articles

6 Books About Hanukkah For Kids

From the serious to the silly, these kid-friendly books are great to share during Hanukkah

By Julie Lepore December 3, 2024

We worked with the independent bookstore The Book House in Millburn, New Jersey, to put together a list of books about Hanukkah for children. We love these six stories and hope your family enjoys them too! 


Hanukkah Hamster 

By Michelle Markel, illustrated by André Ceolin

About the book: A lost hamster helps a lonely immigrant cab driver celebrate Hanukkah away from his family in Israel.


The Story of Hanukkah

By David A. Adler, illustrated by Jill Weber

About the book: A kid-friendly version of the true story of Hanukkah.



Way Too Many Latkes: A Hanukkah in Chelm

By Linda Glaser, illustrated by Aleksandar Zolotic 

About the book: The best latke-maker in Chelm forgets her latke recipe and send her husband to the rabbi for advice in this hilarious Hanukkah tale. (Is there ever such a thing as too many latkes? I vote no!)


Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama

By Selina Alko 

About the book: A mixed-faith household celebrates the holidays.


Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein

By Amanda Peet and Andrea Troyer; illustrated by Christine Davenier

About the book: Rachel Rosenstein is determined to get a visit from Santa, but ends up learning a lot more about other cultures in her quest.



Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf

by Greg Wolfe, illustrated by Howard McWilliam

About the book: Shmelf comes from the North Pole to deliver gifts to Jewish children for the 8 nights of Hanukkah!