{"id":3982,"date":"2024-11-27T05:00:11","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T10:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/?p=3982"},"modified":"2024-12-02T11:14:55","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T16:14:55","slug":"picture-books-for-hanukkah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/picture-books-for-hanukkah\/","title":{"rendered":"Delightful Children\u2019s Books To Celebrate Hanukkah This Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

It seems to happen every year \u2014 no sooner do we finish Thanksgiving than I realize Hanukkah\u2019s right around the corner. Hanukkah is commonly known as the Festival of Lights, but in our family, it has become the Festival of Books. After many years of present shopping\u00a0mishegoss\u00a0<\/em>(Yiddish for craziness), we decided that we would give each other books instead of toys, ties, and\u00a0tchotchkes\u00a0<\/em>(Yiddish for trinkets), and our tradition has made holiday shopping a pleasure.<\/p>\n

This year, I\u2019ve discovered some gems that I can\u2019t wait to gift and share with my nieces. Whether it\u2019s your first Hanukkah or your 50th, I hope these books shed a new light on your holiday.<\/p>\n

no no 9780593226087 The Very Hungry Caterpillar\u2019s 8 Nights of Chanukah <\/i> by Eric Carle <\/p>\n

With this board book, beloved author Eric Carle brings everyone\u2019s favorite little caterpillar along to introduce the littlest readers to Hanukkah. Brimming with bright and beautiful colors, this delightful counting book follows the Very Hungry Caterpillar through the eight nights of Hanukkah and the wonderful traditions that make up the Festival of Lights. <\/p>\n

9780375873966 Elmo’s Little Dreidel<\/i> by Naomi Kleinberg, illustrated by Christopher Moroney <\/p>\n

Elmo\u2019s celebrating Hanukkah at his friends\u2019 house where he learns about Hanukkah traditions like lighting the menorah. After dinner, everyone gathers to play dreidel, but Elmo doesn\u2019t know how. Young children will love learning how to play dreidel along with Elmo, and if they\u2019re anything like my kids, they\u2019ll be beating the adults in no time!<\/p>\n

9781602198012 Good Night Hanukkah<\/i> by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper, illustrated by Joe Veno <\/p>\n

From the Good Night Our World series<\/a> comes a Hanukkah-themed edition to help lull the littlest of readers to sleep during the holiday season. The story encourages singing along to “Rock of Ages,” reading the Torah together, and so much more – a perfect introduction to all the Festival of Lights has to offer. <\/p>\n

9781623541569 Latkes and Applesauce<\/i> by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Kris Easler <\/p>\n

When a snowstorm arrives and traps the Menashe family in their home during Hanukkah, they worry they won\u2019t have enough to eat. However, when a stray dog and cat appear at their doorstep looking for shelter, the family invites them in. Their willingness to share their food gets repaid on the eighth day of Hanukkah. <\/p>\n

9780593698174 Beam of Light<\/i> by Elisa Boxer Illustrated by Sofia Moore <\/p>\n

Did you know that the official White House menorah was crafted from a beam of wood preserved for seven decades since the Truman-era renovations? It’s story, outlined in this beautiful picture book, is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Jewish people.<\/p>\n

9780593808726 Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights<\/i> by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt <\/p>\n

This heartwarming Hanukkah picture book set in a cozy home filled with holiday treats celebrates the joy of family, tradition, and creating new memories. With informative side notes explaining Hanukkah terminology and an author’s afterword offering historical context, it’s a cherished resource for understanding and honoring this festive time, year after year.<\/p>\n

9780525554776 Goodnight Bubbala<\/i> by Sheryl Haft, illustrated by Jill Weber <\/p>\n

This reimagining of the classic children’s book follows a Jewish bunny family. Instead of “hushes,” dancing, kvelling, and noshing make up this little bunny’s bedtime routine. Filled with Yiddish words, this book \u2014 set during a Jewish family gathering \u2014 is a delight. Don’t miss the latke recipe by Ina Garten! <\/p>\n

9781984852496 Hanukkah<\/i> by Bonnie Bader, illustrated by Joanie Stone <\/p>\n

Fans of Little Golden Books<\/i> will love this Big Golden Book<\/i> all about Hanukkah. Simple, yet informative text introduces preschoolers to the many traditions of Hanukkah \u2014 from eating latkes to lighting the menorah. It also outlines the history behind the holiday and why people celebrate. <\/p>\n

9780670011278 Happy Hanukkah, Corduroy<\/i> by Don Freeman, illustrated by Lisa McCue <\/p>\n

Who could resist spending Hanukkah with Corduroy? This adorable board book is the perfect present for the littlest readers. They\u2019ll love learning about Hanukkah traditions like lighting the menorah and playing dreidel alongside everyone\u2019s favorite overalls-wearing bear.<\/p>\n

