We are not Jewish, but we have lots of friends who are, and I wanted my son to learn more about Hanukkah. I checked out a ton of books from the library and shared them with my son and my preschool storytime group! Here is a list of preschooler-approved Hanukkah stories!
12 Hanukkah Stories:
1. Biscuit’s Hanukkah by Alyssa Satin Capucilli–
My son loves Biscuit stories! In this story, Biscuit learns that Hanukkah is all about sharing fun, food, and festivity with family and friends. Biscuit learns how to make a menorah, helps the little girl wrap presents, and even shows some love for the family cat!
2. Chanukah Lights Everywhere by Michael J. Rosen–
In this lovely counting story, a little boy counts the Chanukah lights that he sees each night. Not only are these lights at home on his menorah, but he notices lights all around him. Learn more about the celebration of Chanukah and the importance of paying attention to the wonders all around you.
3. The Count’s Hanukkah Countdown by Tilda Balsley–
It’s Hanukkah on Sesame Street and Grover is having a Hanukkah party. At the party, the Count meets new friends, learns the story of Hanukkah, and enjoys some latkes. He also learns that eight is the perfect Hanukkah number. This story covers the holiday customs of candle lighting, dreidel spinning, and gift giving. It explains the historical background of Antiochus, the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil. While on the long side, repetition and humor will help keep preschoolers engaged with the book.
4. How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen–
From the warm glow of holiday candles to the fun of family gatherings, dinosaurs love to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Jane Yolen understands that sometimes everyone, even dinosaurs, forget their manners when they get caught up in all of the festivities. However, her rhyming text serves a gentle reminder to stay on our best behavior.
5. Hanukkah Bear by Eric Kimmel–
In this adorable book, Bubba Brayna has invited the rabbi to join her for Hanukkah dinner. A mix-up occurs when an uninvited guest drops by and Bubba Brayna, with her poor eyesight, mistakes a bear for the rabbi! Together she and the bear play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy delicious latkes. Preschoolers will love being in on the joke and are sure to giggle throughout this one!
6. Honeyky Hanukah by Woody Guthrie–
This a rocking, dancing-along Hanukkah book! A boy, his guitar, and his dog sing their way through the neighborhood, gathering friends and family for a Hanukkah celebration. Book come with a CD featuring the Honeyky Hanukah song.
7. Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer–
Latke, a dog has just joined a new family! It’s the first night of Hanukkah and this doggy has a learn to learn about the holiday, as well as the house rules! Preschoolers can commiserate with Latke, who just can’t help but eat the yummy treats and unwrap the presents. After a series of mishaps, Latke tries to be on his best behavior and the family rewards him with a chew toy. This story is told from the dog’s perspective and the illustrations are adorable, making this a great choice for preschoolers.
8. Gracie’s Night: a Hanukkah Story by Lynn Taylor Gordon–
This is my favorite Hanukkah story! I love this story because even though Gracie’s family doesn’t have a lot of money, she still realizes that she is rich in love. Gracie is so excited to buy her Papa new warm clothes for Hanukkah, but when she sees someone in desperate need of warmth, Gracie give away Papa’s gifts. Her selfless act brought a Hanukkah miracle to someone in need. Check out this read-aloud of the story: https://youtu.be/_hPVUhvz4u0
9. Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert–
This is a beautiful poetic book about the eight nights of Hanukkah. Each night gets it own haiku. The amazing stepped pages add one candle to the menorah every time the page is turned, symbolizing the lighting of a candle for each night Hanukkah.
10. Beautiful Yetta’s Hanukkah Kitten by Daniel Manus Pinkwater–
One winter night, Yetta, a chicken who is the honorary mother of a flock of parrots, discovers a kitten in a snowdrift. The parrots are nervous about taking care of a cat, but Yetta reminds everyone that it is Hanukkah. The group of birds bring the kitten to a Jewish grandmother who feeds them all latkes. Filled with a sprinkling of Yiddish and Spanish words, this is a fun book to read-aloud and sweet story to enjoy together.
11. Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg–
Sadie’s family is both Jewish and Indian, so at Hanukkah they eat dosas, traditional Indian pancakes in stead of latkes. Before they can eat their yummy dosas, however, they have to buy the ingredients and cook the food. Little Sadie can’t stop climbing on everything, driving her older brother crazy! But when the family gets locked out just before their Hanukkah party, Sadie and her climbing skills save the day.
12. I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel by Caryn Yacowitz–
At Hanukkah, a family is visiting their bubbe (grandma) and before they can enjoy the yummy meal, Bubbe accidently eats a dreidel. She keeps eating Hanukkah items — latkes, gelt, and a menorah — in this cumulative story. Filled with humor and rhymes, this one will keep preschoolers entertained while introducing them to Hanukkah celebrations and traditions.
Thank you for checking out my list of Hanukkah stories for preschoolers! I hope you enjoy these books! My son and the preschoolers at the library’s storytime group really liked all of these books. I joined Amazon’s Affiliate program to try and help cover the costs of this site. If you buy something through one of my links on Amazon, then I get a small percentage of the sale (no extra cost to you). Thank you for your support! Happy reading 🙂
Hanukkah Crafts!
I love making crafts that go along with out stories! Here are two Star of David crafts to make preschoolers:
Decoupage Star of David: make a beautiful Star of David craft for Hanukkah.
Easy Star of David: easy Star of David craft for toddlers/preschoolers that only needs craft sticks, glue, and a blue marker.
