The American Library Association, since 1938, has annually awarded the Caldecott Medal to the most distinguished American picture book. Named in honor of Randolph Caldecott, a nineteenth-century English illustrator, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to children’s literature. Discover six award-winning books that come with exceptional illustrations and stories.
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The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
Winner of the 2010 Caldecott Medal, The Lion & the Mouse is a nearly wordless telling of the classic Aesop tale. The Lion & the Mouse is a story of the unlikely friendship between a fierce lion and a tiny mouse. When the Lion catches the Mouse for a tasty snack, Mouse convinces the Lion to spare his life. In return, Mouse saves the fierce Lion trapped in a poacher’s net. Enjoy the extraordinary details of Pinkney’s water-colored paintings set in the African Serengeti are candy to your eyes. Young children will delight in “reading” this timeless story of kindness.
My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann
Rabbit always manages to find trouble. In this book, Mouse lets Rabbit play with his new toy airplane, which inevitably lands in a tree. Luckily, Rabbit has a solution! However, Rabbit’s idea only makes the situation worse. This is a beautiful story of friendship, understanding, and acceptance. Mouse accepts Rabbit for his faults because he is Mouse’s friend. The illustrations (which made this book the 2003 Caldecott Medal winner) are hilarious. (Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 2)
Madeline’s Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans
When Madeline, an endearing, fearless, and mischievous girl, falls into the Seine River in Paris, it is feared that she has drowned. To the relief of her friends, teacher, and police officers, Madeline is rescued by a dog. Miss. Clavel, Madeline’s teacher, allows Madeline and her friends to keep the dog, whom they name Genevieve, until they can find her rightful owner. However, after the board of trustees visits for their annual inspection, Lord Cucuface forces the girls to get rid of their beloved pet. The prose of this timeless piece rhymes and makes it a delightful read. The watercolor illustrations make the readers feel like they are in Paris along with Madeline. This book is the winner of the 1954 Caldecott Medal for Bemelmans beautiful illustrations. Kindergarten and up.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
On August 7, 1974, a French aerialist named Phillippe Petit walked, ran, and danced along a tightrope tied between the Twin Towers. Mr. Gerstein writes about the events in Mr. Petit’s life that led up to this ambitious adventure. This is an incredible historical account of one of the lesser-known aspects of history regarding the Twin Towers, and readers will hold their breaths.
This book is wonderfully illustrated with oil and ink paintings depicting the city skyline, architecture, and the events that transpired due to Petit’s desire to walk a tightrope between the two tallest buildings in New York City. Mr. Gerstein included three-page foldouts in the book that emphasize the distance Petit walked across and demonstrate what it must have looked like for people walking on the streets of New York and seeing Petit walking in the air on a summer morning. This is a beautiful tribute to the Twin Towers. Kindergarten & Up
Do you have a favorite Caldecott Medal Award-winning book?
This list is far from a comprehensive list of all Caldecott medal winners. However, you can find my favorite winter-themed Caldecott titles here. Please check back soon to read more about Caldecott-winning books soon!
Do you have a favorite Caldecott-winning title? Please share it with me on Instagram @playgroundlibrarian.
Happy Reading!
xoxo, Sheryl
Teach your children the history of the civil rights movement in the United States and inspire a real sense of justice with these great titles. This selection of books provides engaging stories, fun facts, and eye-opening accounts that make it easy for kids to understand this critical movement.
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Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd and Illustrated by Christian Robinson
Nina: A Story of Nina Simone is a gorgeous picture book about Nina Simone, an American singer-songwriter whose music became anthems for the civil rights movement. A 2022 Coretta Scott King Book Award Honoree, Nina: A Story of Nina Simone is filled with bold, colorful illustrations that will quickly grab your eye. Listen to some of Nina’s music after you read this wonderful book!
Little People, BIG DREAMS: Rosa Parks by Lisbeth Kaiser and illustrated by Marta Antelo
An excellent introduction to the life of Rosa Parks! You can learn about how Ms. Parks grew up in Alabama and spent her life advocating for equality. Readers will enjoy the vibrant illustrations and easy-to-read text. Perfect for readers ages 5 & up.
Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Dee Romito Illustrated by Laura Freeman
Georgia Gilmore used her talent and skills as a cook to help finance the Montgomery Bus Boycott. A single mom of six, Ms. Gilmore clandestinely started Pies From Nowhere. Pies From Nowhere sold pies and sandwiches at Montgomery Improvement Association meetings and then donated the money to provide alternative transportation for people boycotting the buses. This picture book is informative, and uplifting, and inspires one to use their talents to help others. Readers will enjoy finding Ms. Gilmore’s recipes included in the book! Ages 6+.
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement By Carole Boston Weatherford and Illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Voice of Freedom is a beautiful biography told in verse coupled with extraordinary illustrations. Fannie Lou Hammer is a person who spent her life advocating for civil and women’s rights advancement. Learn about a woman who risked her life time and again to make America a more just society.
Recipient of the Sibert Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Award, Voice of Freedom, is a must-have for all middle-school and high-school libraries! Ages 11 & up.
Ruby Bridges Goes to School by Ruby Bridges
Meet Ruby Bridges! When Ruby was six years old, she made history! Ms. Bridges was the first student of color to attend an all-white elementary school in the deep south. The language is simple and appropriate for early readers. Photographs from the time offer readers a window into the period. This is a beautiful autobiography written for children ages 5+.
Heroines
Nina Simone, Rosa Parks, Georgia Gillmore, Fannie Lou Hammer, and Ruby Bridges are five American Civil Rights Movement heroines. These women all exhibited outstanding courage in pursuit of justice. Please share their stories, and may we look forward to greater equality for everyone everywhere.
Happy reading!
XO, Sheryl
Are you looking for your next great read? Look no further! This page has a comprehensive list of books discussed, so you’ll find something that piques your interest. From bestsellers to lesser-known titles, there’s something for everyone. So pick up one of these recommended reads and start enjoying the beauty of literature today.
*This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support!
Titles
Click on the book below to find your copy of the title on Amazon!
I would love to hear from you!
Please let me know if any of these tips help! Write me @playgroundlibrarian on Instagram.
XO, Sheryl
Story time is one of the best times of the day! But sometimes, even the best book can lose its appeal if the reader isn’t paying attention. Here are some tips for keeping your child’s attention during story time.
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Choosing the Right Book
Selecting a book related to a topic your child finds interesting is the first step in keeping your child engaged with the read-aloud. What are some topics your kid can’t get enough of? Maybe firefighters? Perhaps, outer space? Find books related to those themes; I am sure it will be a popular bedtime story.
Funny books are great; as you are hungry for more humor, you must pay attention to the story!
Add Sound
Another fun way to add sound effects is using the Novel Effect App. Novel Effect is a subscription-based interactive app that adds background sounds and music to accompany a read-aloud. An excellent resource for homes, schools, and libraries, Novel Effects is fun and easy to use. I was given a free trial in exchange for my honest opinion.
Once logged into the app, you select a title (they have a vast selection ranging from classics such as Madeline to new favorites like Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao), tap “print” in the app, and wait for the sound effects to download, and then you read the text from your book. The sound effects are in line with the words that you say. So, for example, when I read about the girls brushing their teeth in Madeline, the app plays appropriate sounds.
Novel Effect elevates storytime. Children will be enthralled by the sound effects and may want to “try it out” again and again. Maintaining kids’ attention: ✅.
Interact
Interactive books engage the reader and invite them to participate in the story. They are SUPER fun!
I loved reading Hervé Tullet ‘s Press Here and Mix it Up! with my classes; everyone wanted to be part of the fun. These New York Times bestseller titles are playful, letting the reader become part of the story.
Move Around
Research has found children benefit significantly from physical activity, improving a child’s ability to focus, reduce stress, and increase memory.
Here are some great titles to inspire kids to get up and move around during story time!
Laughter
Funny books are a great way to hook readers. If a book is funny, kids will be excited to discover what happens next in the story. Enjoy this list of seven books that I highly recommend that will inspire you to crack a smile!
I would love to hear from you!
Please let me know if any of these tips help! Write me @playgroundlibrarian on Instagram.
XO, Sheryl
Are you looking for a fun and educational book about penguins that your kids can enjoy? Here’s a curated list of the best penguin books for kids. From silly stories to facts, this selection has something to offer readers of all ages and reading levels.
Your Personal Penguin by Sandra Boynton
A friendly penguin seeks friendship with a confused hippo in this sweet board book. My family has read this book so many times that my husband and I have memorized it! The illustrations are endearing, and the penguin exudes the definition of loyalty. An excellent read for babies and older.
