Best Hanukkah Books for Children of All Ages
Our list of the best Hanukkah books celebrates the joy and meaning of the holiday season. In the fall and winter, there are holidays and celebrations all around us. Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight-day celebration to honor a victory of those who kept their faith. Now, Hanukkah is a time to celebrate strength, courage, hope, and bravery. Children’s books about the holiday teach the history, rituals, and excitement of this powerful holiday. In this list, we have included simple and more developed histories, classic stories, and those with a twist. Here are 15 Reading Boots favorite Hanukkah books for readers of all ages.
Best Hanukkah Books for Ages 0-3
Hanukkah!
Hanukkah!, by Roni Schotter. Introduce your child to the meaning and symbols of Hanukkah with a book. Not only is the language simple, but also the detailed pictures are engaging as a family celebrates the holiday.
Where Is Baby’s Dreidel?
Where Is Baby’s Dreidel?, by Karen Katz. Now, your child can discover Hanukkah symbols as baby searches for his dreidel. The interactive flaps allow your child to participate in this holiday search and find.
Hanukkah Is Coming!
Hanukkah Is Coming!, by Tracy Newman. Join a family as they eat latkes, sing songs, and celebrate Hanukkah. With simple language, rhymes, and illustrations, this is a great holiday book for the youngest readers.
Hanukkah Lights
Hanukkah Lights, by David Martin. Discover the joy of the holiday with this book about the wonderful rituals and celebrations of Hanukkah. Using simple language, descriptions, and pictures, this book is a night Hanukkah introduction for young children.
Best Hanukkah Books for Ages 3-6
Latke, the Lucky Dog
Latke, the Lucky Dog, by Ellen Fischer. A special dog, Latke, was rescued the first night of Hanukkah. However, he has much to learn about being a family pet. Your child will enjoy this spin on Hanukkah celebrations from a dog’s point-of-view.
The Night Before Hanukkah
The Night Before Hanukkah, by Natasha Wing. It’s the night before a beautiful eight-day celebration and everyone is excited. Discover the love and joy of the holiday in this sweet book. Not only will your child enjoy the lyrical rhymes, but also he/she will enjoy the colorful, detailed photos.
Hanukkah Bear
Hanukkah Bear, by Eric A. Kimmel. The smell of Bubba Brayna’s latkes has awoken a bear on the first day of Hanukkah. What happens when she mistakes the bear for the rabbi and invites him into her home for the holiday celebrations? Your child will love the lively illustrations and silly story of mistaken identity while celebrating the joy of the holiday.
Meet the Latkes
Meet the Latkes, by Alan Silberberg. I bet you have never heard the Hanukkah story as told by latkes. Now, meet the confused Latke family, a story about Mega Bees, and a knowledgeable dog who sets the story straight. Your child will giggle at the silly plot twists and enjoy this holiday story.
Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah
Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah, by Silvia A. Rouss. When Josh Shapiro and his family begin to light the menorah, Sammy Spider is fascinated. Discover the joy, excitement, and celebration of the holiday as told through a spider’s eyes. The simple text and illustrations are informative, yet engaging throughout the story.
Chanukah Lights Everywhere
Chanukah Lights Everywhere, by Michael J. Rosen. During Chanukah, a boy and his sister count shining lights around them. While this book celebrates the joy and common traditions of Hanukkah, it also shows the appreciation of other lights. The colorful illustrations and sweet storyline keep children engaged and learning.
Best Hanukkah Books for Ages 6-8
Maccabee! The Story of Hanukkah
Maccabee! The Story of Hanukkah, by Tilda Balsey. Learn more about the Maccabees and their fight to free Jerusalem in this adventurous book. Since it is written in action-packed, yet fun rhymes, the book moves quickly. Your child will enjoy this exciting, brightly colored book.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, by Eric A. Kimmel. What happens when goblins take over during Hanukkah? Discover the tale as a hero outwits one goblin after another. As a Caldecott Honor, this beautiful book is a classic for children of all ages.
Have your child retell the story using this great activity!
The Story of Hanukkah
The Story of Hanukkah, by David A. Adler. Delve deeper into the meaning of Hanukkah with this book. The story of the Maccabees is retold in simple, yet dramatic text and vibrant watercolor illustrations. Even better, you and your child can enjoy the latke recipe and instructions to play the dreidel.
Oskar and the Eight Blessings
Oskar and the Eight Blessings, by Tanya Simon. Not only is Oskar an orphan, but he arrives in New York City on the seventh day of Hanukkah. With only an address, he walks to his aunt’s house taking in many sights and meeting new people. This book sends a sweet message to believe in blessings, simple kindnesses, and the goodness around us.
The Magic Dreidels
The Magic Dreidels, by Eric A. Kimmel. Jacob does not want anything to do with holiday preparations until a goblin gives him magical dreidels. After getting tricked out of his magic dreidels, Jacob must find a way to get them back before Hanukkah. Enjoy a story of magic, beautiful pictures, and morals.
Celebrate the spirit of the holidays with these Hanukkah books.
Get your Reading Boots on and enjoy the journey!
