Books About Hanukkah · 80 titles considered

The Best Hanukkah Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Holiday Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about hanukkah? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Hanukkah

The Trees of the Dancing Goats
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1996

The Trees of the Dancing Goats

By Patricia Polacco · Aladdin Picture Books series

A family finds a way to bring holiday joy to neighbors during an epidemic.

32 pages· 2,076 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud
5.6/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,049 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: During Hanukkah, Trisha's family faces a dilemma when their neighbors fall ill with scarlet fever. Unable to enjoy their own celebrations, they decide to secretly deliver decorated trees to spread holiday cheer. With Grampa's carved animals as ornaments, they embark on a mission of kindness. As their living room fills with trees, Trisha discovers the true miracle of friendship and generosity. Will their efforts bring light to a dark time? This heartwarming tale reveals the power of compassion during a challenging holiday season.
The Night Before Hanukkah
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2014

The Night Before Hanukkah

By Natasha Wing, Amy Wummer (Illustrator) · The Night Before series

Celebrate Hanukkah's magic with family traditions and festive joy.

32 pages· 485 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 141 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: On the eve of Hanukkah, a family eagerly prepares for eight nights of celebration. As they light candles, play dreidel, and savor latkes, each evening unfolds with warmth and tradition. Discover the joy and love that make this holiday special in 'The Night Before Hanukkah.' Will the spirit of the season bring unexpected surprises?
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1989

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

By Eric A. Kimmel, Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator)

A traveler must outwit goblins to save Hanukkah in a darkened village.

Caldecott Honor (1990)Sydney Taylor Book Honor (1989)
32 pages· 2,287 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 3,447 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On Hanukkah's first night, Hershel of Ostropol arrives at a village expecting warmth and light, only to find darkness. Goblins have taken over the synagogue, preventing the celebration. With wit as his weapon, Hershel faces these mischievous creatures each night. Can he outsmart them and restore the festival's joy? This tale of cleverness and courage unfolds as Hershel battles the goblins, determined to light the menorah and bring Hanukkah back to the villagers. Will his cunning be enough to overcome the supernatural foes and save the holiday?
Hanukkah Bear
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Hanukkah Bear

By Eric A. Kimmel, Mike Wohnoutka (Illustrator)

A bear's hunger leads to a Hanukkah mix-up with Bubba Brayna's latkes.

32 pages· 910 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.1/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 624 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Bubba Brayna, known for her delicious latkes, mistakenly welcomes a bear into her home, thinking it's her rabbi. Together, they light the menorah and enjoy a feast. But when the real rabbi and friends arrive, the latkes are gone! Can they solve the mystery of the missing treats and whip up more in time for the celebration? This humorous Hanukkah tale blends tradition with a delightful twist, inviting readers to join in the festive fun and uncover the bear's unexpected visit.
Goodnight Bubbala
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Goodnight Bubbala

By Sheryl Haft, Jill Weber (Illustrator)

A lively Jewish family bedtime turns into a joyful celebration.

32 pages
4.1 Goodreads · 171 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a small blue room, a Jewish bunny's bedtime transforms into a vibrant family gathering. With bubbies, zeydes, and a whole mishpacha, the night is filled with dancing, noshing, and love. This playful parody celebrates Jewish values of gratitude and generosity, offering a unique twist on a classic bedtime routine. Discover the joy of family exuberance and a special latke recipe that adds flavor to the festivities. Will this little bunny ever get to sleep amidst the lively chaos?
Jackie's Gift
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2010

Jackie's Gift

By Sharon Robinson, E. B. Lewis (Illustrator), E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A baseball legend's gift bridges cultural divides and sparks unexpected friendship.

32 pages· 1,684 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 127 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Steve Satlow's hero, Jackie Robinson, moves next door, sparking an unlikely friendship. When Jackie gifts a Christmas tree to Steve's Jewish family, it leads to a heartwarming discovery of shared values. Can this gesture break cultural barriers and unite their worlds? Based on a true story, this tale explores the power of friendship and understanding.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night

By Megan Litwin, Nneka Myers (Illustrator)

Discover winter's magic through twinkling lights and cozy nights.

40 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 259 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Experience the enchantment of winter nights with a magical twist on a classic rhyme. As the moon glows in the crisp sky and candles flicker in windows, the season's lights bring warmth and wonder. 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night' invites you to cozy up for bedtime stories and sing-alongs, celebrating the shimmering beauty of winter evenings. Will the charm of these glowing nights capture your heart?
Candlelight for Rebecca
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Candlelight for Rebecca

By Jacqueline Dembar Greene, Robert Hunt (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the American Girl: Rebecca series

A Jewish girl faces a dilemma: honor her heritage or please her teacher during the holiday season.