If you like this book (I hope you will), check out some of my other reviews for Sandra Boynton’s books about dinosaurs or featuring other animals.
Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere by Bob Barner
Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere is an adorable picture book that introduces the youngest readers to fascinating penguin facts! Readers will enjoy the great rhyming of the text and colorful collage illustrations! The book also includes information about all of the 17 known breeds of penguins. Ages 2+.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnel, Illustrated by Henry Cole
This work is an illustrated true story of inseparable male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who care for an abandoned egg and then raise it. An excellent book that is often challenged or banned. Ages 2+.
National Geographic Readers: Penguins! by Anne Schreiber
This book combines excellent nonfiction about penguins with phenomenal National Geographic photography. Kids will be drawn to the jokes sprinkled throughout the book, eye-catching maps, and diagrams, and teachers/parents can use this book as a teaching tool to introduce nonfiction text features. Ages 4+.
A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis
Edna knows only three colors: white ice, black night, and blue water. She wonders if there are more colors in the world and searches for more. I love Edna’s curiosity, adventure, and the quest for knowledge. A great read-aloud in its own right, A Penguin Story can be used to start a unit on colors, habitats, and continents. Ages 4+.
Penguinaut by Marcie Colleen and Illustrated by Emma Yarlett
Orville, a tiny penguin who lives in the zoo, dreams of doing something BIG. Something extraordinary. To go into space. How does one get there? Will a ladder get Orville into space? Through determination, perseverance, and a little creativity, nothing is impossible! My family loves this book, combining one of our favorite animals with our favorite topic (space); this book is a winner at my house! Readers will be charmed by the endearing illustrations and optimism that shines bright. Ages 2+.
Penguin Problems by Jory John and Illustrated by Lane Smith
I love the cover of this book! My eyes are drawn to the cute orange beaks!
Penguin Problems highlights some of the challenges penguins encounter daily. There are many! Beaks get cold, there is too much snow, and you must be vigilant against predators! Readers may find humor in Mr. Smith’s whimsical illustrations and take heart in the powerful reminder from Walrus of how the value of mindfulness and gratitude can improve life’s experiences. Ages 3+
The Emperor’s Egg: Read and Wonder by Martin Jenkins and Illustrated by Jane Chapman
The Emperor’s Egg: Read and Wonder describe the early life stages of an Emperor Penguin from the time the mother lays the egg through feeding the newly hatched chick. This is a great companion book to And Tango Makes Three, as it provides further facts about the male penguins’ role in rearing penguin chicks. Ages 2+.
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa Illustrated by Jun Takabatake
Originally written in Japanese, Yours Sincerely, Giraffe is an international best-selling illustrated chapter book about a friendship between Giraffe and Penguin who become pen pals. An excellent read for children reading independently or for a cozy read-aloud. Ages 5+.
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester and Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
Tacky lives on icy land with his friends, Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect. While all his friends do things one way, Tacky puts his spin on things….which ruffles some feathers. Read Tacky the Penguin and find out the advantages of being unique and how it helps Tacky save the day! Ages 3+.
Waddle Waddle 🙂
I love penguins! I love how they waddle, their colors, and their charm.
As a school librarian, I had so much fun whenever I got to read books about penguins with my classes or teach research skills using penguins as the theme. I hope you will enjoy these books as much as I have!
Happy Reading!
xoxo, Sheryl
Whether you live where it snows in the wintertime or where it is sunny and warm all year, these titles will transport you to a winter wonderland!
Follow the Trail: Winter Wonderland by DK
Perfect for toddlers, young readers will enjoy following the tactile trails and seeing adorable photos of arctic animals. Follow the Trail: Winter Wonderland is an excellent board book. Readers will enjoy feeling the different textures, identifying shapes, and spotting the other animals.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
The Snowy Day is a phenomenal Caldecott (award for a most distinguished picture book) winning book that chronicles a little boy’s day in the snow. Children will see themselves in Peter, the book’s protagonist. Peter enjoys simple activities, like finding a nice stick to make marks in the snow. Readers may relate to Peter’s disappointment that he is not old enough to throw snowballs with the big kids. Readers of all ages will delight in Keats’s magnificent colorful collage artwork. Snowy Day is a treasure that belongs on all children’s bookshelves.
Fun facts:
- The Snowy Day is the first children’s book featuring a person of color to win a children’s literary award.
- The number one title circulated in the New York Public Libraries of all time.
