Guest Post: Vicki Garlock, Founder of World Religions 4 Kids

Hanukkah, often called the Jewish festival of lights, lasts for eight days and nights. The most obvious ritual practice is lighting a menorah. According to tradition, a small band of Jewish rebels retook control of their temple after it had been trashed by the ruling army. Only a small amount of sacred oil remained in the temple menorah, but it miraculously lasted for eight days until new oil arrived.

Hanukkah is a celebratory holy day period that includes getting together with family and friends, eating fried foods made with oil (especially latkes/potato pancakes and jelly donuts), exchanging small gifts, and playing dreidel – a fun game with a spinning top – that often includes gelt (small chocolate coins). It’s also a great holiday to share with your students.

Speaking of festivals of light, be sure to check out my recommendations for kids’ books about Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

Introduction

Faith-based holy days offer a great opportunity to explore religious diversity in the U.S., to promote awareness and respect around religious and cultural traditions, to enhance students’ understanding of their own identities, and to model communication across traditional boundaries. In the case of Hanukkah, it’s also a great way to help your Jewish students feel seen. To be clear, it IS legal in the U.S. to teach public school students about the world’s religions. The information must be factual, not devotional, in nature, and the presentation must be as unbiased as possible – neither pushing nor denigrating religious beliefs and practices. Hanukkah is both celebratory and kid-friendly, so it’s fun for students of all ages.

However, because it often falls in December and includes gift-giving, Hanukkah is routinely compared to Christmas, which is not really appropriate. In addition, it’s also part of the so-called “December dilemma.” What holidays should you include in the curriculum at this time of the year – Christmas? Hanukkah? Kwanzaa? Winter Solstice? Bodhi Day? All of them? None of them? And how should teachers handle the faith-based aspects of the religious ones? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are options.

In fact, for Hanukkah, there might be too many options! Classroom lesson plan ideas for Hanukkah can be found on a variety of websites. (Click here and here for examples.) But another possibility is to start with a published Hanukkah book for kids and go from there. By my count, there are over 100 published kids’ books about Hanukkah – board books, nonfiction books, activity books, I Spy books, a Hanukkah-themed Mad Libs, and at least one YA romance novel!  For this post, I reviewed 20+ books published since 2016 for school-aged kids. All are available on Amazon; many are available as Kindle versions. If they are not available in your libraries, please make a point to request them. Libraries do take specific requests into consideration. It’s important to note that nearly all these books require some prior knowledge of Hanukkah practices (e.g., menorah, latkes, dreidels, jelly donuts), so take a look at my quick “Hanukkah Basics” after my book recommendations.

A complete list of reviewed books can also be found at the end of this article. As always, if you have your own thoughts or experiences to share, I would love to hear them! In the meantime, enjoy these recommendations.

Overall Favorite

Don’t Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah by Karen Rostoker-Gruber (author) and Carles Arbat (illustrator). In this book, a little boy invites a bear inside for Hanukkah. At first, it seems like a great idea, but things go awry rather quickly. In the end, the boy figures out that if they celebrate Hanukkah outdoors, the holiday works out great for everyone!

Released in early November (2024), the book has already received positive reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, and others. The last page offers a little glossary of terms, along with the ever-important pronunciation guide for sufganiyot, the Hebrew word for the jelly donuts often eaten during Hanukkah. It’s currently available only as a hardcover, so consider asking your library to order it for you.

Best Book for Promoting Inclusivity

A positive feature of Don’t Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah is that it promotes inclusivity by accommodating the bear with small changes to their celebration. This next book spends even more time exploring that theme.

The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica S. Perl (author) and Shahar Kober (illustrator) is a heartwarming tale about a family that has recently moved. They’re missing all their Hanukkah supplies, so the kids try to improvise with the help of their neighbors. It works out OK but doesn’t quite feel like their usual Hanukkah celebration. When their Hanukkah box finally arrives, they decide to host an extra ninth night of Hanukkah and invite all their neighbors. It has over 90 5-star reviews on Amazon and is available in both hardcover and paperback.

Best Whimsical Book

Hanukkah is a festive holiday, so many books incorporate messiness, silliness, and other whimsical circumstances. With so many things happening, I think these books work best when you have a clear understanding of the traditional practices associated with Hanukkah. That way, you can keep track of what is, and is not, normally associated with the holiday.

Charley and Seymour’s Hanukkah Miracle by Meloday Howard Ritt (author) and Nia Gould (illustrator) is about a squirrel and a chipmunk – best friends who are celebrating Hanukkah together. Unfortunately, Charley the Chipmunk can’t remember what he’s supposed to bring to the Hanukkah party, so he fills his backpack with all sorts of silly things. Just released in October (2024), it currently has all 5-star ratings on Amazon and is available in Kindle and hardcover formats.

