Now that Hanukkah is around the corner — it begins at sundown on December 12 — it’s time to start thinking about gifts, which is why we rounded up some of our favorites (including a free Hanukkah coloring book).
1. “Pillow Fight Night” by Jack Jacob and illustrated by Emma Hofberg
The main character, Jack, teaches kids about friendship and forgiveness — and how expressing our feelings can bring us all together.
2. “The Mitzvah Bus” by Mister G
Pairing “bluegrass, bossa nova, and more with clever wordplay,” this album is a perfect addition to your kid’s Hanukkah. Mister G (whose birth name is Ben Gundersheimer) is the winner of the 2015 Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Children’s Album, along with four Parents’ Choice® Gold Awards. This album has 14 songs in English, Hebrew, Spanish, and Yiddish on topics such as holidays, family, food, and language.
3. “The Librarian of Auschwitz” by
4. “Clifford Celebrates Hanukkah” by Norman Bridwell
It’s our favorite big red dog learning about and enjoying Hanukkah. Great for young readers.
5. “Elmo’s Little Dreidel” by Naomi Kleinberg
Elmo celebrates Hanukkah for the first time — and gets a surprise Hanukkah gift. You can probably guess what it is…
6. “My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story” by Danielle Novack and illustrated by Phyllis Harris
This is a book perfect for interfaith families and kids who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. As Amazon aptly puts it in its summary, “My Two Holidays” “offers comforting explanations that shine a light on how special it can be to celebrate two treasured holidays instead of one.”
7. “Hanukkah Mad Libs” by Roger Price and Leonard Stern
A fun activity for kids and adults both.
8. “Happy Hanukkah, Curious George” by H.A. Rey and Margaret Rey
If you love the mischievous little monkey, you’ll love this holiday special with him. To boot, there’s a latke recipe and directions on how to make a dreidel!
9. “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins Paperback” by Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman
What happens when goblins are terrorizing a town? Well, when Hershel is around, let’s just say, he isn’t about to let them get away with it.
10. “Latke, the Lucky Dog” by Ellen Fischer and Tiphanie Beeke
What happens when a stray dog finds a new home on the first night of Hanukkah?
11. “The Ultimate Hanukkah Activity Book: History, Drawings, Puzzles, Candles, Menora Memes, Activities, And More! The Best Hanukkah Gift For Kids! ” by E.V. Pepper
Who doesn’t want to color in Jewish cats and dogs and other fun things? The best part? It’s a free Kindle book you can download.