Chanukah books to read to your kids

My mom has kept loads of my favourite books when I was a little kid. Last year when I was looking through them, I came across a book that I received in 1987 as a Chanukah gift from my aunt and uncle. It was one of those personalized type books and it told the story of Chanukah through a magical talking dreidel. I was so excited to find it, and although it was a little on the long side for my kids last year, they love when I read it to them. Truth be told, my kids love any and all books. When I was a kid I remember the excitement of receiving a new books, and now I love passing on those books to my kids and watching their excitement as they read them.

My So-Called Mommy Life Chanukah books

With Chanukah coming up in less than 2 weeks (holy moly!) here are a bunch of books that we have been enjoying that you can read with your kids!

Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf– This book is hilarious and we have LOVED reading it!!! It does not tell the proper story of Chanukah but if you have kids who are upset that they are missing out on the elf experience, the book is sure to bring a smile to their face, and yours!

Latke, The Lucky Dog– A dog was adopted on the first night of Chanukah and named Latke. This story tells of his adventures with the family during Chanukah and how he is one lucky dog.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel– This book is so silly but my kids can`t get enough of it! Tells the story of the old lady who swallowed a dreidel and everything she used to try to get it out. Until the end…….and then she was fine. All of the items she swallows are Chanukah or Jewish related.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? Another fun book in the “How Do Dinosaurs…..” series of books. Follow along mischievous dinosaurs during Chanukah and see how Dinosaurs are happy to celebrate the festival of lights. A fun book that your kids will laugh along with!

Beautiful Yetta’s Hanukkah Kitten– This is a kooky story about a chicken who escapes the poultry market and lives with wild parrots in Brooklyn. They find a kitten who is lost and take her to the grandmother to help out. The grandmother is celebrating Chanukah who lets the animals celebrate with her. This book is a great introduction to common Yiddish words and phrases and it also includes Spanish words and phrases.

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Clifford Celebrates Hanukkah– Celebrate and learn all about Hanukkah with Clifford and Emily Elizabeth. It is a wonderful picture book to introduce children to the importance of and customs during Hanukkah.

Is It Hanukkah Yet? – A beautiful picture book teaching children about what signs to look for in their environment to know that Hanukkah is on its way! For people who live in the colder climate it is a true picture of the changing of seasons when we can expect Hanukkah and what we do to get ready to celebrate with our families.

Dusk– A boy and his grandfather go for a walk and the boy is sad that the day is ending. As the sky grows darker, the boy and grandfather are taken back by the city lights celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas displays in the streets and shops. Instead of the night being dark and sad, it is bright with celebration.

 Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel! A Sing-along book-This cute dreidel shaped board book is the perfect gift for kids under 2 years of age. Sing along with the popular dreidel, dreidel song!

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Oskar and the Eight Blessings– This book is the winner of the 2015 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature. This book tells the story of Oskar who, after the Kristallnacht, arrives in New York City with a picture and the address of his aunt who he has never met. The night that he arrives in New York City is the seventh night of Chanukah and also Christmas Eve. The book tells the blessings and good fortune that happens to Oskar on his way to go and find his aunt.

 The Parakeet Named Dreidel– This is a wonderfully heartwarming story. During Chanukah, a family finds a parakeet that they name Dreidel. They are thrilled to find out that the parakeet speaks Yiddish! Years later, the boy finds out who his parakeet originally belonged to and the story behind the parakeet speaking Yiddish! The parakeet is what brings everyone together in the story and there’s a happy ending!

 Win it!!!!

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Thanks to my friends at Indigo books, one lucky Canadian (excluding Quebeca) reader will win a Menorah, candles and a Curious George Chanukah board book!

 

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Comments

  1. Bailey says:

    Great book recos 🙂 this reminds me I need to go to the book store for some new reading material! My favourite pet of hannukah is buying gifts and giving gifts to the kids! I also love playing the “white elephant” game with the adults.

  2. My favourite part of Chanukah is always the last night, when all the candles are lit on several menorahs we use. The warmth and light emanating is a sight to behold.

  3. Kim Holsapple says:

    I am not Jewish but my best friend is and I love that she shares her holiday with me.

  4. molly says:

    My favorite part of Chanukah is spending time with my family cooking latkes!

  5. Jaime Perlstein says:

    Love your book choices. There’s also a great book called the littlest Maccabee that is fantastic! My favorite part of Chanukah is lighting the candles with Ryan. It is so special.

  6. What a beautiful menorah! My favorite part of Chunnukah as a child was the latkas and still is!

  7. silverneon2000 says:

    My favourite part of Chanukah is spending time with Husbands parents and eating latkes and seeing our kids enjoying there gifts

    Londia

  8. Yvette says:

    Looks like a great set of books 🙂

  9. Tara K says:

    My favourite part of Chanukah, other than Soufganiyot and latkes, is lighting the Menorah with my children!

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