Marcia Berneger

 

NEW HANUKKAH BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

∼A ROUNDUP∼

 

 

 

 

To date, 2024 has had the most new Hanukkah books than any previous year since I began blogging. While this is certainly something to celebrate, it also means that I cannot devote as much space to each review as I’d like. Several books below include Hanukkah although they do not focus solely on the holiday. Of note is that this roundup ended up featuring 18 books, and if you’re not aware, the number 18 in Judaism stands for the “chai” or “life.” A big shout out to author Marcia Berneger for her help reviewing several books this year. I hope you’ll make tracks to your local indie bookshop to purchase these books or order them from Bookshop.org and read for yourself just how wonderful they truly are. Enjoy!

 

BOARD BOOKS

HANUKKAH HIPPITY-HOP
Written by Barbara Kimmel
Illustrated by Ana Zurita
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $9.99, Ages 1-4)

This lively board book is just the thing to help toddlers and pre-schoolers get their” wiggles out” while the grownups make the Hanukkah preparations. The bouncy rhyme works wonderfully with the different movements that Kimmel’s created in Hanukkah Hippity-Hop. “We’ll move and we’ll groove and we’ll bippity-bop.” Set up the kids in a safe space away from the menorah so they can dance to their hearts’ content. They can stomp like a Maccabee or shake like a jelly donut. The connections to all these Hanukkah is clever and catchy. Pick up a copy today and let your little ones celebrate with a beat that’s an infectious treat for their hands and their feet! Zurita’s spirited art includes a kitty who also can’t keep still, and colorful clothing with holiday sayings and designs.

 

MY DREIDEL
Written and illustrated by Ann Koffsky
(Apples & Honey Press; $10.95, Ages 0-1)

In My Dreidel, author-illustrator Ann Koffsky has created the perfect combination for our youngest readers. With a dose of Hanukkah, a theme kids will relate to, and an adorable puppy main character, the stage is set for total enjoyment. The young puppy has a dreidel, but when she tries to spin it, down it goes. She tries again and again, but the dreidel just stops and plops. Daddy comes to the rescue, showing that working together is the way to go. Little ones will learn that trying is good, but accepting help is also okay. This simple, action-filled book for ages 0-1 is destined to be a family favorite.

• Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

 

 

PICTURE BOOKS

A DRAGON FOR HANUKKAH
Written by Sarah Mlynowski
Illustrated by Ariel Landy
(Orchard Books; $18.99, Ages 3-8)

With over 50 books to her credit, best-selling author Sarah Mlynowski delivers her debut picture book and it’s delightful! A Dragon for Hanukkah unfolds over the eight nights of Hanukkah and is about the power of imagination. And, when coupled with whimsical art by Ariel Landy, the prose shines like the gold coins and gems in Hannah’s treasure chest. When the main character’s mom announces the guests will be arriving soon, Hannah must tidy up and stop her pretend play. That’s when the real gifts are revealed. To be honest, that was a sweet surprise for me. From a dragon stuffie and a time machine dreidel to a pair of celestial socks, Hannah’s imagination took her back in time and up to the stars. Two pages of backmatter feature Nerry the dragon stuffed animal and Hannah in a helpful and playful Q+A about the Festival of Lights for those less familiar with the holiday.

 

BEAM OF LIGHT: 
The Story of the First White House Menorah
Written by Elisa Boxer
Illustrated by Sofia Moore
(Rocky Pond Books; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

This fascinating narrative informational picture book is told from the perspective of a reclaimed beam of wood in the White House occupied by Harry S. Truman. The year, 1948. Adding important context to Beam of Light, Boxer notes that just five years before this story takes place, rabbis appealed to FDR at this very same White House to help save Eastern European Jews by allowing them to emigrate to America. They were brushed aside. The results meant over six million Jews perished during the Holocaust.

As the book opens, we quickly learn that the White House was not in great shape. “I was a witness to the weakening-a wooden beam, struggling to support this structure that once stood strong …” Truman decided the first family had to leave so that a major renovation could be undertaken. He wanted to be sure the house would be stronger and safer for future generations. This would be no small task. And, so the history of this one salvaged beam that would become the menorah begins. However, the wooden beam with its powerful refrain, “I was supposed to be destroyed,” gets put in storage as 13 presidents come and go.

