Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish festival spanning eight days and nights typically celebrated in late November or December. This selection of books brings the festival to life for readers of all ages. Featuring the history of the celebration, typical recipes, music, rules for spin the dreidel, pop-up menorahs and plentiful photographs there is something here to appeal to each one of the senses.
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Hanukkah (Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme)
by Allan Morey (Author), Mark Oblinger (Author, Producer), Luke Séguin-Magee (Illustrator)
Review: Young learners will enjoy discovering Hanukkah through the medium of song in this engaging book published by Cantata Learning. Before exploring the festival, there is a helpful guide from the publishers as to how to best use the book; it also explains the benefits of reading and singing together. The book then begins with a brief, child-friendly overview of the story behind Hanukkah. Delightful illustrations accompany the song text on the remaining pages. With plenty of background detail to talk about after the song is over this book will stimulate plenty of conversation.
Click here to look through the book and hear the song.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 – 8 years old. I think this would hold the most appeal to children in the 5 to 7 years old age bracket.
Hanukkah
by Jessica Server
Review: This highly informative book provides a great overview of Hanukkah. Short chapters look at the history of the festival, when it is celebrated and by whom, as well as traditional food and the ways that people mark the festival around the world, in their community and at home. Colourful photographs highlight information in the text, whilst a glossary clearly explains new terms. A useful pronunciation guide is included at the back of the book along with some suggestions for further reading and sites to research on the internet. This is a solid, accessible introduction.
Click here for a read-aloud of the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 8 years old. This will need to be read to younger children, whilst older readers will happily be able to read it themselves.
Celebrate Hanukkah
by Deborah Heiligman
Review: Deborah Heiligman’s book is another great addition to the National Geographic Kids library. As you would expect, it is full of beautiful photographs that capture the spirit and magic of the festival. The text is written in simple easy-to-understand English, sharing key information in an accessible way. A comprehensive “More About” section at the end of the book contains instructions on how to light a menorah, a recipe for potato latkes and a glossary, together with links to further reference material and a map showing where in the world the photographs in the book were taken. The book ends with a message from Rabbi Shira Stern.
Suggested Reading Age: 6 to 9 years old.
J is for Janucá
by Melanie Romero (Author), Cassie Gonzales (Illustrator)by Melanie Romero (Author), Cassie Gonzales (Illustrator)
Review: This eye-catching bilingual book delves into Janucá whilst simultaneously enabling readers to practise their Spanish/English language skills. Each page is dedicated to a letter of the Spanish alphabet and gives interesting insights into the Festival of Lights and Judaism. Entries range from aceite/oil and velas/candles to Estrella de David/Star of David, for example. A bold colour palette ensures the accompanying illustrations stand out. This engaging multi-faceted book would make a super addition to any library.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 10 years old.
Maccabee: The Story Of Hanukkah
by Tilda Balsley (Author), David Harrington (Illustrator)
Review: Wonderfully illustrated and with a strong rhyming text, Maccabee!: The Story of Hanukkah is a highly engaging retelling of the story of the Maccabees. Rich colours and dynamic illustrations capture the readers’ attention throughout. The rhyming text flows effortlessly, telling the story at a good pace. Its memorable refrain, “Sometimes it only takes a few, who know what’s right and do it, too.” further contributes to making this an enjoyable read-aloud and read-long book. Highly recommended.
Suggested Reading Age: In my opinion, whilst younger readers will enjoy the pictures and rhyme, the text itself is most accessible for the 7 to 10-year age bracket.
Hanukkah Pop-Up Menorah: An 8-Day Celebration Of The Festival Of Lights
by Lisa Rojany
Hanukkah In A Book
by Abrams Noterie (Author), Carolyn Gavin (Illustrator)
Reviews: Hanukkah Pop-Up Menorah: An 8-Day Celebration Of The Festival Of Lights and Hanukkah In A Book both feature menorahs that readers can make and “light”. Stunningly illustrated and with accompanying information about the festival, these interactive books make ideal gifts for those celebrating Hanukkah or an appealing addition to class and home libraries for those keen to learn more about this celebration.
Suggested Reading Age: All ages.
Happy Reading!
Other Celebration Themed Posts That May Be Of Interest:
Spectacular Celebrations And Fabulous Festivals
Diwali: Exploring Celebrations Around The World
Click HERE For More Social Studies Posts.
Do YOU know any great books about Hanukkah to add to this list? If so, please leave a recommendation below .