26 Amazing Hanukkah Books for Children
Hanukkah oh Hanukkah…. We have an amazing list of Hanukkah books to light up your holiday. See what I did there? Hanukkah has always been my kids favorite holiday and it is not because of the presents which are not actually a part of the holiday tradition. The candles, the traditions, the songs and the food are all make Hanukkah the most fun holiday.
I mean, is there anything better than hot potato latkes and fresh, homemade donuts? We put together a list of Hanukkah books for children of all ages to capture the joy of this wonderful holiday.
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Hanukkah Books for Older Children
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel
I love this tale for older kids. The text is long and the story is better for kids 8 and up. Hershel helps to rid a village synagogue of goblins in this tale. The illustrations are lovely but a little dark for young ones.
Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon
A truly special book, again aimed at older kids. Oskar has escaped German after Kristallnacht and arrived in New York on the last day of Hanukkah, which also happens to be Christmas Eve. As he attempts to locate his aunt, he encounters many kind new people and takes in the holiday sights of his new home.
The Golem’s Latke’s by Eric Kimmel
On the first night of Hanukkah, there is so much to do. The Rabbi creates a golem to help his made make the latkes. When she forgets about the golem, the latkes start overflowing.
Hanukkah Picture Books
Moishe’s Miracle: A Hanukkah Story by Laura Krauss Melmed
A funny tale about a pan that makes as many latkes as Moishe wants and what happens when his wife tries to use it instead.
The Dreidel That Wouldn’t Spin: A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah by Martha Seif Simpson
A gorgeous dreidel refuses to spin for spoiled children. The toy shop owner isn’t sure what to do until he asks one more child to spin it. This child holds the spirit of Hanukkah in his heart and gets a very different result.
Bubbie and Zadie Came to my House: A Story of Hanukkah by Daniel Halevi Bloom
A magical tale about a set of grandparents who bring the Hanukkah spirit to kids around the world on the first night of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah Bear by Eric. A Kimmel
In this adorable book, Bubba Brayna is making her amazing latkes on the first night of Hanukkah. She cannot hear or see very well so when a hibernating bear wakes up and comes to her house, she lets him in.
Hanukkah Books for Children with Christmas
Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf
One of Santa’s elves is upset to learn that some children are not getting Christmas presents. That is when he learns all about Hanukkah and the joy of Latkes, playing dreidel and lighting the menorah.
Dear Santa, Love Rachel Rosenstein by Amanda Peet
I love this tale about a little Jewish girl who doesn’t understand why she can’t celebrate Christmas. Many Jewish kids can relate to Rachel and how she feels during the Christmas season.
The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming a Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket
Leave it to Lemony Snicket to come up with such an original tale. The Latke screams when he beings to be fried, so he leaps from the pan to escape, encountering Christmas objects along the way who are confused by what he is.
Light the Lights!: A Story about Celebrating Hanukkah & Christmas
This sweet story show how Emma celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas with her family. All the traditions come together for holiday fun.
For more Christmas books for kids, check out our post.
Hanukkah Books for Preschoolers
Hanukkah: A Counting Book by Emily Sper
In this Hanukkah book for preschoolers, your child will learn to count to eight in Hebrew, English and Yiddish. Be sure to add this to your counting books collection.
Honeyky Hanukah by Woodie Guthrie
A Boy and His Dog sing about Hanukkah all over town while gathering guests for a feast and Bubbe’s house.
Lots of Latkes: A Hanukkah Story by Sandy Lanton
Rivka Leah is going to a friend’s Hanukkah party but is not sure what to bring when there is no sugar and the apples have gone bad.
Little Red Ruthie by Gloria Koster
This classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood has been reimagined when Ruthie goes to spend Hanukkah with her grandmother and must take all the latkes with her.
Hanukkah Board Books
Baby’s First Hanukkah DK Books
This classic board book uses real pictures and simple language to introduce Hanukkah to your baby.
Happy Hanukkah, Little Dreidel (Finger Puppet Board Book) by Brick Puffington and Cottage Door Press
A finger puppet Dreidel will help engage your baby while they learn the rules of dreidel and the letters on the dreidel as well.
Good night Hanukkah by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper
This book with beautiful illustrations explores all the wonderful traditions of Hanukkah like singing songs, lighting candles and eating potato latkes. With simple wording, this book is a beautiful addition to a Hanukkah collection.
Bright Baby Touch and Feel Hanukkah by Roger Priddy
A touch-and-feel book to help your baby learn about holiday traditions. Each page has bright images with different textures to engage your little one.
Looking for more board books for a baby? Check out our favorite books for 1-year-olds.
Popular Character Hanukkah Books
How do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yoel
The Dinosaurs in the “How do Dinosaurs” series are the best! My kids were so happy to receive this story last year. What’s better than seeing a massive dinosaur holding a menorah in its little claws?
Happy Hanukkah Corduroy by Don Freedman
The beloved cuddly bear is here to help celebrate the Hanukkah season. Corduroy throws a party where they do all the traditional activities from spinning dreidels to eating latkes.
Happy Hanukkah, Curious George by H.A. Rey
A favorite for all the little Curious George lovers. George gets into trouble in a typical manner, but the poems teach about Hanukkah and kindness in a lovely way.
Elmo’s Little Dreidel by Naomi Kleinberg
Elmo celebrates Hanukkah with Gil, Susie and their parents. He even gets his very own dreidel and learns how to play. This sweet board book is sure to be a favorite.
Books About the Story of Hanukkah for Kids
The Story of Hanukkah by David A Adler
The story of the Maccabees is retold in this wonderful book. Beautiful illustrations accompany this books which tells of the miracle of Hanukkah.
The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica S. Perl
In this sweet book, Max and Rachel made a new Hanukkah tradition by celebrating a ninth night of Hanukkah with their neighbors. This is a book about making new traditions to mix with old.
Maccabee!: The Story of Hanukkah by Tilda Balsley
This brightly illustrated book tells the story of Judah and the Maccabees in rhyme. We all know how much we love a good rhyming book. If you want more rhyming books we love, you can check out our list!
