Monday, November 26, 2012

Great Books for Celebrating Hanukkah



I found lots of books for celebrating Hanukkah. Hanukkah has such a rich history. There are lots of interesting stories here!


 Maccabee! The Story of Hanukkah by Tilda Balsley, illustrated by David Harrington
When King Antiochus wanted to impose Greek gods on the faithful Jews, Mattathias, his son Judah Maccabee, and others fought for their freedom. I loved the exciting telling of this story, the outstanding illustrations and the verse that occurs throughout: Sometimes it only takes a few, who know what’s right, and do it, too.


 Hanukkah, Shmanukkah by Esmé Raji Codell, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
This is a Hanukkah version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Old Scroogemacher is a terrible boss to the poor workers in his factory. He works them hard and long, even on the last night of Hanukkah. He is visited by three rabbis and travels from the time of the Maccabees to present day. Yiddish words occur throughout the story – happily, there’s a glossary at the end.


 Hanukkah Sweets and Treats by Ronne Randall
This cookbook has 6 recipes for celebrating Hanukkah, including Luscious Latkes, Fudgy Gelt and Cupcake Menorah. The directions for each recipe are clearly written, with lists for everything you will need.


 Mrs. Greenberg’s Messy Hanukkah by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Nancy Cote
It’s the first night of Hanukkah and Rachel wants to make potato latkes. Her mother says not until the following week. Rachel invites herself to Mrs. Greenberg’s house and talks her into making latkes. But things don’t go smoothly…


Jeremy’s Dreidel by Ellie Gelman, illustrated by Maria Mola (sorry, no link)
Jeremy joins a dreidel-making class. Each student creates a dreidel of his or her own design. Jeremy makes one with Braille dots so his dad, who is blind, can play. In the last pages there are the directions for several different designs, the Braille alphabet and the directions to the Dredel game.


 How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
Like the other books in this series, this book has two sections. The first tells about what a dinosaur should not do during Chanukah. The second part deals with what he actually does. It simply shows Chanukah traditions and the dinosaurs are quite entertaining.


 It’s Hanukkah Tonight by Santiago Cohen
The rhyming text is based on a Hebrew children's song. It tells of Hanukkah traditions and each rhyme ends with, Do you know the reason why? It’s Hanukkah tonight. The candles on the menorah are lit with shiny foil flames that shine from each page. This would make a great read-aloud for young kids.


 Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue by Heidi Smith Hyde, illustrated by Jamel Akib
9-year-old Emanuel is angry that his father is afraid to light the Hanukkah lights. Emanuel decides he needs to do something brave. On the 7th night of Hanukkah, he stows away on a whaling ship. When a storm overtakes the boat, it's his father's change of heart and the family menorah that light the way home.


Hanukkah Ha-Has: Knock-Knock Jokes that are a Latke Fun by Katy Hall and Lisa Eisenberg, illustrated by Stephen Carpenter (sorry, no link)
This is a joke book and a lift-the-flap book, so there is double fun.


 Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkahh traditional song, illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov
If you know this Hanukkah song, you'll appreciate the lively illustrations. Actually, you'll appreciate them even if you don't know the song. Not familiar with the tune? If you Google the title, you'll find several to try.


 Eight Winter Nights: A Family Hanukkah Book by Laura Krauss Melmed, illustrated by Elizabeth Schlossberg
From getting the house ready, to lighting the first candle, to chocolate coins, to the last night, this book shows a family celebrating Hanukkah. The rhymes are lively and the illustrations show a warm and loving family.


I hope you all have a Happy Hanukkah!
Gail

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