Reading about Hanukkah is a great way to get little ones excited for the holiday. Whether it’s baby’s first holiday or your toddler is learning about the eight special nights, reading these Hanukkah books for kids can be the start of a new family tradition.

The holidays are a great time to add to your chid’s bookshelf because holiday stories are unique and so much fun. Even if your family doesn’t celebrate Hanukkah but you simply want your child to learn about it, these kids Hanukkah books are perfect. There’s a book for every kind of reader. Check out these Hanukkah books for kids!

8 Hanukkah children's books to add to your child's seasonal bookshelf

8 nights of chanukah book Motherly

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's 8 Nights of Chanukah Board book by Eric Carle

If your little on is already in love with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, then they’ll love this festive counting story that features a familiar friend.

hanukkah lights book

Hanukkah Lights by David Martin

This board book features sweet illustrations and simple language that’s just perfect for little ones learning about Hanukkah.

hanukkah haiku book

Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert

This cross-cultural kids book, brings together a traditional Japanese poetry form and the celebrations of Hanukkah.

simon and the bear

Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale by Eric A. Kimmel

This fanciful tale of a little boy and his new found friend, a polar bear, shows little readers the power of hope and celebrates the miracles of Hanukkah.

latke the lucky dog book

Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer

Latke is one lucky dog because he gets rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah. But, can this mischievous dog learn the rules?

meet the latkes book

Meet the Latkes by Alan Silberberg

The Latkes are just like any other family celebrating Hanukkah, except for the fact that they’re potato pancakes! This goofy story will quickly become a favorite for your little one.

daddy christmas book

Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko

For families that celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, this is a lovely holiday story about different traditions.

night before hanukkah

The Night Before Hanukkah by Natasha Wing

This sweet children’s book captures the joy of the holiday by taking readers through each of the 8 nights and their special traditions.

the eight nights of hanukkah book

The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman

Everyone in the kingdom is gathered to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah but a silly dragon named Dreadful has other plans. The Eight Nights of Hanukkah are riding to the rescue!

challah day book

Challah Day! by Charlotte Offsay

This rhyming picture book celebrates the joy of baking and sharing family recipes.

a warning about swans

A Warning About Swans by R. M. Romero

In this dreamy and dark lyrical tale, a young woman is trapped in a prison and only nonbinary Jewish artist Franz can help her.

hershel and the goblins

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (Gift Edition) by Eric A. Kimmel,

It’s Hershel of Ostropol versus a band of disgruntled goblins in this Jewish folk tale.

hanukkah bear

Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel

The smell of Bubba Brayna’s latkes wakes a bear out of hibernation. What ensues is a hilarious and heart-warming Hanukkah tale that’s sure to become a classic.

the story of hanukkah

The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler

A retelling of the story of Hanukkah and the Maccabees.

A version of this post was published November 14, 2022. It has been updated.