Then, after seven decades in a warehouse, the beam returns to the White House. “I had come home.” There’s no denying that Boxer’s personification of what is to become the White House’s first menorah gets me so emotional each time I read that moving line. With Moore’s thoughtful rendering of a craftsman at work, we see how the beam is transformed into a nine-branched menorah or Hanukkiah, symbolizing triumph over persecution. Thanks to President Joe Biden, the menorah’s first lighting is aptly in the presence of Holocaust survivors, their children, and their children’s children. He “introduced me as the first Jewish artifact ever added to the White House’s permanent collection.” Thanks to Boxer, this little-known story can now be shared with and appreciated by readers of all faiths. The meaning of this menorah’s permanent place in the White House is not lost on those of us who know that prior to 2001, when George W. Bush lit a menorah that was loaned to the White House, one had never before been lit by a president. Don’t miss the enlightening Author’s Note in the backmatter. The book’s title, Beam of Light, with its double meaning, could not be more perfect and is a testament to the enduring “resilience of the Jewish people.”

 

CHARLEY AND SEYMOUR’S HANUKKAH MIRACLE
Written by Melody Howard Ritt
Illustrated by Nia Gould
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

If you’re looking for a sweet animal-oriented story this Hanukkah, look no further than Charley and Seymour’s Hanukkah Miracle. The chipmunk and squirrel are best buddies and love spending together, so naturally, they plan to spend Hanukkah at Seymour’s. And while Charley is tasked with bringing the menorah and candles, when the time comes to gather up stuff for the celebration, Charley remembers the menorah. I can hear kids shouting, “Take the candles” when Charley’s searching his house because they are so invested in the story. He knows he’s supposed to bring something else beginning with the letter C but cannot recall exactly what. Maybe it’s cantaloupe, or maybe it’s carrots. Before long, he’s packing up lots of things that begin with the letter C, including candy (Hanukkah gelt), but not the candles. Children will be waiting to see how Seymour deals with this dilemma but when the time comes to light the menorah, it’s actually Charley who saves the day. How does he accomplish this? The same way the Maccabees did, with oil, only this time it’s oil from Seymour’s latkes.

 

DON’T INVITE A BEAR INSIDE FOR HANUKKAH – Marcia
Written by Karen Rostoker-Gruber
Illustrated by Carles Arbat
(Apples & Honey Press; $19.99, Ages 3-6)

With its delightful story and whimsical illustrations, Karen Rostoker-Gruber’s new picture book, Don’t Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah is a winner! What could go wrong if you invite a bear for Hanukkah? EVERYTHING! He’ll help you decorate your house and choose candles for the menorah. But a bear is big and somewhat clumsy. And once the food is on the table … watch out! Bears are terribly messy and somewhat greedy. If you send him away, he’ll be lonely and sad. Perhaps a compromise is in order? This is a fun story with lots of heart and a great message on being warm and friendly to your guests. A great Hanukkah tale, for sure!

•  Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

 

EIGHT SWEET NIGHTS, A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS:
A Hanukkah Story
Written by Charlotte Offsay
Illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt
(Doubleday BYR; $18.99, Ages 3-7)

Love and light take center stage in this lyrical picture book that’s a beautiful blend of Jewish joy mixed with interesting fact boxes. Author Offsay’s story is a warm and welcoming look at how this big family celebrates Hanukkah traditions, including cooking latkes, eating jelly donuts, and lighting candles on the menorah.

Hanukkah begins on the twenty-fifth of Kislev.
Kislev is a month on the Jewish calendar,
starting in either November or December.

