A Yiddish picture book · Ages 4–8

Toby's a Mensch

Meet Toby — a very good three-legged dog who noshes, schmoozes, and teaches little ones their first words of Yiddish.

On sale February 2, 2027 Written & illustrated by Jonathan Sandmel

Cover of Toby's a Mensch by Jonathan Sandmel: a three-legged dog being hugged by two children on a sunny yellow background

The Book

A very good dog, a first taste of Yiddish

Whether your great-greats spoke Yiddish, you want a fresh new shtick, or you just love dogs — you're going to want to meet Toby.

Toby is a mensch, which means he's a very good boy. He loves noshing on eggs, schmoozing with new friends, and plotzing after a schlep in the park. His humans are always kvelling: they love him very much!

There's never been a fuzzier, cheerier ambassador for the many Yiddish loanwords that liven up our daily conversations. Anyone who's ever had a dog in their mishpocheh — their family — won't be able to resist Toby and all his foibles.

At the back, read more about the history of Yiddish, and find a handy pronunciation guide.

A Peek Inside

A peek at Toby's day

Toby the grey dog curled up asleep on a pink-and-yellow rug. Text reads 'Toby is a good boy. A real MENSCH.' — A real **MENSCH** — the Yiddish word for a good person.

Toby in a sunny kitchen reaching up to the counter, wanting his breakfast. — Every morning, Toby wants a **NOSH**.

The two children being pulled up a green hill by three-legged Toby on his leash. — Three legs and all, he loves to **SCHLEP** up the hill.

For Parents & Educators

More than a bedtime story

A joyful first YiddishReal words — nosh, schmooze, kvell, mensch — introduced through a story kids ask for again and again.
A guide in the backA short history of Yiddish and a pronunciation guide, so grown-ups can read along with confidence.
Made for ages 4–8A 32-page picture book from Neal Porter Books — preschool through grade 3, at home or in the classroom.

Pre-order

Bring Toby home February 2, 2027

Pre-ordering helps a new book find its readers. Reserve your copy from any of these:

Bookshop.org Amazon Barnes & Noble Publisher

Neal Porter Books · ISBN 978-0-8234-6421-0 · 32 pages · Ages 4–8. Retailer links open by ISBN; we'll confirm them as launch nears.

The Author

Jonathan Sandmel

Jonathan Sandmel is a children's book author and illustrator. Toby's a Mensch — written and illustrated by Jonathan — is a love letter to dogs, family, and the warmth of the Yiddish language.

Visit Jonathan's website →

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