Hanukkah, the ‘festival of light’ is a Jewish celebration that mostly falls in December. If you have a toddler at home and you want him to know about various cultures and traditions of this world, read related books to him. You can even get plenty of books about Hanukkah, reading which your child will learn about the rich history of Jewish people and their festivals. If you are on the lookout for such books, you are at the correct place. Librarians of Palos Verdes Montessori have shared a curated list of titles that you can read to celebrate Hanukkah with your child.

The Miracle Jar : A Hanukkah Story by Audrey Penn and Lea Lyon

This is a popular children’s book that talks about Hanukkah. The two main characters of the book Sophie and her brother are preparing for their family’s Hanukkah celebrations and their father is sharing the story of the miracle of Hanukkah with them. Children love reading this book as something magical happens with the family preparing for their festival. To know what happens, encourage your kids to read the book and explore.

The Night Before Hanukkah by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer

This Hanukkah themed book is quite famous among the preschoolers as the story here depicts the excitement on the night before the festival begins. Each evening, the characters in the story come together to light the candles and share holiday traditions such as playing dreidel, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts. The book is captivating as it captures all the joy and love people share during one of the most wonderful times of the year.

Menorah in the Night Sky by Jacques J.M Shore

In Child Care Rolling Hills Estates, CA, children love reading this book as the story shows two best friends Zev and David living in a concentration camp during the Holocaust. Being confined in a harsh condition, they are waiting for a Hanukkah miracle to happen. They want to celebrate the festival but they don’t have the menorah and without that, they can not celebrate the lighting of the candles during the festival. So they are looking at the night sky for some illumination. Though the story has a sad tune, it also teaches us to be hopeful in every situation.

The Dreidel that Wouldn’t Spin: A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah by Martha Seif Simpson

Dreidel is a small four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side, used in a children’s game traditionally played during Hanukkah. Palos Verdes Montessori teachers suggest parents read this book to their children as it showcases the most beautiful dreidel is refusing to spin. Initially, two greedy children bought the dreidel but later when it passed on to another child who was not greedy, it started spinning. The story shares message about generosity and the Hanukkah spirit.

You can buy any or all the titles shared on the list and can spend some cozy time with your kids reading and learning about the festival.