Chanukah reading list

It's that time of year again where I go crazy with baking, present wrapping, and preparations for Chanukah. So far, as with every holiday, the kids have declared this one to be their favourite. They're at the age where it's all about the presents, and of course, I've made sure that for at least a couple of the nights they are gifted books. It is all too easy to go crazy buying presents for children. The way I tend to handle it for my kids is by looking to see what days I know we'll be with other family members over the eight day celebration, and I only get gifts for them for the other nights when we're on our own. Also, I only get one big thing per kid. The other nights they might each get one book, or a box of Chanukah cookies that I wrapped as a present, or some other small treat. Last night, I got a game that had three components, and I gave each kid one part. They need to share in order for the game to be played, and they each feel as if they got something. We also spent the day decorating a cake for a family party we have tonight, and went to a carnival at our aunt and uncle's synagogue. But, if you're looking for ideas for good Chanukah reading, here's are my personal favourite Chanukah books (not all are exactly Chanukah stories, but my kids and I love them all the same.):

1. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel

The folk tale-ish aspect of this story appeals to me greatly, and the kids love how Hershel uses his wits to drive the goblins away. Plus, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful.

2. Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah by Sylvia A. Rouss

Now, I'm not a fan of spiders at all. I think they're gross. However, I have a soft spot for both Charlotte A. Cavatica and Sammy. This book teaches both counting and colours in a most adorable way, and the sheer repeatability of the line "Silly Sammy, spiders spin webs, not dreidels." brings the kids into the story and lets them participate in the reading.

3. Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman

This one is not a Chanukah story, but I love the message and how it applies to this season. My kids adore the story that is told along the bottom of each page through the illustrations of the little mouse family, and as three kids who adore their blankets they fully empathize with Joseph and his love for the blanket his grandfather made him.

4. The Ziz and the Hanukkah Miracle by Jacqueline Jules

This book tells the story of Chanukah, about the Maccabees and their quest to light the lamp after defeating Antiochus. The clumsiness of the Ziz, a gigantic colourful bird injects humour into the story, and the kids love the brightly coloured pages and pictures.

5. The Dark by Robert Munsch

My daughter is convinced that this is a Chanukah book. As she puts it "It's a story about finding that little bit of light to send away the dark. That's Chanukah." I can't disagree with that. Also, it's a great funny book where the kid gets to be a hero.

6. Grandma and the Pirates by Phoebe Gilman

The last book on the list. Also, not technically about Chanukah, but it is about the importance of family, love and a grandma's amazing cooking: especially her noodle pudding. If that's not what the holidays are about, I don't know what is! Also... Pirates!

If anyone else has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them! I'm always looking for new and amazing books for my kids. We all love to read at my house!