85 pages· 11,646 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 1,612 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Rebecca Rubin, a Jewish girl, faces a dilemma when her teacher insists on a Christmas project. Torn between her family's traditions and her teacher's expectations, Rebecca struggles with her identity. As Hanukkah begins, she discovers unexpected kindness and learns a profound lesson about the holiday season. Will Rebecca find a way to honor her heritage while navigating her American identity?
Latkes and Applesauce
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1990

Latkes and Applesauce

By Fran Manushkin, Kris Easler (Illustrator)

A blizzard threatens Hanukkah, but a cat and dog bring a miracle.

32 pages· 804 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 335 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: The Menashes face a bleak Hanukkah as a blizzard wipes out their potato and apple harvest. With little food, they still welcome a stray cat and dog into their home. As the holiday unfolds, these unexpected guests, Latke and Applesauce, bring a miraculous twist, turning scarcity into celebration. Can kindness truly change their fate?
Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2015

Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein

By Amanda Peet, Andrea Troyer, Christine Davenier (Illustrator)

A Jewish girl seeks Christmas magic, uncovering her true identity.

40 pages
5.0/7 Bookroo·3.5/5 Goodreads · 339 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Rachel Rosenstein, a spirited Jewish girl, is on a mission to celebrate Christmas despite her family's traditions. Her quest involves writing to Santa, visiting him at the mall, and secretly decorating her home. Through humorous and heartfelt adventures, Rachel grapples with her cultural identity and discovers the true meaning of family and friendship. Will her love for Christmas ornaments lead to a deeper understanding of herself? Join Rachel in this delightful tale of holiday mishaps and self-discovery.
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Hanukkah Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about hanukkah for the youngest readers and listeners.

D Is for Dreidel
Series
Sale price
$999

D Is for Dreidel

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Explore Hanukkah from A to Z with delightful illustrations.

Latke, the Lucky Dog
Sale price
$799

Latke, the Lucky Dog

Ages 2–8 · 2014

A rescued dog struggles with house rules during Hanukkah.

Hanukkah Lights
Sale price
$699

Hanukkah Lights

Ages 0–3 · 2009

Discover Hanukkah's joy with lights, games, and treats.

Happy All-idays!
Sale price
$799

Happy All-idays!

Ages 1–5 · 2022

Discover how families uniquely celebrate winter holidays worldwide.

Hanukkah
Series
Sale price
$495

Hanukkah

Ages 0–3 · 2011

Explore Hanukkah traditions with touch-and-feel textures for little hands.

You're My Little Latke
Series
Sale price
$899

You're My Little Latke

Ages 0–2 · 2021

Celebrate Hanukkah with interactive fun and sweet rhymes in a festive board book for little ones.

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Hanukkah Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about hanukkah for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Simon and the Bear
Sale price
$1699

Simon and the Bear

Ages 3–5 · 2014

Stranded on ice, Simon's Hanukkah lights attract a surprising ally—a polar bear.

Maccabee!
Sale price
$1795

Maccabee!

Ages 5–8 · 2010

A small army battles to free Jerusalem from tyranny.

The Magic Dreidels
Sale price
$1695

The Magic Dreidels

Ages 4–8 · 1996

A boy must reclaim his stolen magic dreidels before Hanukkah ends.

Way Too Many Latkes
Sale price
$1799

Way Too Many Latkes

Ages 3–8 · 2017

A forgotten latke recipe leads to chaos in Chelm's village of fools.

The Joyful Book
Sale price
$1799

The Joyful Book

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Discover endless ways to find joy in every celebration.

My First Chanukah
Sale price
$699

My First Chanukah

Ages 3–5 · 1989

Discover the magic of Chanukah traditions.

Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf
Sale price
$1799

Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf

Ages 3–6 · 2016

An elf discovers the magic of Hanukkah and seeks a new role in holiday traditions.

Meet the Latkes
Sale price
$1799

Meet the Latkes

Ages 3–5 · 2018

A clueless potato pancake family misinterprets Hanukkah. Can their dog correct the tale?

The Hanukkah Hop!
Sale price
$1299

The Hanukkah Hop!

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Celebrate Hanukkah with family, food, and the lively Hanukkah Hop dance.

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Hanukkah Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about hanukkah for developing and independent readers.

December Secrets
Series
Sale price
$799

December Secrets

Ages 7–9 · 1982

Emily must befriend her least favorite classmate for a month. Can she survive the challenge?

Chanukah
Series
Sale price
$595

Chanukah

Ages 6–7 · 2000

Discover the essence and celebration of Chanukah.

Chanukah
Series
Sale price
$595

Chanukah

Ages 6–7 · 2006

Discover the origins and celebrations of Hanukkah through engaging stories and cultural insights.

One Yellow Daffodil
Sale price
$1600

One Yellow Daffodil

Ages 6–10 · 1995

A florist confronts his haunting past during Hanukkah.

A Donut in Time
Series
Sale price
$1695

A Donut in Time

Ages 8–10 · 2022

A magical scent sends Saralee back in time to save her family's future.

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