(Courtesy of Jewish Heritage Month) To celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month this May, a group of authors has organized a giveaway of 72 new Jewish children’s books—from board books through Young Adult. “Shelves” of eight books each will be distributed to nine random winners after the May 31 deadline.

“Our goals are to educate, spread light, and share Jewish joy during these difficult times,” said Chana Stiefel, a children’s book author from Teaneck, who has published more than 30 children’s books.

Ann Koffsky, a picture book author and illustrator from West Hempstead, agrees. “It’s so important for Jewish children to see themselves in books, and it’s also key for others to see Jewish characters as well. We want readers from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to experience the diversity and richness of Jewish life.”

Stiefel and Koffsky teamed up with authors Liza Wiemer, Michal Babay and Ellen Leventhal to organize the giveaway, which launched on May 1. They received more than 200 entries on the first day.

The books, which have been donated by Jewish authors, illustrators and publishers from the U.S. and Israel, include a wide array of topics, including Jewish history, culture, traditions, humor, biographies, Shabbat and holidays. Many New Jersey children’s book authors, including Stiefel, Joshua Levy, Faygie Holt, Sari Kapitnikoff and Richard Ho, contributed books.

“All readers, Jewish and non-Jewish, teachers, librarians, parents and grandparents are welcome to enter,” said Stiefel. (U.S. shipping addresses only.) To see the list of book titles and to enter, fill out the form at the following link by May 31: https://tinyurl.com/JAHMgiveaway.