Miss Debby's Best-Loved Children's Books: The December Dilemma

December 2023

By Debby Block

Are you “Chanukah” or “Christmas?” For Jewish families that celebrate Chanukah exclusively, children often feel like outsiders who are missing out on Santa, trees, lights, and even reindeer. I remember clearly that my youngest son was always so disappointed that we did not put lights on our house, like all the others in the neighborhood.

Some families may decide to create a special blend of the holidays, especially many interfaith families. According to PJ Library, 51% of PJ Library families have at least one parent who didn’t grow up Jewish. For those families that choose to celebrate both holidays, it may be challenging to determine how to add meaning to each holiday celebration.

This CJN article will explore the celebration of Chanukah in diverse families and diverse environments. My two favorites are “Nonna’s Hanukkah Surprise” by Karen Fisman and “The Only One Club” by Jane Naliboff.

Rachel and her family celebrate Chanukah. When Rachel visits her Italian grandmother, she brings along her brand-new Chanukah menorah. Sadly, Rachel forgets her new menorah on the airplane. Nonna, Rachel’s non-Jewish grandmother, saves the day by creating a unique Chanukah surprise that delights everyone. I recommend “Nonna’s Hanukkah Surprise” for children ages 3-7.

“The Only One Club” is about the only Jewish girl in the class. Instead of feeling badly about being different, Jennifer feels proud and decides to initiate a club for herself which she names The Only One Club. All the other students are also eager to join the club, and fortunately, each student has a unique characteristic. In the end, Jennifer makes and gives a badge to every classmate that says “The Only One Club.” I love this book and highly recommend it for children ages 5-8. Chanukah takes on many diverse characteristics depending on your family’s traditions and place of origin. “Hanukkah in Little Havana” by Julie Anna Blank explores the Sephardic traditions of Cuban Jews in Miami, which include eating “buñuelos” (almond doughnuts) topped with guava jelly. There is a joyous quality to this book brought to life with the bold, colorful illustrations by Carlos Vèlez Aguilera. I recommend this book for children ages 3-7.

“Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas” by Pamela Ehrenberg is a sweet picture book about a multicultural family celebrating Chanukah. Since Mom is Indian and Dad is Jewish, they incorporate traditional Indian food into their Jewish celebrations. Instead of latkes, this family celebrates Chanukah with delicious Indian dosas. Bringing humor to this picture book is the little preschool sister who loves the dreidel song. I recommend this picture book for children ages 3-7.

Exploring a mix of two traditions is the picture book “Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama” by Selina Alko. From latkes to Christmas trees, from dreidels to angels, this book may provide a picture of celebrating both holidays. I would recommend this book only for families that celebrate both holidays.

No matter how you celebrate Chanukah, may it be a joyous holiday filled with light,delicious fried foods and family!