Best Book about the Legend of Hanukkah

The Hanukkah practice of lighting candles for eight nights stems from the ancient story of the Maccabees regaining control of the Jewish Temple during the rule of the Greek Hellenistic king, Antiochus. It’s a great story that elucidates the underlying reason for the celebration.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights by Bonnie Bader (author) and Joanie Stone (illustrator) is my pick for sharing that legendary tale. The first few pages mention current Hanukkah practices; the rest of the book centers on the legend of the Maccabees. Published in 2023 through the Little Golden Book brand, it has received over 175 5-star reviews on Amazon.

A Couple of Honorable Mentions

There are quite a few sweet Hanukkah books out there. Here are some additional ones that would be great picks, especially if they are already available in your libraries.

Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles by David A. Adler (author) and Jeffrey Ebbeler (illustrator) is really about tzedakah, the Jewish practice of bringing fairness to the world, often by sharing with those in need. In this book, a little girl befriends a man in her neighborhood who seems to appreciate a helping hand. Of course, it turns out that he has a lot to offer, as well. Hanukkah is the backdrop for some parts of the story. There’s also a nice one-page review of Hanukkah on the last page.

Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster (author) and Sue Eastland (illustrator). This story uses the tale of Little Red Riding Hood as its framework. As Little Red Ruthie outwits the wolf, various Hanukkah traditions are explained. It’s a cute, straightforward tale with good illustrations, a few funny moments, and over 100 5-star reviews on Amazon.

A Few Other Considerations

Christmas and Hanukkah together

There are several kids’ books that explore both Hanukkah and Christmas in the same volume. (Click here for a great review of these books.) While this can work in a classroom setting, it’s often difficult to discuss two holy days simultaneously. It just makes it too easy to offer simplistic, superficial comparisons between practices that are quite different in many ways. I think these types of books are great for Jewish-Christian multifaith families, and I rarely use the word “never,” but please think carefully before choosing a “Chrismukkah” book.

Interestingly, a couple of recently published books take a more secular Santa-and-the-elves approach to Hanukkah. In Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf by Greg Wolfe (author) and Howard McWilliam (illustrator), Shmelf wonders why Jewish kids aren’t on Santa’s list. To help answer his own question, he visits a Jewish house where he witnesses all the beauty of Hanukkah – menorahs, latkes, gelt, dreidels, etc. When he returns to the North Pole, Santa designates him the Hanukkah Elf, charged with making Hanukkah special for Jewish kids, too. It’s got over 550 5-star reviews on Amazon, but I agree with one reviewer who said, “Traditionalists beware, this book may not be for you.”

Oy, Santa!: Or, There’s a Latke to Learn about Hanukkah by Joyce Schriebman (author) and Gila von Meissner (illustrator) centers on written correspondence, often quite funny, between a Jewish boy and Santa. Over the course of the book, the boy explains Hanukkah to Santa while correcting his many mistakes. It has received accolades from School Library Journal, but I think it misses some real opportunities to promote inclusivity.

In sum, there are certainly ways to make these books work for you and your students, especially if they are available in your libraries. But, I encourage you to plan ahead and think about how you will handle certain questions before you head into the classroom.

For Readers

Is it Hanukkah Yet? (Step into Reading Level 2) by Nancy Krulik (author) and Monique Dong (illustrator) is a great book for early readers. Pronunciations are provided before the story even starts, and it contains solid information about Hanukkah. Got Jewish students in your class or students with an interest in learning more about Hanukkah? You really can’t go wrong with this one. It can even be read to preschoolers.

Why We Celebrate Hanukkah: Everything to Know about Your Favorite Holiday by Stacia Deutsch (author) and Annita Soble (illustrator) is a great non-fiction book for upper elementary/middle school students, particularly if they’re completing Hanukkah-related assignments. It includes sections on Hanukkah history and folklore, how to celebrate Hanukkah, and how Hanukkah is celebrated around the world.

Hanukkah Basics

And now for my Hanukkah basics! Here are few things you might want to know before you choose a book, lesson plan, craft, or activity.

Menorah {men-OR-uh}: Jewish candle-holder. In synagogues, menorahs generally have 7 candles, but Hanukkah menorahs have 9 candles. The ninth candle, called the shammas (helper candle), is used to light the other 8. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit. On the second night, two candles are lit. And so on until the 8^th night when all 8 candles are lit. Prayers and blessings are said during the candle-lighting, and the candles are lit in a certain order. You can certainly show your students a menorah. Many stores sell them at this time of year, and kids love to “experience” one by actually holding it. However, lighting a menorah in your classroom would be considered a devotional practice, as well as cultural appropriation if you are not Jewish, and I do not recommend it.

Shammas {shah-MAHSH}: ninth “helper candle” on a Hanukkah menorah. The shammas is often (but not always) the tallest candle in the center of the menorah. It is lit first every night and then used to light the other 8 candles on the menorah. In the Ninth Night of Hanukkah, the family creates an extra night of Hanukkah festivities, once the official 8-night Jewish celebration has ended, to celebrate with their neighbors.

Latkes {LAHT-kuhs}: traditional fried potato pancakes. Frequently made with onions, cheese or other added ingredients, they are often topped with applesauce and/or sour cream. In general, foods fried in oil are part of the Hanukkah tradition because it recalls how one day’s worth of oil miraculously lasted for 8 days. Many kids’ books include a latke recipe, but they are fried in hot oil, so be careful if you decide to make them with your students!

