12 Great Hanukkah-themed Picture Books (Plus One Cookbook)

Spin the Dreidel!, by Alexandra Cooper and Claudine Gevry
In this innovative little book, one can spin the embedded dreidel while learning the rules to this traditional Chanukah gambling game (as well as about the holiday.) The simple rhyming text and lively illustrations make reading this book almost as much fun as actually playing.

A Hanukkah with Mazel, by Joel Stein and Elisa Vavouri
After appearing in impoverished artist Misha’s barn, a stray cat gets the name “Mazel”, meaning “luck” in Hebrew. And Mazel is lucky indeed, because Misha barely has enough to eat, but sees Mazel as a friend rather than food…Though Misha has no candles for his heirloom menorah, he and Mazel find creative ways to celebrate the holiday, bringing joy and light into their lives.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, by Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman
Armed with hard-boiled eggs, an enormous jar of pickles, a brass menorah, candles, and a box of matches, Hershel of Ostropol attempts to free the village from the tyranny of the goblins presiding over their would-be celebrations. In order to vanquish the nasties, Hershel must celebrate the holiday among the goblins, lighting the candles each night. While some might find this story or the illustrations a little scary, this book is an excellent introduction to the short con game, especially when dealing with Hanukkah-hating goblins.

Dear Santa, Love Rachel Rosenstein, by Amanda Peet, Andrea Troyer, and Christine Davenier
Rachel Rosenstein loved all the trappings of Christmas: the trees all over town, the decorations in store windows, and the twinkling lights adorning all the other houses on her block. Though she thoroughly loved her own family’s traditions, she was determined to be a part of the other celebration. What’s a nice Jewish girl to do? She pleads her case to Santa in a letter; visits him in person at the mall; and even leaves cookies by the chimney, certain that the jolly man will appear. I’m not going to ruin anyone’s Christmas like I did when I was a kid by spoiling the “real or not” question, so you’ll have to read it for yourself to see what happens.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?, by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
We’re being asked the wrong question here, people: how do these dinosaurs keep getting back inside our homes? If I have to call that exterminator one more time… Still, it’s nice to know that no matter what ridiculous scenarios the authors dream up, these dinosaurs remain well-behaved, courteous, and helpful.

Honeyky Hanukah, by Woody Guthrie and Dave Horowitz
(That’s three books so far, and three different spellings, in case you’re keeping track.) Here’s a really catchy Hanukah song with whimsical illustrations, a CD, and a great message: love beats store-bought stuff every time. Of course, this book does make an excellent gift, especially when accompanied by a heartfelt hug and kiss.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel, by Caryn Yacowitz and David Slonin
If you’re the kind of person who sees this title and immediately pictures a Hanukkah ruined by spending it in the emergency room, maybe this isn’t the book for you. Go spin dreidels somewhere quiet, by yourself. For everybody else: enjoy Bubbe’s comedic distress as she gulps down increasingly larger and ever more ridiculous items, attempting to correct her original, unlikely mistake (thinking the dreidel was a bagel.) Maybe some new eyeglasses for Bubbe next Hanukkah, if it’s not too much trouble? Couldn’t hurt!

Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf, by Greg Wolfe and Howard McWilliam
On the other side of the great gift distribution division we have Shmelf the Elf. Shmelf is dutifully checking the names on the “nice” list when he notices Santa has been keeping tabs on all the kids, although not all the nice ones are getting presents from the North Pole. After some window-peeping recon into a Hanukkah-having-household, Shmelf becomes an expert and Santa assigns him to a new division.

The Trees of the Dancing Goats, by Patricia Polacco
Such a sweet book about friendship, cultural differences, love, and acceptance…Trees tells the story of Hanukkah with Polacco’s family at a time when many of their neighbors were struck with scarlet fever. Knowing that their neighbors would be unable to prepare for Christmas, the family brings meals, hand-painted figures, trees, and other gifts to each house, spreading love and good will to all.

Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story, by Naomi Howland
Brothers never listen. You tell them once, twice…three hundred times to leave your magic, latke-producing frying pan alone, and, wouldn’t you know it, as soon as you set foot out the door…Of course the house fills up with latkes and the boys don’t know how to make it stop. Fortunately there’s a whole hungry village to share them with, and everyone has a happy Chanukah together.

Chanukah Bugs: A Pop-Up Celebration, by David A. Carter
Every book by pop-up artist Carter is a celebration: this one starring the Dizzy Dreidel Bug, Potato Latke Bugs (not gross, despite how they sound), and the Shamash Bug, among others. Kids will enjoy gently opening each pop-up present and revealing the Chanukah bug within. The concept of bugs in boxes may not be as thrilling for grownup readers, but this book is charming and festive anyway.

The Hannukah Bear, by Eric A. Kimmel
There exists a lesser-known but very powerful Jewish benediction that goes something like “May you grow old, old enough to reach ninety-seven Hanukkahs. Though your faculties may diminish, may you remain on this earth long enough to serve latkes for the bear you have invited into your home, believing him to be the rabbi.” This book is about that.

Children’s Jewish Holiday Kitchen, by Joan Nathan
Recipes you will actually want to eat with step-by-step instructions that you (and your little ones) can actually follow. Last week my 3 year old and I made Nathan’s sufganiyot together and they came out completely edible. You can do at least that well!
Happy Hanukkah!