Lights, latkes, and love are all elements of Hanukkah that are found in these engaging stories. Children will delight in hearing tales of the the history of the holiday and books highlighting familiar traditions shared with family and friends. Sit back and enjoy some extra cuddles while celebrating Hanukkah with these outstanding seasonal stories!
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Happy Llamakkah! by Laura Gehl; illustrated by Lydia Nichols, 2020
(Ages 0 – 3)
With only a few words on each page paired with delightful, cartoony illustrations, this is a great introduction to Hanukkah for young children. Older kids will recognize many of their favorite holiday traditions, while younger kids will grow excited for the fun festivities. An author’s note provides a brief history of Hanukkah along with a description of several of the holiday’s important elements.
Hanukkah The Festival of Lights by Bonnie Bader, illustrated by Joanie Stone, 2023
(Ages 3 and up)
This Little Golden Book introduces the traditions of Hanukkah such as lighting the menorah, eating latkes, spinning the dreidel and the history of why it is celebrated. Using colorful illustrations and child-friendly text, the book captures how the Maccabees fought against a giant army for their right to worship in their temple and how they found a small jar of oil that miraculously lasted eight days.
Dino-Hanukkah by Lisa Wheeler, illustrations by Barry Gott, 2023
(Ages 3 and up)
Rollicking rhymes follow a group of dinosaurs as they celebrate all different aspects of this festive holiday. This one is perfect for dinosaur lovers!
Challah Day! by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Jason Kirschner
(Ages 3 and up)
This new book about making Challah, a traditional Jewish bread, is SO good! I just love the lively rhymes and engaging illustrations featuring a family joyfully baking this delicious treat together. The story is further enhanced with a recipe for Challah and additional facts including it’s significance in the Jewish culture and how it differs from regular bread.
Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah by Sylvia Rouss; illustrated by Katherina Janus Kahn
(Ages 3 and up)
My preschool students loved hearing this endearing tale about a spider who observes a Jewish family lighting candles each night of Hanukkah. Concepts of colors and counting are woven into the story making it a good read aloud choice for educators.
Hanukkah Upside Down by Elissa Brent Weissman, illustrated by Omer Hoffmann
(Ages 4 and up)
This unique Hanukkah Story has without a doubt become one of our family’s favorites! Cousins Noah, who resides in New York, and Nora, who lives in New Zealand, each believe they get the better Hanukkah experience in their part of the world. They set up a challenge to post pictures proving who can have the best Hanukkah in winter verse summer. What ensues is an adorable story highlighting both the different and similar activities the cousins experience. With its entertaining storyline and heartfelt ending, this is a must-read!
Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
(Ages 4 and up)
During a comical case of mixed-up identity, an elderly woman mistakes a bear for a rabbi and serves him latkes and plays dreidel with him on the first night of Hanukkah. It is hard not to smile at this amusing and sweet story.
Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster; illustrated by Sue Eastland
(Ages 4 and up)
In this Hanukkah-themed reimaging of Little Red Riding Hood, Ruthie is a clever girl who outsmarts a hungry wolf by feeding him platefuls of latkes. Aspects of the holiday are skillfully woven throughout the story culminating in Ruthie sharing the victory of the Maccabees and the importance of the oil. This entertaining book even comes with a potato latke recipe in the back!
The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica S. Perl; illustrated by Shahar Kober, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
When a family moves into a new apartment building and discovers the box containing their traditional Hanukkah items is missing, they enlist the help of their neighbors to create a makeshift celebration for each of the eight nights. Inspired by the shamash, the helper candle, the children kindly invite all of their neighbors to a special party to thank them for their generous aid. I absolutely love the children’s positive attitude to make the best out of a disappointing situation and the thoughtfulness of the diverse group of neighbors.
The backmatter includes information on the shamash candle and provides ideas on how to honor helpers in the community.
Hanukkah in Little Havana by Julie Anna Blank; illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera, 2022
This joyful celebration of family follows two sisters who travel to Florida to visit their grandparents for Hanukkah. I just adore the love captured in these pages as the family rejoices in togetherness, enjoying good food, and celebrating their faith.
The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman; illustrated by Galia Berstein, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s the last night of Hanukkah, and a dastardly dragon is roaming the countryside in this amusing medieval tale. Lady Sadie calls upon her eight knights to embark upon an adventure to save the holiday. The diverse group of knights sets out on their quest with heartwarming and entertaining results. The act of doing “mitzvoth” is touched upon and inspires readers to go out and do their own good deeds during Hanukkah and all year long. This is an engaging new story that is sure to become a popular read aloud!