Little Red Gliding Hood Written by Tara Lazar and Illustrated by Troy Cummings
This story is a delightful fractured fairy tale of the beloved Little Red Riding Hood. In Little Red Gliding Hood, Little Red teams up with the Wolf in an ice skating competition to win new skates. Enjoy finding the witty references included throughout the book to other fairy tales!
If you want to read more fractured fairy tales (complete post forthcoming), check out my write-up to Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems here.
Brave Irene by William Steig
Mrs. Bobbin, a dressmaker, finishes the Duchesse’s gown on the day of a ball but is too ill to deliver it. Irene volunteers to do so in her stead and brave the fierce weather. Read this book by the author of Shrek to find out if she can save the day!
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell is a magnificent (mainly) wordless picture book about friendship and kindness, which won the Caldecott Medal in 2018. Wordless books are fun because whoever is “reading” can dictate a unique story based on their interpretations of the illustrations. Cordell’s whimsical paintings are a pleasure to look at during quiet time or for creative writing exercises in the classroom. Invite young friends to dictate the story; no two stories will be the same!
Snowmen at Night Written by Caralyn Buehner & Illustrated by Mark Buehner
Have you ever wondered what snowmen do at night? Snowmen at Night cleverly describes what a young child imagines his snowman doing at night after discovering a change in his snowman’s appearance from the previous day. Enjoy spotting this magical winter tale’s hidden figures (pictures in the moon, rabbit instead of a snow angel).
The Mitten by Jan Brett
The Mitten by Jan Brett is a classic winter read-aloud! Based on a beloved Ukrainian folktale, The Mitten is a beautifully developed picture book in content and illustrations. Nikki, a young boy, asks his grandmother to knit him mittens the color of snow. Fearful that Nikki might lose the mittens in the snow, she hesitates to make them only after Nikki promises not to lose them. After Nikki drops one of the mittens, the knitted outerwear provides shelter and warmth to a slew of animals. Readers will enjoy reading/hearing about how a fox, bear, owl, rabbit, mole, and more find their way into Nikki’s glove.
I recently visited a fantastic exhibit on the works of Jan Brett; you can read about that experience here.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
If you are looking for an excellent chapter book for a middle-grade reader–look no further! The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser is the perfect book to snuggle up and read on a cold, dreary day or an engaging winter read-aloud! The Vanderbeekers are a biracial family with five kids, a bunny, a dog, and a cat who live in a Harlem brownstone apartment. The kids love their home, their street, and their neighbors. Just before Christmas, the kids learn that their grumpy landlord will soon be evicting them. What are these tenacious problem-solving kids to do?
If you are a fan of Sydney Taylor’s All of A Kind Family (Read my review here) or the Cheaper By the Dozen film, this book is for you!
Love to hear YOUR thoughts!
I am always on the lookout for a great book! Please DM me on Instagram @playgroundlibrarian or Facebook at Sheryl Hoffman with recommendations!
Happy Reading!
XO, Sheryl
Sometimes, storytime can be the most relaxing time of the day. The melodic voice of a rhythmic book can be very soothing. Other times, we aren’t looking for quiet and want to get those kids up and moving around! Here are my go-to books to get the kids moving and keep them engaged with the story!
*This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Stomp Written by Uncle Ian Aurora, Illustrated by Natalia Moore
Stomp is a joyful picture book implores “everybody [to get] up! It’s time to get moving!” With easy-to-follow directions and bright-colored illustrations, readers will be inspired to do just that! This is an excellent book if you notice people are sluggish in your story time. I love the diverse ethnic representation in the illustrations. Stomp will make you want to get up and show off your moves!
Ages 3+
Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton
“Stomp your feet! Clap your hands! Everybody ready for a barnyard dance!” Join your favorite barnyard animals in this lively board book and dance along! The animals’ facial features are so expressive and comical, and the rhythm of the verses may transport you to a good ol’ fashion square dance!
If you enjoy this Sandra Boynton dance along, be sure to read Dinosaur Dance! Please read my review of that here.
Ages 0+
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Caps for Sale has been beloved since it was first published in 1940. This excellent picture book tells the tale of mischievous monkeys who steal peddlers’ caps while he takes a nap. Kids enjoy partaking in reciting the repetitive language and the endearing naughty monkeys.
To incorporate movement while reading this story, Caps for Sale invites children to pretend to be monkeys. Invite participants to mimic the monkeys, and when the monkeys jump and say “tzt tzt tzt,” the children can do that too.
