Holidays - Hanukkah
Holidays can be a time of joy, reflection, and family. But, they can also create a change in routine, and new people/places. Below are some resources to help prepare your child for Hanukkah to decrease meltdowns, and increase the fun! Remember, the more you talk, read books, watch videos, and play games about new/different experiences, the more your child will know what to expect.
The books and toys below have been tested and loved over the years. The information in these resources about Hanukkah is presented in a way that is accessible to young children, while also being engaging. If you have any additional recommendations, please feel free to send me suggestions through the CONTACT US page.
Happy Hanukkah!
Books about the Story of Hanukkah
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Hanukkah- The Festival Of Lights: This book offers a simplified version of the story of Hanukkah, with introduction to the vocabulary/customs of Hanukkah (latkes, dreidel, menorah, etc.).
Ages 3-5 years
The Story Of Hanukkah: This book tells the story of Hanukkah (including cartoon battle scenes), as well as describes how families celebrate Hanukkah today. This book also provides an introduction to the vocabulary/customs of Hanukkah (latkes, sufganiyot- jelly doughnuts, dreidel, etc.)
Ages 5+ years
Picture Books of Hanukkah Songs
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I Have A Little Dreidel: This book has the traditional words for the “I Have A Little Dreidel” song. It then continues with additional verses (to the same tune) to demonstrate the customs of celebrating Hanukkah with friends/family. The book covers customs such as making latkes, lighting candles, and playing dreidel. The end of the book has a recipe for latkes, directions for playing dreidel, and has sheet music to sing the song.
Ages 2-5 years
Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah!: This book has illustrations for each verse of the song to demonstrate the customs of Hanukkah. It is a quick read, and you’ll likely find that your kiddos ask you to read/sing it again, and again, and again!
Ages 2-5 years
Fun Books That Have Hanukkah Themes
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Happy Hanukkah, Corduroy: This board book is perfect for little ones. It features very simple text, and introduces Hanukkah vocabulary while following Corduroy and friends through a very simplified celebration of Hanukkah.
Ages Infant- 3 years
Elmo’s Little Dreidel: This tells the story of Elmo attending a friend’s Hanukkah celebration. Elmo learns some of the traditions/vocabulary of Hanukkah (dreidel, menorah, etc.).
Ages 2-5 years
Construction Site Hanukkah Lights: This book follows the familiar “Construction Site” characters as they celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. The book demonstrates some of customs of Hanukkah while introducing some vocabulary (menorah, shammash, dreidel, gelt, etc.).
Ages 2-5 years
Clifford Celebrates Hanukkah: This book follows Emily Elizabeth and her big red dog Clifford to a friend’s Hanukkah party. Traditions of Hanukkah are modeled, and vocabulary is introduced (dreidel, latke, menorah, sufganiyot- jelly doughnuts, etc.).
Ages 3-5 years
Hanukkah Bear: This fun book is the story of an older woman who confuses a bear for a rabbi and feeds the bear all of her latkes. While some of the jokes might be too nuanced for younger listeners, the story is so silly that they will likely enjoy it regardless!
Ages 3-5+ years
Imaginative Play and Toys For Hanukkah
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