These elements come together to convey the wider experience of Hanukkah in this multigenerational story. Yiddish and Hebrew words are introduced. Delicious treats such as Sticky marshmallows and melty kisses spin into sweet candy dreidels are enjoyed. And memories are being made. The family gathering reminded me of when I was a child and spent the holidays with my cousins at my aunt and uncle’s home. While this book would appeal to Jewish readers, its helpful info makes it accessible to all readers who want to learn more about the Hanukkah or Chanuka or Chanukkah experience. Backmatter shares the Hanukkah story and provides an explanation as to why the holiday has many different spellings.

 

HANUKKAH PAJAMAKKAHS
Written by Dara Henry
Illustrated by Oleg and Aleksey Ivanov
(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; $18.99, Ages 4-7)

Here’s a sweet Hanukkah story about something the majority of us wear and adore, pajamas! Ruthie is overjoyed to receive PAJAMAKKAHS on the first night of Hanukkah. Her dad says they’re for the Hanakkah Pajamakkah Party but Ruthie wants to wear them “all eight nights!” Ruthie’s mom tells her she needs to keep them spotless and Ruthie promises she will. Ha! We know what’s in store right? Henry takes readers for a rollicking ride as Ruthie finds a way to somehow do the very opposite of what she was told. Beginning with getting some latke oil on them the first night and candle wax the second, the pajamakkah’s stains mount despite Ruthie’s insistence they are spotless.

Kids will find Ruthie’s array of antics relatable and the messes unavoidable, which makes for an entertaining storytime. The sleepwear continues to display signs of what Ruthie’s been getting up to, splish after squelch after splash! Uh oh! Ruthie hasn’t kept her promise to keep the pajamakkahs spotless for the party. The fun is seeing what happens on the eighth night and whether Ruthie’s pajamakkahs can pass the spotless test and deliver a Hanukkah miracle. The Ivanov’s upbeat digital art literally propels the story forward. Created in a pencil and watercolor style, the illustrations are joyful, and full of emotion as readers see Ruthie immerse herself in the holiday festivities.
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LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN!
Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrated by Taryn Johnson
(Cartwheel Books; $7.99, Ages 3-5)

Prepare for plenty of laughs in this charming rhyming tale of a frustrated little dreidel eager to spin like her more experienced cousins. The author deftly weaves in Yiddish words that add another level of fun to this story of perseverance.

While Bubbie reassures her little dreidel it takes time and practice, the top tries and tries to no avail in humorous scene after scene. Johnson’s cute and colorfully rendered dreidels take on a life of their own as they twirl away. Gardyn Levington gives a clever nod to the beloved Dreidel song when she mentions Little Dreidel is made of clay that’s dry and ready. And I loved the wordplay when the teetering top falls on her shin, too! Just when she’s ready to give up, she’s hit with a new round of determination to get spinning and a happy Hanukkah miracle occurs. The Hanukkah story is not included in the backmatter, but a Yiddish glossary and pronunciation guide are.  A recommended new spin this holiday!

 

OY, SANTA!:
Or, There’s a Latke to Learn About Hanukkah
Written by Joyce Schriebman
Illustrated by Gila von Meissner
(Intergalactic Afikomen; $19.99, Ages 4-9)

A Jewish boy named Oliver Overstreet begins corresponding with Santa via email, a 21st-century epistolary approach I always like in picture books. He’s writing to let Santa know he doesn’t need to come down his chimney because he’s Jewish. While an occasional holiday story may focus on how some Jewish children at this age wish Santa would visit, Schriebman’s tale has a fresh take inspired by a note from her son when he was little.

And though it may be Chrismukkah this year with the two holidays overlapping, Oliver is proud to celebrate just Hanukkah. His overarching message is “… mostly I don’t want you to smush Hanukkah and Christmas together anymore.” Santa’s replies indicate he is aware of the different holidays, though he occasionally makes a mistake, such as telling Oliver to enjoy the matzah, which is actually for Passover, or being confused about when the Jewish New Year occurs.

