PJ Library Presents: Beyond The Bookcase

Join PJ Library and Jewtina y Co for a special adventure through El Reino de lo Mistico - a magical new realm in Mashal teeming with Latin culture, music, and art. Learn about special Rosh Hashanah customs, dance through musical rain, and help Luna earn her stripes as an alebrije in this four episode special. Listen to the full story in one episode.

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library

Episodes:
Time To Explore El Reino De Lo Místico
A Great, Great, Great Adventure
La Sala De Orgullo (Hall of Cultural Pride)
The Coquí Who Lost His Chirp

Writers: Jan Schwaid and Jennifer Stempel

Production:

Executive Producer: Alli Thresher

Digital Production Coordinator: Megan Bagala

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)

Cultural Consulting: Sofía Friedman and Violeta Castro Stolpen on behalf of Jewtina y Co.

CAST:
Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella

Jacob: Rebecca Lee

Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle

Luna: Belén Moyano

Mr. Saifair: Gregory Barnett

Golem: Pat Bordenave

Mami: Jasmine Romero

Papi: LD Castro

Pedro: Luis E. Mora

Mariposa: Amanda D'archangelis

Announcer: LD Castro

Raul: Elvis Di Marcantonio

Alma: Sofia Zita

Our adventure is almost done - but there's still more of El Reino de lo Místico to explore. Our adventurers meet Raul, a sad little coqui who has lost his chirp. Blue and Jacob know just how to help Raoul get his groove back, in time for a dance party in the musical rain!

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library

Writers: Jan Schwaid and Jennifer Stempel

Production:

Executive Producer: Alli Thresher

Digital Production Coordinator: Megan Bagala

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)

Cultural Consulting: Sofía Friedman and Violeta Castro Stolpen on behalf of Jewtina y Co.

CAST:

Jacob: Rebecca Lee

Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle

Luna: Belén Moyano

Raul: Elvis Di Marcantonio

Alma: Sofia Zita

Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella

While Jacob loves exploring this new area of Mashal, he's still pretty stressed about his school project. What should he write? What details are most important? A lively quetzal may have some answers...

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library

Writers: Jan Schwaid and Jennifer Stempel

Production:

Executive Producer: Alli Thresher

Digital Production Coordinator: Megan Bagala

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)

Cultural Consulting: Sofía Friedman and Violeta Castro Stolpen on behalf of Jewtina y Co.

CAST:

Jacob: Rebecca Lee

Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle

Luna: Belén Moyano

Kiki: Robb Moreira

Supplies in hand and bellies full, Jacob and Blue follow Luna out into El Reino de lo Místico in search of a lost grape. It's part of a very important Rosh Hashanah tradition. Suddenly our crew finds themselves right in the middle of a monarch butterfly migration. Mari Posa and family help the kids take flight.

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library

Writers: Jan Schwaid and Jennifer Stempel

Production:

Executive Producer: Alli Thresher

Digital Production Coordinator: Megan Bagala

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)

Cultural Consulting: Sofía Friedman and Violeta Castro Stolpen on behalf of Jewtina y Co.

CAST:

Jacob: Rebecca Lee

Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle

Luna: Belén Moyano

Mariposa: Amanda D'archangelis

Announcer: LD Castro

Jacob and Blue head to the library for help with a school project, Jacob's "About Me" poster. Rather than steer them to the autobiographies, PJ recommends the kids check out a vibrant book about alebrijes and magical and mysterious things start to happen. Join Blue, Jacob, and new friend Luna in an adventure through El Reino de lo Místico. A special Beyond the Bookcase adventure created in partnership with Jewtina y Co. begins now. ¡Dale!

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library

Writers: Jan Schwaid and Jennifer Stempel

Production:

Executive Producer: Alli Thresher

Digital Production Coordinator: Megan Bagala

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)

Cultural Consulting: Sofía Friedman and Violeta Castro Stolpen on behalf of Jewtina y Co.

CAST:

Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella

Jacob: Rebecca Lee

Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle

Mr. Saifair: Gregory David Barnett

Golem: Pat Bordenave

Luna: Belén Moyano

Mami: Jasmine Romero

Papi: LD Castro

Pedro: Luis E. Mora

PJ Library’s award-winning original podcast series Beyond the Bookcase returns to the PJ Library Presents podcast network with new episodes this August. The four-episode special is produced in collaboration with Jewtina y Co., a vibrant global community dedicated to celebrating, elevating, and expanding Latin-Jewish community while strengthening identity, leadership, and connection to Global Jewry.

Listeners will meet new characters such as Luna, an alebrije, who leads fan favorites Blue and Jacob on a tour through El Reino de lo Místico, a new area in the magical realm of Mashal.

One of Marion’s kids is getting ready for her Bat-Mitzvah, but she’s so nervous. The kids are there to help – along with special guests Cinderella and Prince Charming. For more about preparing to have a bar or bat mitzvah, head to pjlibrary.org/blog for expert advice and tips from Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal.

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library

Writers: Jan Schwaid and Petey Gibson

Production:

Executive Producer: Alli Thresher

Digital Production Coordinator: Megan Bagala

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

Micah: Maxwell Glick

Miri: Arianna Fox

Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle

Evie: Samantha Philyaw

Jacob: Rebecca Lee

Mr. Saifair: Gregory David Barnett

Marion: Tianna Tagami

Shoshana: Lori Hoch Stiefel

Golem: Pat Bordenave

Cinderella: Gwen D’Angelo

Charming: Michael D’Angelo

Blue is feeling a little let down by their friends this week – can a trip to Mashal, and a chat with Queenie and Mr. Saifair help?

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library

Writers: Jan Schwaid and Petey Gibson

Production:

Executive Producer: Alli Thresher

Digital Production Coordinator: Megan Bagala

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:

Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle

Micah: Maxwell Glick

Jacob: Cara Cabal Coniglio

Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella

Mr. Saifair: Gregory David Barnett

Queenie: Niki Luparelli

You know her, you love her – she's Marion, the not-so-old woman who used to live in a shoe. Sometimes she still does... mostly she lives in a giant pumpkin with her many MANY children. Season 5 has a special surprise in store for our friend Marion, so let’s take a walk down memory lane through some of her most memorable episodes. Enjoy!

And don’t forget to leave PJ Library Presents: Beyond the Bookcase on your favorite podcast platforms.

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.

Production: Producer, Alli Thresher; Digital Coordinator, Megan Bagala

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:

Goldilocks and the Tzedakah Project:

Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson

Cast

• Micah – Maxwell Glick

• Miri - Arianna Fox

• Jacob - Cara Cabal Coniglio

• Evie - Sylvia Beth Schmitz

• Blue - Maya Aoki Tuttle

• Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley

• Golem - Pat Bordenave

• Mr. Saifair – Tau Zaman

• Goldilocks - Maya Aoki Tuttle

• Baby Bear - Rich Wentworth

Story for Another Time: Passover in Mashal

Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson

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, the Woman in the 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

Mermaid Murmurs

Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson

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

Golem's Challah

Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson

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

Rules are important – but are they fixed? Are there ever circumstances where a rule can or should be broken? Are there ways to reinterpret rules, even if they’ve been around for a very long time? The kids explore these questions with Queenie, Golem, and… another Golem?!

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library

Writers: Jan Schwaid and Petey Gibson

Production:

Executive Producer: Alli Thresher

Digital Production Coordinator: Megan Bagala

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

Micah: Maxwell Glick

Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella

Golem: Pat Bordenave

Golem 2.0: Pat Bordenave

Queenie: Niki Luparelli

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 https://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).

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

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 https://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

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 https://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

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 https://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

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 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

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

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!