Hanukkah Books for the Family: Part 2

As I said last week, reading lots of Hanukkah books has been a real treat for me. Enjoy this week’s selections!

Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Greg Harlin

This is quite a beautiful book. It tells the story of General George Washington’s conversation with a Jewish soldier on the first night of Hanukkah. The soldier told Washington the story of the Maccabees and the miracle that Hanukkah celebrates. It is said to be based on actual events.

One Yellow Daffodil by David A. Adler, illustrated by Lloyd Bloom

During Hanukkah, two children help a flower seller to once again embrace his religious traditions. This story deals with the Holocaust in a sensitive way through its lovely story and characters you’d like to meet.

By the Hanukkah Light by Sheldon Oberman, illustrated by Neil Waldman

A grandfather tells about Hanukkah during World War II, when his family was forced to celebrate behind locked doors and closed curtains. The illustrations are cheerful and warm.

One Candle by Eve Bunting, illustrated by K. Wendy Popp

Grandma and her sister tell the story of their Hanukkah while they were in a German concentration camp. The way they created a candle is just lovely.

This is the Dreidel by Abby Levine, illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye

Max and his sister enjoy the dreidel and other special parts of their family's holiday celebration. This is a cumulative story, rather like This is the House That Jack Built. A fun read-aloud.

The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Nancy Cote

At the last minute, the guest list for the Hanukkah party went from 9 to 17. How will Rachel’s mama feed all of them? Their next door neighbor is generous with all they need, but how will Rachel convince her to join their party? This is a wonderfully warm story.

Happy Hanukkah!

Gail