PJ Library Presents: Beyond The Bookcase

Latest Episodes:

Hanukkah Playlist (Re-air) Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Chag Sameach! Enjoy a Hanukkah gift from PJ Library: a curated playlist of stories just for you. Whether you enjoy these on the way to a gathering with friends or snuggled up enjoying the light of the candles, we wish all of our listeners a wonderful Hanukkah.

For more Hanukkah fun, download our free guide, A Time to Hope or visit pjlibrary.org/hanukkah.

Episode Credits

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.

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).

Mizrahi Heritage Month Playlist Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

November is Mizrahi Heritage Month - celebrating the culture and customs of Mizrahi Jews - those with heritage from around the Middle East, Southwest Asia and North Africa. In this playlist, listeners will attend a Persian Passover, celebrate Chag Habanot with the mermaids of Mashal, and prepare a special dish for Shabbat. To learn more and to find books featuring Mizrahi characters and stories, visit pjlibrary.org.

The background music in the intro is licensed through Epidemic Sound.

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher 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).
Episode Credits:
Chasing Joha Through Passover
Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson

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

It's Chag Habanot
Writers: Jan Schwaid and Rinat Hadad Siegel
Cultural Consultant: Rinat Hadad Siegel

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

Spice Up Your Life
Writer: Jan Schwaid
Cultural Consultant: Rinat Hadad Siegel

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

Bonus Episode: Golem Meets a Monster Hunter Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

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.com
Beyond 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 Monsters
Og 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

The Three Little Pigs and the Very Tall Community Sukkah Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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

The Rosh Hashanah Playlist Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Hi Listeners,

Did you know that it’s almost time for Rosh Hashanah? The Beyond the Bookcase team sends your family wishes for a High Holiday season and new year full of love, health, happiness, and (of course) great Jewish stories – just like the Rosh Hashanah-themed ones in this playlist.

For more ideas - and to download our free holiday guide, visit pjlibrary.org/RoshHashanah Shanah Tovah!

Credits:

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.

Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher

Writers: Jan Schwaid and Petey Gibson
Consultant: 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)

A Fairytale Feud (cast):

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

The Kids Prepare a Rosh Hashanah Seder

Evie: Samantha Philyaw
Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle
Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella
Jacob: Rebecca Lee
Mama Bear: Yolanda Spearman
Mary Quite Contrary: Journee LaFond

Turnaround Teshuva

Evie: Samantha Philyaw
Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella
Jacob: Rebecca Lee
The Saifairs: Gregory David Barnett
Golem – Pat Bordenave

Turn Around Teshuva Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

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 Prepare a Rosh Hashanah Seder Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

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 Gibson
Consultant: 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

Emergency Alert! The Season 5 Premiere Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

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 Which
Bubbe: Edrie
Evie: Samantha Philyaw
Micah: Maxwell Glick
Snow White: Laura Schreiber
Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella
Various voices: Alli Thresher

Golem Answers a Listener Question And Makes a Playlist Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

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

National Storytelling Month Playlist May 01, 2025

Show notes

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!