Sufganiyot {soof-gahn-ee-yoht}: Hebrew for the jelly donuts, also fried in oil, which are another Hanukkah favorite.

Dreidel {DRAY-duhl}: spinning top used in a traditional Hanukkah game (also called dreidel). Players sit in a circle, place game pieces in the center, and then take turns spinning the dreidel. Each of the 4 sides contains a Hebrew letter that instructs the player on what to do next. It’s really fun and easy. This video from My Jewish Learning literally teaches you how to play in one minute. Playing dreidel is a Hanukkah tradition, but it’s not really a religious practice, per se, so please feel free to share it with your students!

Gelt (pronounced with a hard “G”): coin-shaped chocolate candy covered in foil. Sometimes, it’s just eaten during Hanukkah, but it can also be used as game pieces when playing dreidel. Many stores sell gelt during the Hanukkah season, and most kids love chocolate, so feel free to enjoy this taste of Hanukkah.

Complete List of Reviewed Books

Charley and Seymour’s Hanukkah Miracle by Meloday Howard Ritt (author) and Nia Gould (illustrator) – Kar-Ben, 2024

Don’t Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah by Karen Rostoker-Gruber (author) and Carles Arbat (illustrator) – Apples & Honey Press, 2024

The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman (author) and Galia Bernstein (illustrator) – Holiday House, 2020

Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Story by Charlotte Offsay (author) and Menahem Halberstadt (illustrator) – Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2024

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights by Bonnie Bader (author) and Joanie Stone (illustrator) – Golden Books, 2023

Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles by David A. Adler (author) and Jeffrey Ebbeler (illustrator) – Apples & Honey Press, 2016

Hanukkah Hamster by Michelle Markel (author) and André Ceolin (illustrator) – Sleeping Bear Press, 2018

Hanukkah Pajamakkahs by Dara Henry (author), Olga Ivanov (illustrator) and Aleksey Ivanov (illustrator) – Sourcebooks Jaberwocky, 2024

Happy Hanukkah! (Peppa Pig) by Cala Spinner (author), EOne (illustrator) and Jason Fruchter (illustrator) – Scholastic, 2020

Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin (author) and Kris Easler (illustrator) – Charlesbridge, 2022

Light from My Menorah: Celebrating Holidays around the World by Robin Heald (author) and Andrea Blinick (illustrator) – Pajama Press, 2024

Light the Menorah!: A Hanukkah Handbook by Jacqueline Jules (author) and Kristina Swarner (illustrator) – Kar-Ben, 2018

Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster (author) and Sue Eastland (illustrator) – Albert Whitman and Company, 2017

Meet the Latkes by Alan Silberberg – Viking Books for Young Readers, 2018

Mendel’s Hannukah Mess Up by Chana Stiefel (author), Larry Stiefel (author), and Daphna Awadish (illustrator) – Kalaniot, 2022

The Mexican Dreidel by Linda Elovitz Marshall (author), Ilan Stavans (author), and Maria Mola (illustrator) – Kar-Ben, 2023

The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica S. Perl (author) and Shahar Kober (illustrator) – Union Square Kids, 2020

Oy, Santa!: Or, There’s a Latke to Learn about Hanukkah by Joyce Schriebman (author) and Gila von Meissner (illustrator) – Intergalactic Afikoman, 2024

Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg (author) and Anjan Sarkar (illustrator) – Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 2017

Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale by Eric A. Kimmel (author) and Matthew Trueman (illustrator) – Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2020

Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf by Greg Wolfe (author) and Howard McWilliam (illustrator) – Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2016

Tizzy the Dizzy Dreidel by Allison Marks (author), Wayne Marks (author), and Francesca Assirelli (illustrator) – Kar-Ben, 2022

Why We Celebrate Hanukkah: Everything to Know about Your Favorite Holiday by Stacia Deutsch (author) and Annita Soble (illustrator) – Callisto Kids, 2024.

A Wild, Wild Hanukkah by Jo Gershman (author, illustrator) and Bob Strauss (author) – Kar-Ben, 2023

Many thanks to Apples & Honey Press, Intergalactic Afikoman, Kar-Ben Publishing, and Pajama Press for sending review copies. 

About the Author

Rev. Vicki Garlock, Ph.D. is the founder of World Religions 4 Kids, a company dedicated to improving religious literacy in children and their adults. She is the author of We All Have Sacred Spaces and ABCs of the World’s Religions, both of which received multiple awards. Geared to kids age 5-10, the books offer insights into numerous religious traditions in a single volume, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism.

Vicki earned her Ph.D. in Psychology with dual specialties in neuroscience and cognitive development. Over the years, she has written extensively for both The Interfaith Observer and Multicultural Kid Blogs. She also regularly works with educators (especially social studies teachers), parents, and faith communities around the country. Vicki and her husband live in Asheville and have two almost-grown children. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok (@learnreligions).