It's Chanukah already?! Get in the mood for latkes and candles with this Chanukah sampler of eight books—one for each night, and for dreidel-players of all ages.

And search our catalog for lots more Chanukah stuff: music, e-books, DVDs, and more.

My First Chanukah by Tomie dePaola
A sweet and simple board book for the youngest revelers.

Letter on the Wind by Sarah Marwil Lamstein
Kids of all ages will enjoy this version of a classic Jewish folktale with gentle illustrations.

The Magic Menorah by Jane Breskin Zalben
A chapter book for the 7-10 set about a magical man who emerges from an old menorah.

​Dreidels on the Brain by Joel ben Izzy
Perfect for the middle-grade reader, this semi-autobiographical novel set in 1971 traces the story of 12-year-old Joel -- the only Jewish kid in his class -- as he navigates the eight nights of Hanukkah in suburban L.A.

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​Eight Winter Nights: A Family Chanukah Book by Laura Krauss Melmud
More than two dozen quick poems illlustrate the main traditions and symbols of Chanukah, highlighted by sweet illustrations and a glossary in the back.

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The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket
The official blurb says it all: "Latkes are potato pancakes served at Hanukah. Lemony Snicket is an alleged children's author. For the first time in literary history, these two elements are combined in one book. People who are interested in either or both of these things will find this book so enjoyable it will feel as if Hanukah is being celebrated for several years, rather than eight nights."


 

Jewish Cooking Boot Camp by Andrea Marks Carneiro and Roz Marks
This cookbook offers recipes for the Chanukah basics, as well as music suggestions, quick stories, and words of wisdom from Jewish bartenders.

Hanukkah in America: A History by Dianne Ashton
This serious work of nonfiction is an eminently readable historical exploration into the holiday—which the author argues isn’t a minor one after all. It begins with Chanukah’s origins and traces it through Jewish assimilation to current-day family celebrations.

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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!