13 Awesome Hanukkah Books To Read With Your Kids

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.

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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