Ages 2+
My First Yoga ABC by Teresa Power and Illustrated by Kathleen Rietz
My First Yoga ABC has a pose for each letter of the alphabet. Readers will enjoy the easy-to-follow illustrations of a child performing the pose. Yoga in the classroom can improve students’ stress management and classroom behavior. I have seen my daughter opening the book and trying different yoga positions several times. This is an excellent book for beginning readers with word-to-picture recognition.
Ages 3+
From Head to Toe by Eric Carle
I have so much fun reading Eric Carle’s From Head to Toe! From Head to Toe is a fun, quick read that will get kids moving! Readers will gravitate to the vibrant tissue paper animal collages in the picture book. The repetitive language makes the book accessible and engaging for the youngest readers.
Ages 1+
Have fun!
I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have!
Thank you & Happy Reading!
XO, Sheryl
Potty training can be daunting for parents, but it’s an important milestone for children. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, some tips, and tricks can make the process easier for parents and children. Here are some insights from a parent who has gone through the experience.
*This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
For Parents & Caregivers to Read First
Jamie Glowacki’s Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right is a parenting must-read! There are many potty training books for parents; a mom friend recommended this book, and I found it super helpful. In addition, I found Glowacki’s writing to be clear, concise, and funny! Oh Crap! Potty Training takes this daunting task, breaks it down, and makes it surmountable!
Once Upon a Potty
Alona Frankel’s Once Upon a Potty: Girl and Once Upon a Potty: Boy are classic potty training books! I remember them from when I was little. The books are nearly identical, and both are full of colorful illustrations. Kids will be drawn to the accessible language and be able to make self-to-text connections (“Prudence has a head, just like YOU have a head. Prudence is going potty, do you have to go potty, too?”). The one caveat I have with these books is that Frankel uses the terms “wee-wee” and “poo-poo” instead of the proper names for body parts. You can easily change the words when you are reading them.
Some Humor
Laughter makes everything better, even potty training! So I can always count on Mo Willems for funny books! Time to Pee! will add fun to potty training, making it less stressful for everyone! The book guides readers through the process, from recognizing “that funny feeling” to remembering to wash your hands. Bonus, in the hardcover version, there is a success chart and stickers!
For more of my funny book recommendations, click here.
Connection
A Potty For Me by Karen Katz is an engaging picture book about potty training from a young child’s perspective. The child describes recognizing when they need the bathroom and overcoming challenges when they arise. Kids will be drawn to the empowering rhymes and bright illustrations.
You’ve got this!
I found these books super helpful, and I hope you do too! Please, share your thoughts with me on Instagram @playgroundlibrarian!
Thank you & Happy Reading!
XO, Sheryl
Hey, there!
I recently went to an innovative exhibit at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, New York, called The Happiness Experiment. My family and I enjoyed the museum, but this exhibit was outstanding. The exhibition introduces visitors to science behind what makes us happy. This science, often studied by Studies, the science of what makes us happy
In cultures and religions around the world, attitudes of gratitude abound. Words of Grace are recited around kitchen tables around the world. Upon waking, traditionally, Jews say the Modeh Ani prayer expressing gratitude to G-d for giving them the opportunity for a new day. Research has found that gratitude positively affects human well-being, improving health and managing stress.
Gratitude is a valuable sentiment to discuss with kids. Thankfully, many beautiful books introduce this concept and can serve as a springboard for meaningful conversations.
*This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you
My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith and Illustrated by Julie Flett
Baby+
My Heart Fills With Happiness is an engaging book on gratitude for our youngest readers! Monique Gray Smith lists heartwarming examples of things that bring happiness, along with Julie Flett’s masterful illustrations.
Fun fact: the author of the book, Monique Gray Smith, wrote this book to support the well-being of Indigenous children and families.
Classroom Activity: This book would be an excellent mentor text for a class book! This would be a great activity for elementary school. For lower grades, ask the child to draw what fills their heart with happiness. Older students can take the opportunity to write a paragraph and illustrate their thoughts.
If you want to publish a book (I’m talking bound, hard copy book), check out Student Treasures.* With Student Treasures, your class can write, illustrate and publish a hardcover book at NO COST to you! It is the real deal! When I was teaching, I would make one book a year and keep it in the library. Kids would check it out, year after year, and be so proud to see their work in print!
