A Rugrats Chanukah by Kim Smith: On the eighth night of Chanukah, Grandma Minka reads aloud a story about the meaning of the holiday to Tommy, Chuckie, Lil, Phil, and Angelica. This book is a perfect blend of silly, sweet, and educational and will make a cherished gift for children, nostalgic millennials, and anyone who’s ever wondered about the true meaning of the holiday.
Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel: Bubba Brayna’s makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear. Bubba Brayna—who does not see or hear very well—mistakes the bear for her rabbi and invites him in to play dreidel, light the menorah, and enjoy some scrumptious latkes!
The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman: The last night of Hanukkah is here, and a dastardly dragon keeps foiling the party preparations. Lady Sadie must call upon the Eight Knights of Hanukkah to perform deeds of kindness and bravery! Filled with Hanukkah humor and fun, this picture book emphasizes kindness to help the holiday lights shine a little brighter.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (25th Anniversary Edition) by Eric A. Kimmel: An original tale, featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, has been a family favorite for decades. This beautiful 25th Anniversary Edition includes an insightful afterword from the author and publisher explaining the book’s origins, and remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator who brought the tale to life. This classic picture book is a perfect Hanukkah gift and a wonderful read-aloud.
The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler: Celebrate Hanukkah with a beautiful board book that tells the story of a great miracle. This version of the popular and well-received picture book has been carefully pared down for preschoolers and toddlers, and will introduce children to the Maccabean Revolt, the Holy Temple of Jerusalem, and the oil that burned for eight nights.
Crayola Hanukkah Colors by Robin Nelson: Vivid photos, engaging text, Crayola® colors, and a reproducible coloring page introduce readers to the colors, symbols, and traditions of Hanukkah, from menorahs to latkes. Readers will love this colorful book!
It’s A Mitzvah! by Julie Merberg: This fun, first taste of preschooler-friendly mitzvahs is a basic introduction to Jewish principles and to good behavior. Clever, humorous illustrations accompany rhyming text about important Jewish dos and don’ts. Each page highlights a different mitzvah in a way that’s engaging and totally relatable for little ones.
My Family Celebrates Hanukkah by Lisa Bullard: Spin the dreidel! Eat some latkes! Learn all about why people celebrate Hanukkah through bright illustrations, recall questions, and charming text.
Light the Menorah: A Hanukkah Handbook by Jacqueline Julesis: This book is a manual for the contemporary Jewish family, including brief contemporary-themed “reflections” for each night of Hanukkah as well as holiday history, rituals, activities, songs, and recipes. This book provides tools for creating meaningful family moments in the light of the menorah.
Dreidel Day by Amalia Hoffman: A sweet and playful kitty encourages the reader to count to eight to celebrate Hanukkah. Readers will love finding and counting hidden surprises in each illustrated spread that reference the especially-Hanukkah-apropos numbers one through eight.
Cuddle up with Mitzvah Moose and Mensch on a Bench this Hanukkah and enjoy the inspiring story whereby Moshe, your favorite mensch, ends up encountering a Moose whose antlers won’t glow. As Moshe and the moose begin to do good deeds, the candles begin to illuminate! Mitzvah Moose makes it even more exciting for your family to do good deeds this Hanukkah season. What good deeds will they accomplish?
Deadline was December 2nd at midnight!