Looking for some new Hanukkah reads for kids? We asked Pam Watts-Flavin, head of children’s services at Arlington Libraries, Robin Sung from Cambridge’s Porter Square Books and Jamie Darsa, head of strategic partnerships and collaborations for JCC Greater Boston, who oversees the PJ Library program for the Greater Boston area, for their favorite Hanukkah picks and why. Read on for their selections. And then read up!
Pam Watts-Flavin’s Faves
“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” by Eric Kimmel
“This is an oldie but a goody. Slightly creepy and highly entertaining with fabulous illustrations, Kimmel tells the tale of how Herschel tricked the Hanukkah goblins into quitting haunting the village.”
“All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah” by Emily Jenkins
“Emily Jenkins revisits the step-stone sisters (and one brother) of ‘All-of-a-Kind Family’ by Sydney Taylor. This one is highly illustrated and lets us peek in as the sisters are getting ready to celebrate Hanukkah. It’s quiet, easy and family-oriented.”
“How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?” by Jane Yolen
“Jane Yolen of ‘How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight’ fame has settled her dinosaurs in a house that’s getting ready for and then celebrating Hanukkah. It’s hilarious and over-the-top fun!”
“The Trees of the Dancing Goats” by Patricia Polacco
“Patricia Polacco has a few Hanukkah books, but this one is my favorite, I think mostly because of the illustrations. Trish is celebrating Hanukkah with her family when she notices that all is quiet at the neighbors’ house. How the families come together to celebrate each of their December holidays is magical.”
“Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah” by Sylvia Rouss
“Through the eyes of Sammy the Spider, we learn the traditions of Hanukkah. It’s a fun, fact-filled story with a hint of fantasy.”
“The Story of Hanukkah” by David Adler
“‘The Story of Hanukkah’ is, well, the story of Hanukkah. All the facts are told in an entertaining and intriguing way.”
Robin Sung’s Selections
“Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein” by Amanda Peet
“Rachel is determined to celebrate Christmas this year! This funny and charming exploration of holiday and cultural differences brings Rachel to a better understanding of her own identity.”
“My First Chanukah” by Tomie dePaola
“Through simple text and colorful illustrations, this lovely board book brings a gentle introduction to traditions of the holiday.”
Jamie Darsa’s Delights
“Nonna’s Hanukkah Surprise” by Karen Fisman
“Rachel celebrates Hanukkah and her Nonna (grandmother) celebrates Christmas. When visiting Nonna, Rachel’s menorah breaks and she is unsure how she will celebrate the Festival of Lights. Lucky to have a very creative grandma, Nonna saves the day. This is a beautiful story of how families who may not celebrate the same holidays bring joy to each other’s celebrations.”
“Hanukkah Haiku” by Harriet Ziefert
“This is for the art enthusiast! Using Chagall-like figures who are lighting Hanukkah candles, this beautifully illustrated book uses poetry to show the joy and miracle of this holiday. Short in length for those with little attention spans but vivid in color for all, this is a favorite for the whole family.”
“Sadie’s Almost Marvelous Menorah” by Jamie Korngold
“Sadie is so excited to use the menorah she made in school. But a little tumble caused her precious menorah to break. How can she light the candles with a broken menorah? This is a story about how to turn a mistake into something great.”