What is Hanukkah? by Shari Last, 2021
This informative nonfiction book explains the ins and outs of Hanukkah in a child-friendly and engaging way. Colorful photographs draw the reader in as they learn about the history of Hanukkah, when it is celebrated, and different traditions from around the world. There is even a recipe for latkes, instructions on how to play dreidel, and ideas for crafts. My kids really enjoyed learning about this special holiday from this illuminating book.
Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat by Naomi Howland
(Ages 4 and up)
This magical story of generosity and greed is such an enchanting read! When a young girl receives a charmed pan that makes latkes on demand, she and her brothers couldn’t be more thrilled. When her brothers don’t heed Sadie’s warning to not use the pan while she is gone, however, comical hijinks ensue.
Latkes and Applesauce: Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin; illustrated by Kris Easler, 2022
(Ages 4 and up)
When a blizzard prevents a family from picking potatoes and apples, they have to settle for soup for their Hanukkah celebration. Though there is little food, the family takes in a stray cat and dog who miraculously find potatoes and apples for the family. This sweet story also includes additional details about the holiday, why latkes and applesauce are traditionally eaten, and about the game of dreidel.
Hanukkah Cookies With Sprinkles by David Adler
(Ages 5 and up)
This touching story focuses on the Jewish custom of tzedakah (giving to the poor). When Sara notices a man taking a bruised apple from a bin, she begins leaving food for him and ultimately invites him to her family’s Hanukkah celebration. With a message of compassion, engaging illustrations, and additional notes on the traditions of Hanukkah, this is an excellent read aloud choice.
Maccabee: The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler; illustrated by Jill Weber
(Ages 5 and up)
This is an excellent book for teaching children the history of Hanukkah. It should be noted that since the holiday is based on a military victory, many scenes depict weapons and fighting. The story ends by demonstrating how the traditions of Hanukkah are kept alive today and includes a recipe for latkes and instructions on how to play dreidel.
Hanukkah Hamster by Michelle Markel; illustrated by Andre Ceolin, 2018
Animal lovers will enjoy this adorable story about a cab driver who celebrates Hanukkah with a lost hamster.
The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glaser; illustrated by Nancy Cote
(Ages 5 and up)
Each year Rachel’s mother invites their lonely neighbor, Mrs. Greenberg, into their home to celebrate Hanukkah with them and every year she refuses. When Rachel’s family receives word that they will have eight additional guests, Rachel borrows ingredients from Mrs. Greenberg until she cleverly finds a way to include the elderly women in their celebration. Cheerful illustrations fill the pages of this uplifting tale about family and friends.
The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler; illustrated by Jill Weber
(Ages 5 and up)
This is an excellent book for teaching children the history of Hanukkah. It should be noted that since the holiday is based on a military victory, many scenes depict weapons and fighting. The story ends by demonstrating how the traditions of Hanukkah are kept alive today and includes a recipe for latkes and instructions on how to play dreidel.
All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins; illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
(Ages 4 and up)
Based on the classic book series by Sydney Taylor, this story follows a large family as they prepare latkes together during the first night of Hanukkah in 1912. Gertie, the youngest, feels left out until her Papa allows her the honor of lighting the first candle on the menorah. An author’s note gives the history behind the original series starring an immigrant family as they settle into life in New York City in the early 1900’s.
Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift by Dara Goldman
(Ages 5 and up)
In this adorable retelling of The Gift of the Magi, Boris and Stella are two bears preparing for the holidays. While Boris celebrates Hanukkah and Stella observes Christmas, both friends sell a treasured item to buy the other a generous present. Once the gifts are exchanged, the bears realize that the gift of friendship is much more valuable than any possession. It is difficult to find a story that represents both Christian and Jewish traditions, and this one is a gem.
Tizzy the Dizzy Dreidel by Allison and Wayne Marks; illustrated by Grancesca Assirelli, 2022
(Ages 3 and up)
Tizzy may be a dreidel, but every time she spins, she got dizzy and wobbles over. Now, she sits dejected in the corner while the other dreidels are selected by children. When Tizzy is picked up at last, she is determined to spin without falling and sets a new record. With its gentle rhymes and elements of Hanukkah mixed in, this is a delightful tale for dreidel lovers!
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