There is humor woven throughout both the text and the art. Kids will want to explore every inch of von Meissner’s whimsical illustrations, packed with interesting things to pick out, including kitties, Santa’s toyshop activity, and both his and Oliver’s interior decor. Meanwhile, Oliver’s messages serve as an engaging way to explain the significance of Hanukkah to both young Jewish and non-Jewish readers. It’s when Oliver becomes a bit more impatient and emphatic with Santa to learn everything that he starts to worry he might land on Santa’s naughty list. Oliver is presented as a bi-racial child, demonstrating the diversity of the Jewish community to young readers, something I’ve seen in more and more Jewish picture books over the past few years and a welcome depiction. I can see parents and educators using a letter-writing exercise as a way for children to express their feelings about Hanukkah traditions. Four pages of colorful backmatter feature instructions for the dreidel game, more Oliver/Santa emails addressing holiday details, Schriebman’s son’s actual note, and author and illustrator info.

 

URI AND THE KING OF DARKNESS:
A Hanukkah Story
Written by Nati Bait
Illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami
Translated by Ilana Kurshan
(Kalaniot Books; $19.99, Ages 4-9)

Written in rhyme, this atmospheric picture book takes place in what looks like Tel Aviv. It’s windy, rainy, and dark outside, causing Uri to worry as he awaits his father’s return. His concerns are mimicked in the drawings he’s making. Ben Ami’s loose sketch and watercolor style art depict Dad changing a tire so readers know what has held him up. No doubt the bad weather has added to the delay. Tension builds as Uri watches for his father. He imagines the King of Darkness leading his invading army, harkening back to when the Maccabees fought against King Antiochus for their religious freedom. Despite Uri’s mom’s assurances, Uri pretends to go to battle against the enemy. His sister, Shir, joins in the action. When Uri’s father comes home, a special treat comes with him. Now that the family is all together and the menorah is lit, Uri can return to his picture and draw away the King. Hanukkah’s light, along with help from brave Uri and Shir, has defeated the darkness. Two pages of backmatter share the Hanukkah story and prayers to recite when lighting the candles. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this holiday through Uri’s young eyes.

 

 

CHAPTER BOOKS

A DONUT IN TIME:
A Hanukkah Story
Written by Elana Rubinstein
Illustrated by Jennifer Naalchigar
(Apples & Honey Press; $16.95, Ages 8-10) 

For those meeting Saralee Siegel for the first time, you’re in for a treat. Saralee has a remarkable,
and somewhat unusual, superpower—a nose that sniffs out foods down to their smallest
ingredients. After learning her great-grandmother Gigi’s famous Hanukkah donut recipe inspired
the opening of the Seigel House Restaurant, Saralee just has to whip up a batch for herself. But
the smells are so powerful as she bakes, a smell-cloud opens a portal back to Gigi’s time.

Unfortunately, everyone in Gigi’s family has convinced her to stop using her super smeller and
lead a “normal” life. She abandons her dreams of selling her donuts at the Hanukkah festival, a
decision that reaches far into the future. When Saralee returns to her own time, everything is terribly different. To put things right again, she must convince Gigi to be strong, to be herself, and to pursue her donut-selling dream. A Donut in Time is a great Hanukkah chapter book with an important theme—stand up for yourself and for what you believe in, just like the Maccabees did so long ago.

• Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

 

RACHEL FRIEDMAN AND THE EIGHT
NOT-PERFECT NIGHTS OF HANUKKAH
Written by Sarah Kapit
Illustrated by Genevieve Kote
(Henry Holt and Co. BYR; $17.99, Ages 5-9)

I’m glad I got to spend time getting to know Rachel Friedman. This chapter book, the second in Kapit’s series, revolves around Rachel’s goal to complete the eight items she and her BFF Maya have created for a Hanukkah to-do list. School’s out and, at age 13, Rachel’s older brother Aaron doesn’t seem to find Hanukkah that cool anymore. Rachel is determined to change his mind. On top of that, she is still pretty peeved that her classmate, Mason, could not understand the big deal about Hanukkah after seeing a drawing Rachel had made. She was tired of people thinking Christmas was better and her list would prove it.

