There’s no better Hanukkah gift than a book; there’s no Hanukkah activity more engaging than a read-aloud session; there’s no better way to enhance the holiday glow than sharing illustrated stories, both classic and new. Here are eight children’s books that families can enjoy together, and that will further illuminate the Festival of Lights.
All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
“Jenkins captures the tough reality of sibling relationships with brief but resonant words, almost like those of a play.” — Emily Schneider
The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein
“Every now and then [a book] rises above the crowd because of its creative approach, distinctive humor, or all-around charm. Such a book is The Eight Knights of Hanukkah—with its quirky and loveable male and female multicultural knights, their lady mother, and — of course — a dastardly dragon determined to derail the holiday celebration.” — Michal Hoschander Malen
How It’s Made: Hanukkah Menorah by Allison Ofanansky, photographs by Eliyahu Alpern
“This informative and engaging book is highly recommended for all ages as the explanations are simple enough to be understood by preschool listeners, although the content has substance and will interest older readers as well.” — Michal Hoschander Malen
Larry’s Latkes by Jenna Waldman, illustrated by Ben Whitehouse
“The rollicking tale has a number of gentle messages: finding new challenges, sticking to them until you achieve success, combining family traditions with creative approaches, and more.” — Michal Hoschander Malen
Meet the Latkes by Alan Silberberg
“For kids who like silly puns and bright, cartoonish images, the book is a blast. Adults, too, can enjoy the ride as a Juda Mega-Bee and his band emerge from a Trojan-horse-like dreidel on wheels to fight alien potatoes from outer space.” — Emily Schneider
The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Shahar Kober
“With thoughtful words which acknowledge children’s needs to cope with disappointment, and with cheerfully vibrant pictures, The Ninth Night of Hanukkah offers a new perspective on the festival. Hanukkah retains its distinctly Jewish meaning, while becoming an opportunity to include others.” — Emily Schneider
Shield of the Maccabees: A Hanukkah Graphic Novel by Eric Kimmel, illustrated by Dov Smiley
“This graphic novel presents a creative and unusual take on the story of the Maccabees as a Jewish boy and a Greek boy in ancient Judea become friends despite their political differences.” — Michal Hoschander Malen
Happy Llamakkah! by Laura Gehl
“The snowy outdoors with a cozy house, complete with a glowing menorah in the window, winsomely beckons children and invites them in to share a hearty helping of colorful Hanukkah delight.” —Michal Hoschander Malen
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.
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