My husband and I have always talked about how to teach the twins about Hanukkah. Obviously, being 6 months old they are a little young to quite get it, but I want to be prepared for when they start talking and asking questions. I love nothing more than the Friends episode featuring the Holiday Armadillo, but thought that again, they'd be a little too young to get the humor in that, so we opted to purchase some Hanukkah books for kids until they're a little bit older and share in my love of Friends.
These Hanukkah books for kids all discuss the meaning of Hanukkah, but in a fun and cute way that little ones can understand.
Latke, The Lucky Dog
by Ellen Fischer
Synopsis:Â Rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah, Latke the puppy joins the family just in time for the celebrations. Although he has trouble learning the house rules, he is one Lucky Dog!
Elmo's Little Dreidel
by Naomi Kleinberg
Synopsis:Â What's a dreidel? Elmo wants to know! He finds out as he celebrates the first night of Hanukkah with a friend's family. He watches Gil, Susie, and their parents light the menorah and joins in as they sing Hanukkah songs. After supper he learns to play dreidel, the traditional Hanukkah spin-the-top game. And, at the end of the evening, Elmo gets his first Hanukkah gift"his very own little dreidel! This sturdy board book introduces toddlers to the traditions of the Jewish Festival of Lights and even teaches them how to play dreidel themselves!
Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama
by Selina Alko
Synopsis:Â I am a mix of two traditions.
From Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama.
How lucky am I?
Holiday time at Sadie's house means golden gelt sparkling under the Christmas tree, candy canes hanging on eight menorah branches, voices uniting to sing carols about Macabees and the manger, and latkes on the mantel awaiting Santa's arrival.
The Kvetch Who Stole Hanukkah
by Bill Berlin and Susan Isakoff Berlin
Synopsis:Â In the town of Oyville, the children were preparing for Hanukkah. But the kvetch who lived high on the hill said what he said every year: “The latkes smell bad, the dreidels make me dizzy, and to hear children laugh puts me in a tizzy.” This year, will Hanukkah represent another great miracle, finally bringing a smile to the kvetch's face?
Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein
by Amanda Peet
Synopsis: Rachel Rosenstein is determined to celebrate Christmas this year"and the fact that her family is Jewish is not going to stop her. In a series of hilarious and heartwarming mishaps, Rachel writes a letter to Santa explaining her cause, pays him a visit at the mall, and covertly decorates her house on Christmas Eve (right down to latkes for Santa and his reindeer). And while Rachel may wrestle with her culture, customs, and love of sparkly Christmas ornaments, she also comes away with a brighter understanding of her own identity and of the gift of friends and family.
The Story of Hanukkah
by David A. Adler
Synopsis:Â No celebration of Hanukkah would be complete without recountng the events of more than two thousand years ago that the holiday commemorates. In a simple yet dramatic text and vibrant paintings, the story of the courageous Maccabees and the miracle that took place in the Temple in Jerusalem is retold. For readers who want to continue the festivities, a recipe for latkes and directions for playing dreidel are included.
Clifford Celebrates Hanukkah
by Norman Bridwell
Synopsis:Â Celebrate Hanukkah with Clifford and Emily Elizabeth!
Clifford and Emily Elizabeth are celebrating their first Hanukkah. They love hearing the story of Hanukkah, eating “latkes” (fried potato pancakes) and “sufganiyot” (fried jelly donuts), and playing dreidel.
After dinner, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth take a trip into town to see the giant menorah. But when they get there, they discover that one light is broken. It's too late in the evening to call a handyman, but maybe Clifford is big enough to help save Hanukkah!
Happy Hanukkah, Curious George
by H.A. Rey and Margret Rey
Synopsis:Â It is the eighth night of Hanukkah, and George and his friends have gathered for a celebration. They light the menorah, spin the dreidel, make latkes, and learn the importance of mitzvah! In this tabbed board book, youngsters will even find a tasty latke recipe and instructions for constructing a dreidel, with rules for play. A festive foil-stamped cover makes this a fine holiday gift for fans of Curious George.
The Night Before Hanukkah
by Natasha Wing
Synopsis:Â It's the night before the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah begins, and everyone is excited! Each evening, the family gathers to light the candles and share holiday traditions such as playing dreidel, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts. The seventeenth title in Natasha Wing's bestselling series, The Night Before Hanukkah captures all the joy and love in one of the most wonderful times of the year!
The Hanukkah Hop
by Erica Silverman
Synopsis:Â It's Hanukkah! It's a time to celebrate family and enjoy festive traditions. As Rachel and her parents prepare the house, grandparents, cousins, and friends travel from near and far to sing and tell stories. Together, they will light candles, play games, and eat scrumptuous holiday foods… and, of course, dance the Hanukkah Hop. The stamping, the hopping, and the bim-bim-bopping is sure to go on all night!
Erica Silverman's lively, rollicking text is sure to inspire every member of the family in celebrating the Festival of Lights!
Are there any other Hanukkah books for kids that you recommend?