The Eighth Menorah by Lauren L. Wohl illustrator Laura Hughes

Hanukkah is just a few days away.  Not only is it early this year but it coincides with Thanksgiving.  Today's book, while not about the duel holiday,  is a wonderful book about family and sharing.

The Eighth Menorah by Lauren L. Wohl  and illustrated by Laura Hughes is the sweet story of a little boy who is making a Menorah in Sunday School.  He wants to give it to his family but is worried that they already have too many.  He ends up doing a beautiful thing by giving it his Grandmother for her new home.  Not only does he share it with her but with her new community.  I love the this little boy, he is so sweet I wished I could hug him myself.  The illustrations are wonderful and match the text perfectly.  This is a great book to read to children as it shows them how to share and how giving can be better than receiving.  In old adage but one that really bears repeating.   A must have new Hanukkah book for children to treasure.  

Flashback Tuesday: Hanukkah Moon by Deborah da Costa Illus by Gosia Mosz

Hanukkah Moon by Deborah da Costa and illustrated by Gosia Mosz is a great book to read at this special time of year.   When I initially came across this book I was thrilled because it showed a different side of the holiday.  It is a story that shows Hanukkah from a different cultural experience.  I love how the little girl Isobel is concerned that her Aunt from Mexico might not know how to celebrate Hanukkah like she is accustomed to.  Aunt Luisa proceeds to teach Isobel about the Hanukkah Moon and about the Hanukkah traditions from Mexico.   There are the usual Hanukkah elements such as latkes and chocolate coins.  I especially love the dreidel pinata filled with candy.   I great book to add anyone's holiday book shelf.


Happy Hanukkah or as "Aunt Luisa" teaches Isobel-- Feliz Januca!

Flashback Tuesday: Moishe's Miracle by Laura Kraus Melmed illustrated by David Slonim

Moishe's Miracle a Hanukkah Story by Laura Kraus Melmed and illustrated by David Slonim is a really fun Hanukkah story about a good hearted man who is given the gift of a magic skillet which makes endless latkes.  It is a wonderfully illustrated and well told story that transcends the holiday it was inspired by.   I like the way the Rabbi saves the day.   I really love how the illustrations play on light and dark.   This book makes a great holiday read aloud...and also makes me crave a good potato!   Happy Hanukkah! latke

Teacher Gifts for the Holidays!

It's that time of year when parents need to get gifts for their children's teachers.  I know this gets harder and harder each year because as children get older they usually have more than one teacher a year.   When my sister taught school she would get lots of baked goods and mugs....believe me most of the mugs in my house were given to her by her students.   I thought I would give a suggestion for a great teacher gift. Not quite original but a good reminder.
            A friend of mine who is a teacher told a story of how her class is reading about Antarctica and how her kids can't get enough stories about penguins etc.   She said she borrowed the Magic Tree House #40: Eve of the Emperor Penguin from her son and they loved it.  He insisted that she was only to "borrow" it  as he wanted it back some day.   I love that story!


This is what parents can get their teachers....books for their classroom libraries.   Why not buy a book your child loved or something in that subject matter and donate it to a teacher's library.   A gift card to a local  independent bookstore would also be great!   This way you are not only helping cash strapped teachers but the community as well.   Teacher's always need more than one copy of a book too, especially if it is a popular title.

Another suggestion is to help teachers with supplies....so many of my teacher friends spend their own money to support classroom activities....they don't make much as it is, so any help would be appreciated.   Bring some holiday spirit to the people who see your child each day and take care of them....it is a great way to give back!

Happy Hanukkah!

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah.   Last year I recommended some great books but I thought I would suggest some more titles today....(if there is interest in last years titles use the search key to find Hanukkah books).




The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glaser and illustrated by Nancy Cole is a sweet Hanukkah story about a family wanting to share the holiday with a neighbor.  A wonderful story of love and sharing.








Hanukkah Moon by Deborah DeCosta and illustrated by Gosia Mosz is great because it is about Latin American Hanukkah traditions~ or at least the combining of the two.  A perfect way to show a different perspective on this celebrations.










Eight Winter Nights: A Family Hanukkah Book by Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrated by Elisabeth Schlossberg is a new book that is more a book of rhymes to be read each night.  A nice addition to a holiday celebration.




I wish all a very Happy Hanukkah!

Flashback Tuesday: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel illus by Trina Schart Hyman

Tomorrow is the first night of the Festival of Lights or Hanukkah.  Today I write about my favorite Hanukkah story.


Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by the wonderful Trina Schart Hyman is a wonderful folktale about a town that is over run with Goblins who like to destroy the Hanukkah festivities.   It is up to Hershel to save the day.  This is a really fun book that I think everyone should read even if they don't celebrate Hanukkah.   The characters are great and the illustrations are perfect....like I said it is my favorite Hanukkah story.   It is a must have kind of a book.  It also makes a great family gift as all ages can enjoy it.

Let There Be Peace on Earth: And Let It Begin with Me (Book & CD) by Jill Jackson & Sy Miller; illus by David Diaz

In honor of the Nobel Peace Prize being handed out this week I thought I would recommend this lovely picture book based on the beautiful song.

