6 Noteworthy Hanukkah Books for Kids
Walk into any bookstore, library, or even department store this time of year, and kid's Christmas books are abundant. Books, however, focused on other December holidays are usually small in number and relegated to a tucked away display. Worse yet, the displayed books usually features bland stories and lackluster illustrations. I searched high and low to compile this list of the six best Hanukkah books for kids-
The Chanukkah Guest, Eric A. Kimmel
Old Bear wakes up from his winter sleep to the smell of something delicious.Meanwhile, snug 
in her home, Ninety-seven year old Bubba Brayna is busy making potato latkes for her Chanukkah celebration. A fun story of an old woman who doesn't see or hear as well as she used to, a hungry bear, a Rabbi, and a quickly disappearing platter full of latkes.
Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat, Naomi Howland
A holiday spin on Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona featuring a magic latkes pan. In exchange for her generosity, Sadie is given a magic pan in which to cook up latkes and the secret words to control the magic. When she leaves her brothers alone with the pan they decide to give it a try. Did they hear the secret words that stop the pan?
Maccabee! The Story of Hanukkah, Tilda Balsley
The story of Hanukkah told in fun rhyming verse. The unfair demands of King Antiochus, the
bravery of the Jews as led by Judah Maccabee, and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight nights- all wrapped up with the refrain: "Sometimes it only takes a few, who know what's right and do it too."
On Hanukkah, Cathy Goldberg Fishman
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a Jewish family. Explore their traditions for each of the eight nights, learn about the history behind the holiday, and explore the symbols and vocabulary of Hanukkah.
Runaway Dreidel!, Leslea Newman
A runaway dreidel spins down the stairs,past the deli, along the road, into the country and to the beach. Where will it end up? A fun, lighthearted Hanukkah story set to tune of another familiar holiday story.
The Trees of the Dancing Goats, Patricia Polacco
A Jewish family steps in to help their neighbors when an outbreak of scarlet fever threatens Christmas. A heartwarming story of compassion, respect and friendship. A perfect book for families who celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas.
On their own, or bundled together, these titles make wonderful book gifts for children. Consider adding them to your book shelf today, and making them a part of your Hanukkah celebration. Interested in all of six of these Hanukkah books for children? Laughing Giraffe Books offers a Hanukkah book set featuring these titles and more.
And, be sure to view our list of the 10 Best Picture Books of 2011. These make great book gifts for children too!
Does your family have a favorite Hanukkah book? Are Hanukkah books part of your yearly celebration? We would love to hear from you!