9780593094266 Hanukkah, Here I Come!<\/i> by D.J. Steinberg, illustrated by Sara Palacios <\/p>\n

Kids who enjoyed Kindergarten, Here I Come!<\/i><\/a> will love this holiday title from the same series. Told through upbeat and bouncy poems, this book takes readers through the fun, games, stories, and traditions that Hanukkah brings. <\/p>\n

9780448448596 My First Chanukah<\/i> by Tomie dePaola <\/p>\n

Tomie dePaola\u2019s\u00a0Strega Nona<\/i>\u00a0books<\/a> have long been family favorites, so I was delighted to discover that he had created a Hanukkah book. Little ones will sink their teeth (literally and figuratively) into this beautifully illustrated board book, which provides a gentle introduction to the customs and symbols of the holiday.<\/p>\n

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no no 9780593886380 Would You Rather? Hanukkah Edition<\/i> by Lindsey Daly <\/p>\n

This delightful game in a book offers hours of entertainment about the miracle of Hanukkah. Would you rather bathe in a tub of sour cream or matzah ball soup? Witness a miracle or spend a night in an ancient temple? Answer these questions and more with this game that’s fun for the whole family. <\/p>\n

9780763630294 Hanukkah Lights<\/i> by David Martin, illustrated by Melissa Sweet <\/p>\n

“Hanukkah candles, shining bright. One more candle every night.” This charming picture book honors the traditions of Hanukkah, from the universal (dreidels and latkes) to the household variety (shadow puppetry!). Cozy and festive, this one might even inspire special rituals for your own family. <\/p>\n

9780451479129 Meet the Latkes<\/i> by Alan Silberberg <\/p>\n

It\u2019s the first night of Hanukkah with the Latkes, an unusual family of potato pancakes. While mom and dad are busy in the kitchen frying up jelly donuts, not latkes, Grandpa tells Lucy his uproarious, inaccurate version of the Hanukkah story. Whether you\u2019re Team Sour Cream or Team Applesauce, you and yours are guaranteed to love the Latkes!<\/p>\n

Related: Eight Children\u2019s Books to Read During Hanukkah<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

9780823439584 The Eight Knights of Hanukkah<\/i> by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein <\/p>\n

Celebrate Hanukkah in medieval times with this adorable holiday picture book! A dragon destroys all the holiday preparations, so a group of knights sets out to find and fix each charred, broken, and ruined item. This charming and humorous story champions showing kindness to everyone, including destructive dragons.<\/p>\n

9780843189544 Light the Menorah<\/i> by Jannie Ho <\/p>\n

Everyone remembers being told, \u201cYou\u2019re too young to light the menorah, maybe next year.\u201d Now even the littlest family members can light the menorah thanks to pull-tabs that illuminate the candles on each page. I plan to give all of my nieces their own copy so they have their own menorah to light.<\/p>\n

9780448481401 The Night Before Hanukkah<\/i> by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Amy Wummer <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Twas the night before the eight days of Hanukkah. Families were prepping from New York to Santa Monica.\u201d With clever rhymes and lively illustrations, The Night Before Hanukkah<\/em> brims with holiday spirit. This warm-spirited picture book is a delightful introduction to the holiday and its traditions aimed at the littlest celebrants.<\/p>\n

9780399554193 All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah<\/i> by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky <\/p>\n

Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie, the beloved sisters of the All-of-a-Kind Family<\/em> series<\/a>, return in this charming holiday tale set in 1912 on the Lower East Side of New York City. Old and new fans will delight in the family\u2019s trials and tribulations as they prepare for Hanukkah. All-of-a-Kind Hanukkah<\/em> is the perfect gift for any night of the holiday.<\/p>\n

9780763697419 The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol<\/i> by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes <\/p>\n

Magic, kindness, and generosity combine in this sweet holiday story from a beloved children\u2019s author and illustrator team. Nate Gadol is a Hanukkah spirit who can make things last longer. During a long winter, he helps the Glaser family\u2019s medicine stretch enough for them to share with another family. <\/p>\n

9781524720735 Grover\u2019s Eight Nights of Light<\/i> by Jodie Shepherd, illustrated by Joe Mathieu <\/p>\n

Everyone\u2019s favorite furry blue monster is throwing a Hanukkah party and you\u2019re invited! Your little ones will love learning about the Festival of Lights with Elmo, Cookie, Big Bird, and the rest of the Sesame Street gang. Along with the charming story, Grover\u2019s Eight Nights of Light<\/i> includes press-out Hanukkah cards, stickers, and games that will keep young readers entertained for eight nights!<\/p>\n

