – Daniel Amerman Goldilocks – Maya Aoki Tuttle Snow White – Laura Schreiber Chicken Little – Blair Which Chasing Joha Through Passover Cast Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley Evie – Samantha Philyaw Elijah – Nate DuFort Micah – Maxwell Glick Ms. Shouhed – Daniella Rabbani Farrah – Daniella Rabbani Joha – Ryan Abedi Mr. Fodor – Les Horovitz Catriella – Alli Thresher Story for Another Time: Passover in Mashal Cast Miri – Arianna Fox Evie – Samantha Philyaw Blue – Maya Aoki Tuttle Jacob – Caro Cabal Coniglio Joha – Ryan Abedi Elijah – Nate DuFort Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Micah – Maxwell Glick Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Marion Woman in Shoe – Tianna Tagami Chicken Little – Blair Which Snow White – Laura Schreiber Golem – Pat Bordenave Cinderella – Gwen D'Angelo Humpty Dumpty – John Henry Kurtz Dolores the Donkey – Alli Thresher

Prince Charming and Cinderella’s wedding brings a fairytale ending for season 4! Or at least it might. The two royals come from very different backgrounds and can’t seem to agree on what traditions, customs, and creatures to include in the ceremony. They’ll need their friends (including a shockingly revealed rabbi) to help figure out what’s most important.   Episode Credits:   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.   Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA   Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher Arranged by Peter Moore Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments)   Cast: Cinderella - Gwen D’Angelo Prince Charming - Mike D’Angelo Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Golem – Pat Bordenave Marion, The Not-So-Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe - Tianna Tagami Dolores the Donkey – Alli Thresher

Lag B’Omer celebrations are starting in Mashal. With bonfires, treats, a parade, and even a wedding in the works, Rapunzel still isn’t feeling festive. After getting tangled in a few too many messes, her extra-long hair is feeling like a real drag. Auntie PJ and other friends will try to help Rapunzel trim down her stress with a Lag B’Omer tradition.   Episode Credits:   Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA   Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast:   Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Rapunzel – Daniella Rabbani Cinderella – Gwen D’Angelo Prince Charming - Mike D’Angelo Merry Men- Gregory David Barnett, Pat Bordenave, Walter Alice Sickert, Nate DuFort Golem – Pat Bordenave

Auntie PJ and Elijah’s treasure hunt gets sticky, and not just because of their doughnut-smeared map. It’s almost time for Shabbat and they need to pause their search — not to start resting right away, but to help the woman who lives in a shoe. You see, she has so many children but nowhere to get them a challah for a peaceful sabbath. Who knew Golem’s got bread-braiding skills?   Episode Credits:Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth KorelitzStory Editor: Alli ThresherWriter: Petey GibsonAudio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MAOpening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore.Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast: Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Elijah – Nate DuFort Marion, the Not-So-Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe – Tianna Tagami Kids 1,2,3 - Alli Thresher Golem – Pat Bordenave Don Swan – LD Castro

Bubbe and Zev the wolf are having a blast as roommates. They’ve had music, dancing, and pre-Shabbat shindigs, but there hasn’t been room in their budget to fill their bellies on Friday nights. When neither of them is able to earn enough dough to surprise the other with challah, their kind acts may be just the ingredients they need for a fresh-baked miracle. An update on a classic Jewish folk tale.   Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.   Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast: Golem – Pat Bordenave Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Zev – Walter Alice Sickert Little Red – Anne Alexander Sieder Bubbe – Edrie Kids –Richard Wentworth, Alli Thresher, Blair Which Random Folks – Richard Wentworth, Alli Thresher, Blair Which Very Little Kid – Blair Which

Who told Mr. Saifair that Rapunzel is a noodle-head? Is it okay to call Shirley an apple tree (when she’s obviously avocado)? And did Prince Charming spread a hairy rumor that he heard from … a mermaid? This wave of gossip is more tangled than a head of uncombed spaghetti.   Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.   Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast Elijah – Nate DuFort Rapunzel – Daniella Rabbani Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Kid/Daughter – Alli Thresher Junie the Mermaid – Yolanda Spearman Prince Charming – Mike D'Angelo Cinderella – Gwen D'Angelo Marion the Not-So-Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe – Tianna Tagami

Marion is hosting a gathering for Chag Habanot, the North African Hanukkah festival of daughters. But all the pressure has her being a bit unkind to her friends. Learn all about this holiday plus a valuable lesson about respect and friendship.   Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.   Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid and Rinat Hadad SiegelConsultant: Rinat Hadad Siegel Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast: Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Rapunzel – Daniella Rabbani Snow White – Laura Schreiber Marion, the not-so-old woman who lives in a shoe - Tianna Tagami Cinderella – Gwen D’Angelo Prince Charming – Mike D’Angelo Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Queenie (Queen Bee) – Niki Luparelli Mama Bear – Yolanda Spearman Mary Quite Contrary – Journee LaFond Mermaid – Yolanda Spearman Mermaid (last line) – Tianna Tagami

Episode 2: Spice Up Your Life What do BFFs Goldilocks and Baby Bear make for their Shabbat lunch? Why, harissa of course! But what happens when everyone brings the same pot to the kusha (community oven)? A tasting, of course.   Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.   Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast: Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Elijah – Nate DuFort Goldilocks: Maya Aoki Tuttle Baby Bear – Rich Wentworth Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Mary Quite Contrary – Journee La Fond

Snow White just wants to host a delightful Rosh Hashanah get together, but the three little kittens and the three little pigs are having one big disagreement. Will they ever forgive each other?   Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.   Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writers: Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Snow White – Laura Golem – Pat Bordenave Mr. Saifair - Gregory David Barnett PJ - Laura Rondinella Elijah – Nate DuFort Kitten 1 - Malcolm Villaverde Kitten 2 - Molly Villaverde Kitten 3 - Blair Which Pigs 1, 2, 3 – Rich Wentworth

Purim is a holiday that feels like it's made for families. Traditions include dressing up, sharing gift baskets or mishloach manot with friends, making noise by shaking groggers, and staying up late with your friends and community. People do tzedakah and also read the Book of Esther, or megillah, which shares the story of how the Jews of Persia were saved from annihilation. Experience Purim with the characters of Beyond the Bookcase in this special playlist episode. 

Sorry, but we’re not gonna spoil the season finale right here, so don’t expect this to tell you if the kids catch elusive Joha, save Sofer Shalom, or finally get to hear PJ and Elijah’s long-held secret story. You’ll just have to listen.   Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.   Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast: Elijah - Nate DuFort Evie - Samantha Philyaw Auntie PJ - Laura Rondinella Miri - Arianna Fox Jacob - Caro Cabal Coniglio Blue - Maya Aoki Tuttle Micah - Maxwell Glick Troll - Peter Moore Joha - Ryan Abedi

The kids want Auntie PJ and Elijah to finally tell all about their legendary treasure hunt, but the grownups try to skirt the subject with “A Story For Another Time.” This one delves into lovable Zev’s first holiday in Mashal.   Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.   Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).   Cast: Elijah - Nate DuFort Evie - Samantha Philyaw Auntie PJ - Laura Rondinella Miri - Arianna Fox Jacob - Caro Cabal Coniglio Blue - Maya Aoki Tuttle Micah - Maxwell Glick Golem - Pat Bordenave Pig 1 - James Gracik Pig 2 - James Gracik Pig 3 - James Gracik Zev - Walter Alice Sickert Joha - Ryan Abedi