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
Ages Baby +
Todd Parr’s books are such a joy to read! Todd Parr has written many books for young children that explore social-emotional themes. The Thankful Book is no different. In this book, a small child says “every day I try to think about the things I am thankful for” and the rest of the book is spent listing what they are grateful for, going for a walk, having friends, colors. I love the bright playful colors and simple text which make it easy for the reader (especially a young one) to connect to.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Illustrated by Frane Lessac
Ages 3+
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is a gorgeous picture book that illustrates how members of the Cherokee Nation express gratitude daily and throughout the year. The book introduces readers to Cherokee culture, language, and history. I love the vibrant illustrations and how Ms. Sorell’s writing is accessible and relatable for young readers. This is a must-have for all libraries!
Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora
Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora is a magnificent Caldecott Honor award-winning picture book demonstrating that the kindness you put out in the world returns ten-fold. Omu cooks the most delicious red stew she looks forward to eating for dinner. As Omu waits for dinner, the scrumptious scent wafts through her apartment building and window, and everyone wants to try some! Happy to share, Omu ladles stew out for the police officer, the hotdog vendor, and many others in the community. Will there be any stew left for Omu’s dinner? Read this beautifully illustrated cut-paper collage book to find out!
Apple Cake: A Gratitude by Dawn Casey and Illustrated by Genevieve Godbout
Apple Cake: A Gratitude is a sweet rhyming book thanking the natural world for growing the ingredients needed to make an apple cake. There is a recipe for an apple cake at the end of the book. This would be a great title to include in the autumn or apple-themed read-aloud. For more books about apples, click here.
Thankful by Eileen Spinelli and Illustrated by Archie Preston
This charming children’s story with whimsical illustrations shows a brother and sister who dress up as members of the community (firefighter, waitress, mayor) and say what they are thankful for. Thankful helps young readers identify people’s contributions and recognize what makes them possible.
Thank you, Friend for reading this blog!
I am so grateful that you took the time to read my reviews! Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram @Playgroundlibrarian.
Happy Reading!
XO, Sheryl
*If you use the link in this blog for Student Treasures, and publish between 8/1/22 – 5/31/23, you may be eligible to receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card when the book is published.
Chanukah, Hanukkah, חנוכה… no matter how you spell it, it all means the same thing: a winter holiday celebrated by people of the Jewish faith with many fun family traditions. One of my favorite way to get in the holiday spirit is holiday read-aloud. Here are some great books to read at home, in school, or at the library.
*This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
Ages 8+
All-of-a-Kind Family is the quintessential example of Jewish American children’s literature. Though this book is not entirely themed around Chanukah, I include it on this list because it is a fantastic book and feeds nostalgia for many generations of readers.
All-of-a-Kind Family is about five sisters-Gertie, Charlotte, Sarah, Ella, and Henny, who live with their Mama and Papa in a tenement on the Lower East Side in New York City in 1912. After reading about their fun, friendship, and little adventures, you might wish to find a time machine and join their family! Join the sisters as they make do with little money and lots of love.
All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins and Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky.
Recently, Emily Jenkins, and Paul O. Zelinsky wrote All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah which introduces a new generation of readers to a family of five sisters living in a loving Lower East Side tenement apartment in New York City at the beginning of the 20th century. As the older sisters make preparations for the first night of Hanukkah, youngest sister Gertie feels left out because she is too young to peel potatoes or chop the onions for the latkes.
Sparkling Hanukkah by Elizabeth Spurr and Illustrated by Colleen Madden
Ages 0-3
A simple rhyming book that shimmers with foil illustrations highlights unique traditions for Hanukkah.
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel Illustrated by Shahar Kober
Ages 0+
Shaped like a dreidel, this board book offers cute illustrations to go along with the lyrics of the traditional dreidel song.
Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel and Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Ages 2-6
This is one of my favorite children’s Hanukkah books, and a National Jewish Book Award Winner! Bubba Brayna is preparing to host the rabbi for latkes and is ready when she hears a knock on the door. Unfortunately, Bubba’s sight is not as good as it used to be, and she does not recognize that an actual BEAR shows up instead of the rabbi. Being the ‘hostess with the mostest,’ she proceeds to have a wonderful time, only to realize later when the REAL rabbi arrives of the mistaken identity. Kids will enjoy the silliness and specialness of this book.
Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story by Naomi Howland
Ages 4+
Is there such a thing as too many latkes?
