Hanukkah is the “Festival of Lights!” Below are some of my favorite Hanukkah books to share with kids. Fry up some crispy latkes, get your candles ready, and add these fabulous books to your list of traditions for eight nights of fun! Now, on to Lights & Latkes! The Very Best Hanukkah Books!
Don’t forget, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Sunday, November 28th!
Board Books for Hanukkah
You’re My Little Latke
Words and pictures by Nathalie Marshall
I love everything about this Hanukkah book! From the adorable characters on each textured page, to the sweet and heartfelt rhymes. Babies and toddlers will love snuggling in your lap and hearing “you’re my little jelly doughnut, so scrumptious and so sweet. There’s no one who compares with you, you are the perfect treat.” This story is the perfect gift for baby’s 1st (or 2nd) Hanukkah.
Buy at Bookshop.org
Buy at Target.com
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
Pictures by Shahar Kober
This is the dreidel song we all know and love, now in a whimsical board book form. Turn the shiny pages and sing along as the cute animal families fry latkes, light their menorahs, and celebrate. Pairing this Hanukkah book with your sing-along helps boost baby’s language and literacy skills!
Hanukkah is Coming
Words by Tracy Newman
Pictures by Viviana Garofoli
Follow along and explore Hanukkah traditions with this little family. Your soon-to-be reader will learn all about making latkes, lighting candles on the menorah, playing the dreidel game, enjoying chocolate and more. Encourage your child to join you in the “Hanukkah is coming!” refrain on each page to build language skills and help them get excited about celebrating.
My Mushy Matzah Ball
Words by Arianna Brooks
Pictures by Torey Butner
Is there anything better than the warmth and comfort of homemade matzah ball soup? Of course not! This vibrant and colorful Hanukkah book is the perfect complement to any Jewish holiday. I love the way it connects families through the warmth of traditional food and love. This special 2nd edition features Yaya’s popular matzah ball soup recipe.
Indestructibles: Hanukkah Baby Book
The perfect gift for baby’s 1st (or 2nd) Hanukkah! This completely indestructible book is chew-proof, tear-proof, waterproof, drool-proof AND nontoxic, because babies like to read with their mouths. Introduce baby to holiday words and traditions with colorful illustrations and simple text. I love the books in the Indestructibles series because you can pop them in your diaper bag, leave them in the car, or take them with you on a walk, and they’ll always be in good condition.
Buy at Bookshop.org
Buy at Target.com
Picture Books for Hanukkah
Latke the Lucky Dog
Words by Ellen Fischer
Pictures by Tiphanie Beeke
Latke is rescued from the animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah. He makes lots of silly mischief as he learns about holiday traditions, and the rules of his new home. My kids love seeing the sticky situation Latke gets into on each of the 8 nights. If you have a furry friend in your family, this book is just right for you. Got a budding reader in your house? He or she can snuggle up with your pup and practice reading this Hanukkah story together without worrying about making mistakes.
Is It Hanukkah Yet?
Words by Chris Barash
Pictures by Alessandra Psacharopulo
The kids are already asking if it’s Hanukkah yet, why not read a book that answers the question for you? Using traditions, like making applesauce, bundling up in warm clothes, and making latkes with cousins, little readers learn to recognize that Hanukkah is on its way.
Meet the Latkes
Words and pictures by Alan Silberberg
A book about an adorable Latke family, could there be anything more perfect? Meet the family and hear Grandpa’s creative version of the story of Hanukkah, with a few silly twists. Full of fun potato puns and clever holiday humor, this is a story that adults and kids will enjoy reading again and again.
Buy at Bookshop.org
Buy at Target.com
Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama
Words and pictures by Selina Alko
This beautiful story takes us inside the warm and loving home of an interfaith family as they blend Christmas and Hanukkah traditions. Sadie’s family decorates their Christmas tree and lights candles on the menorah. They go caroling and sing Silent Night and Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel. They round out the holiday season with a big family dinner, sharing traditions from both sides of the family. A perfect Hanukkah book for your home library or classroom!
Hanukkah Haiku
Words by Harriet Ziefert
Pictures by Karla Gudeon
This may be the most stunning Hanukkah book I’ve ever seen. With words by prolific children’s author, Harriet Ziefert, and gorgeous illustrations by artist, Karla Gudeon, adults, and children alike will delight in reading this book. Count from 1 to 8, as a new candle is added to the menorah each night with stepped pages. Explore the celebration with colorful and whimsical illustrations and a poetic haiku for each night.
Wishing you a joyous Hanukkah and a happy, healthy holiday season.
Adina Oberman is a former preschool teacher and a mom of 2 young kids. She has a passion for picture books and adores reading with her kids and students. She’s the creator of BigBooksForLittleHands.com, a blog aimed at helping parents and educators find books that help them navigate the ups and downs of early childhood. She has a BA in Journalism from Ithaca College, and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Manhattanville College, with a certification in Special Education. You can find her on Instagram @BBLHands.
Thank you for reading Lights & Latkes! The Very Best Hanukkah Books!