When Maya gets ill and cannot join Rachel to partake in all the planned activities, and Aaron has no desire to leave his laptop, Rachel has to go solo. However, building the annual Lego porch menorah is a struggle without help. So not fun! Plus the latkes Dad usually makes on the first night are not happening. He forgot to get potatoes and driving to a store in the snowy weather is not a good idea. Pizza will have to do. Things continue to go downhill despite a surprise Hanukkah present Rachel loves. Kapit makes sure to bring in positive experiences for Rachel so it’s not one disappointment after another. For example, when Aaron finally takes a break from video games to beat his sister at dreidel spinning, she sees the bright side. “Aaron did a Hanukkah thing with me! Even if he is annoying, I’m glad that he did.” It’s only when she causes Aaron to fall while ice skating at the park that, ironically, things slowly begin to improve. He admires a comic she made him and they have a meaningful heart-to-heart. Fifteen fast-flowing chapters include illustrations by Genevieve Kote that convey emotion and humor adding to the page-turnability of this story. The cover art is a perfect example of the sibling dynamic and Rachel’s personality. Kids new to chapter books will feel accomplished with this book’s accessibility, and eager to see what Rachel gets up to next.

 

MIDDLE-GRADE ANTHOLOGY

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS:
16 Hanukkah Stories
Compiled by Henry Herz
(Albert Whitman & Co.; $18.99, Ages 9-12)

Every single short story in this engrossing collection is superb and I can assure you there is something for everyone here. Whether you like poetry, magical realism, historical fiction, humor, mythology, or memoir, you’ll find something in and out of your go-to genre that just makes you feel good.

There’s a story about an enchanted spoon, a girl messenger in Bletchley, 1943, a Girl Scout troop member connecting with a Jewish resident at a senior home holiday party, several about characters with previously unknown Jewish ancestry, the moving meaning of wax buildup on a menorah and much more. Several stories mention how many Christmas and holiday songs in general were written by Jewish creators and others focus on how often Jewish children are asked to sing religious Christmas songs when Jewish songs are given short shrift. I’d be remiss not to share my delight when Alan Katz’s short story mentioned the iconic department store of my childhood in my husband’s hometown of Douglaston, NY – Korvettes. Katz’s recollection of family gift-giving talked about the toy department. I recall the record department where I bought my first single, “I Think I Love You” by David Cassidy! I’m a big anthology fan, so perhaps I’m partial, but I loved reading such a rich and varied amount of approaches to the Hanukkah celebration. How terrific that this talented group of authors accepted the challenge! Read it slowly to savor every special story. It’s a keeper!

 

 

INTERFAITH FAMILIES PLUS HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

 

GINGERBREAD DREIDELS
Written by Jane Breskin Zalben
Illustrated by Thai My Phuong
(Charlesbridge, $17.99. Ages 4-7)

It doesn’t happen often, but this year, the first night of Hanukkah falls on the same day as Christmas. When the two holidays coincide, some people refer to it as Chrismukkah. For families who celebrate both, it means double the excitement. Sophie and Max are waiting for their two sets of grandparents, the Golds and the Feathers, to arrive, but the snowy weather might be holding them up. To “make the time go faster,” the children’s mom suggests baking. A mess ensues, but the time indeed passes, and soon the grandparents show up. The kitchen is a flurry of cooking activity before everyone heads out to enjoy the snow. The combination of a Hanukkah song and Menorah lighting followed by “Silent Night” and Christmas tree lighting makes for a memorable evening. My Phuong’s illustrations add to the warmth of this diverse gathering which includes Grandma Gold, an Ethiopian Jew. This picture book accurately depicts the Hanukkah and Christmas story so kids in interfaith families can see themselves reflected on the pages. Best of all is the blending of sweet traditions in the form of gingerbread dreidels, opening presents from under the tree, and of course, the priceless gift of being together. I like how Breskin Zalbin’s prose flows effortlessly much like how the family respectfully and joyfully honors the two faiths shared in the story.