Sadie is left to care for her four brothers on Hanukkah. The family had little money and lived in a home with little insulation. Sadie sets out to find firewood. In the woods, Sadie meets a little old lady who is cold and offers her the wood. In gratitude, the lady gives Sadie a magical pan that can automatically make latkes, as long as you say the magic words to start the process and when it is complete. Sadie’s brothers, enamored by the pot, think they can use it on their own. Is that wise? What will happen? Read the book to find out.
This book is reminiscent of Tomie dePaola’s Strega Nona and her magic pasta pot. Like the pasta pot, this magical pan makes more latkes than the family needs. This book is a great discussion opener for gratitude and helping others in need.
The Story of Hanukkah by David Adler and Illustrated by Jill Weber
Ages 3-7
This is a phenomenal picture book that introduces the origins of the Hanukkah holiday that is age appropriate with simple texts. Though this book is written for preschool/early elementary, it would be appropriate to read it with older children to introduce the holiday concepts: beautiful illustrations and examples of modern traditions that many people hold today
How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen and Illustrated by Mark Teague
Ages 2+
Ten misbehaving dinosaurs have fun learning how to partake in lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and sharing gelt. Kids will have fun identifying the dinosaur’s silly choices.
I have a soft spot for this book. At a book conference, I met Jane Yolen and thanked her for including Chanukah in this popular series. Ms. Yolen responded by saying that she had been asked to write a Christmas book but refused unless they would publish a Chanukah book (even though it was projected not to sell). So thank you, Ms. Yolen, for allowing Jewish kids to see themselves in a popular series.
Hanukkah Hamster by Michelle Markel and Illustrated by André Ceolin
Ages 5+
It is December, and Edgar, a hard-working city cab driver, has been driving people around all day. At the end of his shift, too tired to go home, Edgar snuggles up in the cab’s back seat. When suddenly, he feels something hair crawling on his chest! Alone in a new country on the eve of Hanukkah, Edgar is delighted to have a new friend to celebrate with, though he knows he has to bring the hamster back to the person who lost it. This is a sweet story about trying to do the right thing, when it is really hard to do.
Conversation ideas: have you ever been new somewhere? If so, what made you feel more comfortable? Can you think of a time when you chose to do the right thing, even when it was hard to do? How did you feel after?
Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster, Illustrated by Sue Eastland
Ages 5+
Little Ruthie is off to help her grandmother make latkes for Hanukkah, but first, she must get to her house across the forest. Sound familiar? Readers will delight as Little Ruthie outsmarts the big bad wolf in this playful Hanukkah twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairytale.
The Three Latkes by Eric A. Kimmel and Illustrated by Feronia Parker-Thomas
Ages 4+
The three latkes is a cute book where the potato latkes debate what constitutes the best tasting latke: is it the type of potato, what it is fried in, or what it is topped with. Each latke makes their case to a discerning house cat to decide. Who will the cat pick, and does it really matter in the end for the latkes? Extension: invite readers to formulate their own opinion of what the perfect latke entails. Take a vote: applesauce, sour cream, or ketchup. Please share your response with me @playgroundlibrarian on Instagram!
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins written by Eric A. Kimmel and Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
Ages 7+
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is a Sydney Taylor (National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature) and Caldecott (American Library Association award for most distinguished picture book) honor-winning classic Hanukkah tale. In the book of Hershel of Ostropol, a tired traveler hopes to join a village in their Hanukkah celebrations. To Hershel’s surprise, the villagers are not celebrating; goblins have taken over their synagogue, keeping them from lighting candles and enjoying the holiday. Read this book to see how brave Hershel outwits these goonish goblins. This is an excellent story of standing up for your beliefs, Jewish pride and triumph over bullying. Particularly good for older elementary kids (little ones may be fearful of goblins).
Pinky Bloom and the Case of the Magical Menorah Written by Judy Press and Illustrated by Erica-Jane Waters
Ages 8+
Pinky bloom is the best kid detective in Brooklyn! When an ancient coin goes missing at her synagogue on Chanukah, pinky (with the help of her little brother) are in the case! Join Pinky on this (light) suspenseful adventure as she solves the crime. This is a fun chapter book for middle grades, and offers readers a peak into Hanukkah traditions to learn about parts of Jewish culture or a way to see themselves reflected in literature.
Happy Reading!
I hope you enjoy these books!
Please let me know what you think on Instagram @playgroundlibrarian.
Take care,
Sheryl