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December 5, 2003/Kislev 10 5764, Vol. 56, No.11
Hanukkah comes alive in array of children's books
BETH OLSON
Staff Writer
Many parents are breathing a hefty sigh of relief that, on this year's calendar, Hanukkah falls three weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday. This gives parents more time to shop for gifts, create crafts with the family and read Hanukkah bedtime stories in preparation for the holiday.
Whether you're in search of a Hanukkah gift, ideas for craft activities or are merely looking for a new book to add to your family's holiday collection, here are a selection of new Hanukkah titles.
"A Blue's Clues Chanukah" by Jessica Lissy, illustrated by Dan Kanemoto and Jennifer Oxley (Simon & Schuster, $3.99 paperback)
This new title is a must-have for any fan of the "Blue's Clues" television series. Blue, Joe, Paprika, Mrs. Pepper, Mr. Salt and other popular characters from the series make an appearance in this picture book for preschoolers.
Orange Kitten invites Blue and friends to a Hanukkah party, where the guests make decorations and menorot, eat latkes and play dreidel.
While nothing in the picture book is new to Jewish children, the presence of a popular television character gives this book wide appeal. This book is recommended for children ages 2-6.
"Who'll Light the Chanukah Candles" by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Keiko Motoyama (Simon & Schuster, $4.99 paperback)
This colorful picture book is a new addition to the Hanukkah market. A short poem, the book tells the story of a young girl who longs to light the Hanukkah candles. Passed over each night, she finally gets her wish on the eighth night.
Like the Blue's Clues book, this would also appeal to non-Jewish children. The final page includes a short description of the holiday and definitions of terms used in the book.
The book also includes 50 prismatic stickers.
This story is recommended for ages 2-5.
"This Is the Dreidel" by Abby Levine, illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye (Albert Whitman & Company, $14.95 hardcover)
This new story, told in rhyme, is a colorful picture book that covers all of the basics - dreidel, menorah, latkes, stories, songs and family.
This picture book is recommended for ages 3-6.
"Eight Lights for Eight Nights: A Hanukkah Story and Activity Book" by Debbie Herman and Ann Koffsky (Barron's, $8.95 paperback)
This new title includes the story of Hanukkah and a variety of holiday-related activities.
The story is written for elementary-age children, going into more depth than the standard children's Hanukkah story, although there are plenty of colorful illustrations. Included throughout the story are boxes with "Fun Facts" - trivial items relating to the holiday or the Hanukkah story, such as the derivation of the names, use of weapons and modern commemorations.
The activity section of the book includes instructions for creating a menorah with candles or oil, a safety shamesh holder, dreidels, gelt, wrapping paper, holiday cards, latke platter, shadow puppets and more.
There are also a latke recipe, a guide to the blessings and lyrics to Hanukkah songs.
This book is recommended for ages 5-10.
Contact the writer at beth_olson@jewishaz.com.
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