 

WE CELEBRATE THE LIGHT
Written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple
Illustrated by  Jieting Chen
(Rise X Penguin Workshop; $18.99, Ages 3-6)

When Jane Yolen and daughter Heidi E. Y. Stemple write a story together, the results are bound to be spectacular, and their latest picture book, WE CELEBRATE THE LIGHT does not disappoint. This gentle book, illustrated by Jieting Chen’s whimsical art, whisks readers around the world to experience seven joyful winter holidays. As the title implies, these celebrations are all bound together by light. Lights adorn both Christmas trees and the bodhi, a Ficus tree decorated for the Buddist Bodhi Day. The Chanukah menorah and the Kwanza Kinara both hold multiple candles, while lanterns are lit for Diwali and for the Lunar New Year. The seventh holiday, the Solstice, celebrates the sun’s light. Each spread shows families enjoying songs, games, and tables filled with traditional foods. Chen’s warm, autumn palette weaves calmness and joy through every page. This is a holiday book you’ll want to take out every winter and read about each holiday as it arrives.

• Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

 

THE LIGHT FROM MY MENORAH:
Celebrating Holidays Around the World
Written by Robin Heald
Illustrated by Andrea Blinick
(Pajama Press; $18.95, Ages 4-8)

The cover of The Light from my Menorah exudes warmth. The first spread simply doubles down on that ambiance. A fire is burning in the fireplace, a daughter is playing dreidel, Dad and Mom are reading and a son is watching the glow of all nine candles in the menorah. And I can’t forget the comfy-looking kitty asleep on the rug.

Enchanted by the light of the candles burning, the boy thinks of the Hanukkah miracle of “long-lasting light.” He wonders where the miracle of the light is now as a swirling strand of light leads the boy to Scandinavia where a group is celebrating St. Lucia Day when people dress as the saint and candles light up the headpiece of the leader. (Kids should look out for the owl and other creatures making appearances in Blinick’s charming illustrations.) Next, “the light from my menorah zigzags up mountains.” It travels fast, and it travels far, touching down in Thailand, where darkness takes on a magical quality during Loy Krathong. Here, people light candles and incense sticks and place them on decorated floating bases. They make wishes and set the “krathong” off in hopes any bad luck will go with it. Other light-filled holidays are covered including Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Diwali. More detailed explanations can be found in the backmatter.

 

LET’S GET FESTIVE!: 
Celebrations Around the World
Written by Joanna Kończak
Illustrated by Ewa Poklewska-Kozietto
Translated by Kate Webster
(NorthSouth Books; $27.95, Ages 4 and up)

I learned about a host of holidays in Let’s Get Festive! that made me want to visit many of the countries covered at those times of year. Kończak chose to organize the book according to theme rather than in chronological order. The themes featured in 175 pages are “Welcoming the New Year,” “Celebrations of Nature,” “Religious Holidays,” “Carnivals,” “For the Dead,” “In Memory of People and Important Events,” and “Special Occasions.” Not only is Hanukkah thoughtfully covered but three other Jewish holidays are featured.

One holiday I particularly enjoyed reading about is called Vesak. It celebrates Buddha’s birthday and focuses on spreading joy and offering prayers for peace. It’s also been “designated an international holiday by UNESCO,” something I had no idea even existed. Another lovely and surprising holiday, this one from Japan, is called Hanami and means “flower viewing.” When the stunning pink blossoms of the beloved cherry trees are at their peak people gather for picnics to bask in their brief but undeniable beauty.

The art in this comprehensive compendium of international celebrations is cheerful and festive and would please even the youngest reader. However, the text may be better suited for ages 7 and up. With over 35 holidays and celebrations to read about, I recommend skipping the deep dive and, instead, picking one theme at a time. This extends the experience and helps what you’ve read sink in.

WE ALSO RECOMMEND:

The Day I Became a Potato Pancake
(Apples & Honey)

Let it Glow
(Feiwel & Friends)

ABOUT GUEST REVIEWER MARCIA BERNEGER:

Marcia Berneger is an educator, speaker, and writer. A retired teacher who taught elementary school children for over three decades, she has worked mainly with first and second-graders and children with special learning challenges. Marcia’s passionate about helping children navigate their world and many of her stories are taken from her teaching experiences working with fidgety students or those experiencing typical childhood fears.

Find her here.

Check out last year’s roundup here.