Five Children's Books to Read This Hanukkah

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Whether you celebrate Hanukkah in your house or trying to raise a well-rounded kiddo, this list of Hanukkah books specially selected by Holiday House is a great place to start!

The Eight Knights of Hanukkah

by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein
Holiday House
Ages 4–8

The last night of Hanukkah is here, and everyone is doing their part for the big celebration, but alas! A dastardly dragon named Dreadful keeps foiling the party preparations. Lady Sadie must call upon the Eight Knights of Hanukkah to perform deeps of awesome kindness and stupendous bravery to catch Dreadful. Filled with Hanukkah humor and fun, this picture book emphasizes kindness to help the holiday lights shine a little brighter.

Hanukah Bear

by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Holiday House
Ages 0–3

Bubba Brayna’s makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking weeks a hungry, adorable bear. Bubba Brayna—who does not see or hear very well—mistakes the bear for her rabbi and invites him in to play dreidel, light the menorah, and enjoy some scrumptious latkes. After her well-fed guest leaves and her friends arrive for dinner—along with her actual rabbi—together, they discover who really ate them.

The Story of Hanukkah

by David A. Adler, illustrated by Jill Weber
Holiday House
Ages 0–3

Celebrate Hanukkah with a beautiful board book that tells the story of a great miracle. This version of the popular and well-received picture book has been carefully pared down for preschoolers and toddlers, and will introduce children to the Maccabean Revolt, the Holy Temple of Jerusalem, and the oil that burned for eight nights.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (25th Anniversary Edition)

by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Tricia Schart Hyman
Holiday House
Ages 4–8

An original tale featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story, which received a Sydney Taylor Honor and a Caldecott Honor, has been a family favorite for decades. This beautiful 25th Anniversary Edition includes an insightful afterword from the author and publisher explaining the book's origins, and remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator who brought the tale to life. This classic picture book is a perfect Hanukkah gift and a wonderful read-aloud.

The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol

by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Candlewick Press
Ages 5-8

Nate Gadol is a great big spirit with eyes as shiny as golden coins and a smile that is lantern bright. He can make anything last as long as it is needed, like a tiny bit of oil that must stretch for eight nights, a flower that needs to stay fresh to cheer up someone ailing, or a small lump of chocolate that grows to allow the Glasers to treat their children over the holiday and, during a harsh winter when medicine is needed more than sweets, spurs them to share what little they have with the O’Malleys. In this charming holiday hybrid story, well-known children’s author and editor Arthur A. Levine pairs with award-winning illustrator Kevin Hawkes to offer a mythical, magical take on the way Jewish families came to give and receive gifts over Hanukkah, just as their Christian neighbors do at Christmas, thanks to a loving spirit named Nate Gadol working behind the scenes—together with a certain jolly old soul.