Let There Be Peace On Earth: And Let It Begin With Me is a beautifully illustrated rendition of the popular song we all know. I remember singing this in school and church when I was young. I always loved the words which can make me cry to this day. Caldecott winner David Diaz's illustrations invoke a warm feeling of love and peace for all.

This is a great book to buy for the holidays~no matter what one we celebrate~ because it can be given to anyone. It includes a CD with 12 songs written by the authors. It is hard to believe that this song has been around since 1955 and that it's message is needed as much now as it did then. This is truly a special book!

Peace!

Happy Hanukkah

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah! All week I have given my recommendations for some great books to read for this special holiday. I think I was remiss in not suggesting some great books for toddlers! So here are some of my favorite books for the littlest ones among us:

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Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel Illus by Stephen Carpenter

Here is the Dreidel song with great illustrations~it has a sound chip that plays the music.

My First Hanukkah Board Book by Dk Publishing

A chunky board book with great photographs about the holiday.

My First Chanukah (board book) by Tomie DePaola

Tomie DePaola's warm illustrations highlight this simple book.

D is for Dreidel by Tanya Lee Stone

A great little Hanukkah alphabet book.

Where is Baby's Dreidel?: A lift the flap book by Karen Katz

From the author of Counting Kisses comes this sweet lift the flap book for babies.

My First Menorah by Salina Yoon

Kids should love the sparkly foil on each page....it's as if a candle is lit each time a page is turned.

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So I hope all the little ones enjoy these books and the fun of the next eight days!

Happy Hanukkah!!!!

Celebrating Hanukkah & Christmas!

I know so many families that celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas that I thought I would highlight some books that deal with both holidays. When I was first in books there were not many titles that dealt with these two holidays. I am happy to say that there are more are more out there to accommodate the true melting pot we live in.

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There is No Such Thing as a Hanukkah Bush, Sandy Goldstein by Susan Sussman

This is the first book I ever saw that dealt with both holidays, it is beautifully written for an older child but would make a great read aloud for the younger set.

Light the Lights! A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah & Christmas by Margaret Mooreman

This too is one of the earlier books on Hanukkah & Christmas ----a classic & a must have.

The Trees of Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Another wonderful story by one of my favorite authors...truly special.

Elijah's Angel: A Story for Chankah & Christmas by Michael Rosen

I love this book~always read at storytime...beautifully illustrated!

My Two Grandmothers by Effin Older

Sweet story about sharing a girl celebrating each holiday with her different grandmothers...

Christmas & Hanukkah by Elizabeth Dice

A nice nonfiction title that talks about both holidays to share!

My Daddy is Jewish & My Mother is Christian by Michele Lee Meyer

A great book that shows both faiths and how they can work together.

The Latke who Couldn't Stop Screaming by Lemony Snicket

Such a funny book by the "author" of the Series of Unfortunate Events books~great book to give as a gift to anyone.

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So to everyone who celebrates both: Happy Hanukkah & Merry Christmas!

Reference Sunday: The Everything Kids' Hanukkah by Beth L. Blair; Celebrate Hanukkah by Deborah Heiligman

Today I wanted to suggest a book that would be great in the helping of celebrating Hanukkah. I couldn't decide between two good books that give great information about the holiday including activities, crafts, songs, even recipes.

The first one the Everything Kids' Hanukkah Puzzle & Activity Book is great because it has more than 100 games and activities for kids to learn about Hanukkah with. It is easy to understand and totally kids friendly.

The second book Celebrate Hanukkah: with Light, Latkes, & Dreidels is wonderful because it shows how to celebrate the holiday using stunning photographs of celebrations around the world. It even has a great latke recipe.

Both books would be great additions to any family library to reference at this special time~

Hanukkah Books

A week from now is Hanukkah. Yesterday I wrote about a new book but today I thought I would list some of my favorite Hanukkah books.

These to me are great for all ages and would make perfect gifts.

Hershel & the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel

One of my all time favorites and a Caldecott Honor book too!

Light the Candles: A Hanukkah Lift the Flap Book by Joan Golub

A fun book for kids to interact with.

Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah by Sylvia A. Rouss

Part of a series that introduces the holidays to preschoolers.

Festival of Lights: the Story of Hanukkah by Maida Silverman

This book tells the story of Hanukkah, the legend of the Menorah & gives instructions to make a dreidle.

Great books for a beautiful holiday!

The Amazing Menorah of Mazeltown by Joy Fate & Harold Dresner Illus by Neil Shapiro

With a week to go before Hanukkah begins next Friday, I thought I would suggest a great book for this wonderful holiday. I have always liked the message of Hanukkah...the idea of a "Festival of Lights" is very inspiring.

While in the stores this was a fun holiday to celebrate because it is so joyous. I wished I had this book to read when I used to do storytimes. What I like about this book is that is not just a retelling of the Hanukkah story but a new take on celebrating it. The illustrations are sweet and accessible and the story is fun to read. If you are shopping for Hanukkah this weekend this would be a great book to have for your own children~it would also make a great gift.

Tomorrow I will give a list of some great classic Hanukkah stories that are sure to please every age.