~Mia Blitstein
Hanukkah Books for Kids
Here are some of our favorite Hanukkah Books for Kids:
Hoppy Hanukkah by Linda Glaser – One of my son’s favorites about a bunny family enjoying the holiday. Latkes are made, dreidel’s spun, candles lit.
Latkes, Latkes, Good To Eat by Naomi Howland – Similar to Strega Nona, this story has a magic latke pan that helps a poor family to celebrate Chanukkah with full bellies. The brothers get into trouble when they use the pan incorrectly.
The Story of Hanukkah (two versions – one written by Norma Simon, one by Amy Ehrlich) – both tell more factual accounts of the story as well as a brief examination of current traditions.
It’s Hanukkah Time by, has simple photographs and captions of children at pre-school getting ready to celebrate Hanukkah with some special visitors. A recipe for sufganiyot (soof-gahn-ee-yote) is included at the end, as well as the blessings to recite while lighting the candles.
Readers’ Favorite Hanukkah Books for Kids
We asked our readers on facebook what their favorite Hanukkah books for kids were, and they happily shared their favorite titles!
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman are the authors of this Caldecott Honor-winning classic story. Villagers are being tormented by a band of goblins who hate Hanukkah, but are rescued by Brave Hershel.
Moishe’s Miracle: A Hanukkah Story, by Laura Krauss Melmed is a story about Moishe, who gets a magical pan that can make as many latkes as he wants for his hungry neighbors. (It’s fun to make latkes after you read the book!)
Maccabee!: The Story of Hanukkah by Tilda Balsley is a great rhyming book to illustrated the history and actual story behind Hanukkah.
Celebrate: A Book of Jewish Holidays by Judy Gross includes all of the Jewish holidays throughout the year: “from Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, to Sukkot, the celebration of the harvest, to Hanukkah, the festival of lights, this is the perfect book for families to enjoy together.”
The Hanukkah Mice by Steven Kroll is a sweet booked packed with the familiar cultural traditions of celebrating Hanukkah. Very cute illustrations!
Chanukah Lights by Michael Rosen is unique in its illustrations. The white paper cut pop-up scenes are so intricate and beautiful, kids and adults of all ages will be mesmerized.
I’m pleased to welcome back Mia, mom to son Judah, age 5 ½, and wife of Dan. She works as a teacher coach for Children’s Literacy Initiative, a non-profit based in Philadelphia, helping to improve the quality of instruction in inner city schools. Though raising her son in a Jewish home, diverse and multicultural values weigh heavily in making daily parenting choices. In her spare time, she enjoys acupuncture, meditation, walking the dog (Mooshu), cooking delicious plant-based superfoods, reading and writing, and volunteering as an advocate for cancer awareness and healthful living. You can find her at her blog, Remission Statement. Here are some of her favorite books about Hanukkah for kids! Thanks Mia!! These are great resources for teachers and parents to teach their kids about Hanukkah. Also try Mia’s awesome latke recipe, and her beautiful Hanukkah craft!
I’d like to add Herschel and the Hanukkah goblins! It’s by Kimmel and it’s fantastic!
Oh thanks for the addition!! I will have to check it out:).
We are not Jewish but my kids love learning about Hannukah and eating Jewish food! Thanks so much for sharing this great list at Multicultural Children’s Book Day and for your support! We really appreciate having you on board!