The Festival of Lights begins on December 6 this year. Here are a few of my favorite Hanukkah stories. They are good to read any time of year, but right now, fry up some latkes, spoon up some applesauce, get cozy and read.
Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Richard and Tanya Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel
It's the seventh day of Hanukkah, 1938, when Oskar, a refugee from Nazi Europe, arrives in New York City.
Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles by David Adler, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler
Sara's Hanukkah is enriched when she shares food with a hungry stranger.
Hanukkah in Alaska by Barbara Brown, illustrated by Stacey Schuett
a Hanukkah miracle in Alaska.
How Mindy Saved Hanukkah by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Barbara McClintock
As tiny as The Borrowers, the Klein family lives behind the walls at the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Will Mindy be able to find the Hanukkah candle, before the cat finds her?
Beautiful Yetta's Hanukkah Kitten by David Pinkwater, illustrated by Jill Pinkwater
a Brooklyn hen and her parrot pals find a cold, lost kitten at Hanukkah.
Potato Pancakes All Around by Marilyn Hirsh, illustrated by the author
A wandering peddler teaches the villagers how to make potato pancakes from a crust of bread.
Hanukkah At Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Greg Harlin
A Jewish soldier lights a menorah, then tells General George Washington the story of Hanukkah.
Runaway Dreidel! by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker
On the first night of Hanukkah, a boy receives a spinning dreidel which just won't stop.
Honeyky Hanukkah by Woody Guthrie, illustrated by Dave Horowitz
An illustrated version of a lively Hanukkah tune written by Woody Guthrie. The book comes with a CD.
Hanukkah Lights by David Martin, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
A lovely story for the youngest readers.