9780385326520 Zigazak! A Magical Hanukkah Night<\/i> by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Jon Goodell <\/p>\n

In this lushly illustrated fable, two devils descend upon the village of Brisk to make mischief on Hanukkah. As they wreak havoc all over Brisk, the devils meet their match in the town\u2019s rabbi. He shows the devils that rather than ruin Hanukkah, their tricks have made the holiday more festive than ever. After all, who wouldn\u2019t find flying latkes and dancing dreidels entertaining?<\/p>\n

9780823425471 The Story of Hanukkah<\/i> by David A. Adler, iIllustrated by Jill Weber <\/p>\n

Between the cooking and shopping and celebrating, even grown-ups may need to be reminded of how the Maccabees defeated the vast Syrian army who occupied the Jews\u2019 Temple and the miracle of the single jar of oil which kept the Temple\u2019s Eternal Light illuminated for eight days. Jill Weber\u2019s vibrant paintings and David Adler\u2019s engaging narrative make the story come alive for readers young and old.<\/p>\n

9781644728437 Best Kids’ Hanukkah Jokes Ever!<\/i> by Highlights <\/p>\n

Get ready to LOL! This book of Hanukkah jokes for kids makes an excellent holiday gift that will have them rolling with laughter. With over 500 jokes to tell at Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and other holidays, aspiring young comedians will have plenty of material.<\/p>\n

9780553497106 A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love<\/i> by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by G. Brian Karas <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a book that will be read and re-read long after Hanukkah, get a copy of A Hat for Mrs. Goldman<\/em>. I loved this gentle story about Sophia, a young girl who realizes that her neighbor Mrs. Goldman is always making hats for everyone else, but doesn\u2019t have one herself. She decides to take on the challenge of knitting a hat for Mrs. Goldman \u2014 no small feat when you don\u2019t know how to knit. Young readers will be impressed by Sophia\u2019s determination and will learn that you\u2019re never too young to do a mitzvah<\/em> (good deed).<\/p>\n

9780823431946 Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins<\/i> by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman <\/p>\n

This Caldecott Honor-winning classic is set in an Eastern European village whose inhabitants are prevented from celebrating Hanukkah by a band of goblins who hate the holiday. Enter Hershel, a weary traveler determined to drive out the goblins and celebrate Hanukkah with plenty of the latkes he loves.<\/p>\n

9780375860935 Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama<\/i> by Selina Alko <\/p>\n

For many families, holiday season means celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas. I can\u2019t think of a better gift for a blended family than Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama<\/em>, a joyous embrace of both holidays that\u2019s bound to become a contemporary holiday classic.<\/p>\n

9781623541446 The Golden Dreidel<\/i> by Ellen Kushner, illustrated by Kevin Keele <\/p>\n

The Golden Dreidel<\/i> puts a Jewish spin on the classic Narnia-style story. Sara receives a large, golden dreidel for Chanukah that turns into a girl and leads Sara through a portal to another world. But when the dreidel girl gets kidnapped, Sara must figure out how to rescue her and return to her own world.<\/p>\n

9781770498129 Yitzi and the Giant Menorah<\/i> by Richard Ungar <\/p>\n

A young boy named Yitzi and his fellow villagers in Chelm have received a wondrous gift from the Mayor of Lublin: a giant, vibrant menorah placed in their square, where they gather together each night to watch the lighting of a candle. When the villagers decide to send the Mayor a thank you gift, Yitzi comes up with the perfect idea. <\/p>\n

9780763655334 Chanukah Lights<\/i> by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Robert Sabuda <\/p>\n

I plan to give Chanukah Lights<\/em>\u00a0on the last night of the holiday. It\u2019s the literary equivalent of ending a concert with the \u201c1812 Overture\u201d accompanied by fireworks. Robert Sabuda\u2019s extraordinary pop-ups (really paper sculptures) are the perfect match for Michael Rosen\u2019s beautiful poem, \u201cChanukah Lights.\u201d Each double-page spread features Hanukkah in a different setting, from shtetl to kibbutz to the New World. Watch this\u00a0video<\/a>\u00a0to experience the magic of this exquisite book.<\/p>\n

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2024.\u00a0<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re searching for Hanukkah gifts for children, look no further than these beautiful and fun books, which shed new light on the Festival of Lights.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":87396,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[652,655,658,954],"coauthors":[39],"class_list":["post-3982","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-holiday","tag-hanukkah","tag-chanukah","tag-educators","ages_stages-baby-toddler","ages_stages-pre-k","ages_stages-growing-reader","ages_stages-tween"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Best Books About Hanukkah for Kids | Brightly<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"These beautiful and festive Hanukkah books for kids can shed new light on \u2014 and make great gifts during \u2014 the Festival of Lights.\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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