Happy (almost) Hanukkah!

Lia Zneimer  //  Nov 21, 2013

Happy (almost) Hanukkah!

Growing up, my family used to read a Hanukkah book together every night before lighting the menorah. My favorites? Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins and Papa's Latkes. With Hanukkah (and Thanksgiving) just around the corner, we've rounded up a few of our favorite holiday reads on Pinterest. We'll touch on Christmas books as we get closer, but the meantime, here are some titles to help ring in the Festival of Lights, which begins at sundown on November 27. 

  • How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague. From the warm glow of holiday candles in the menorah to the fun of family gatherings, little dinosaurs love to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
  • When Mindy Saved Hanukkah by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Barbara McClintock. In their cozy little home behind the walls of the Eldridge Street Synagogue, Mindy and the rest of her miniature family are preparing for Hanukkah. When a hungry cat sidetracks Mindy's father from his mission to find a candle, Mindy volunteers to help.
  • Light the Lights!: A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas by Margaret Moormath. Emma's parents come from different cultural backgrounds, so every year they celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas.
  • Sam I Am by Ilene Cooper. Twelve-year-old Sam Goodman's Christian mother and Jewish father are confused about how to honor each of their faiths during the holiday season. Their indecision leads Sam to seek his own answers.
  • Hanukkah: A Counting Book by Emily Sper. This book lets children count each night of The Festival of Lights in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish with colorful die-cut candles and symbols that explain the story of Hanukkah.