J Is for Janucá by Melanie Romero
When I think of Hanukkah, I think of a winter celebration that I know a little about, but not enough to say much about. So, when J Is for Janucá came up on a list of books to read online via Edelweiss, I thought here is a great way to learn. And I learned more than expected. You see, this book is bilingual. Spanish and English words and phrases fill this alphabet book in ways you will be amazed at. Words you might know, such […]
Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind
HannAfter I finished reading, Red and Green and Blue and White, I realized I have read it at least once before. It is a quiet book and one that did not seem to hit “hard” on mine, or I would assume a lot of peoples, radar after it first came out. Yet, it is a nice find regardless of when you do find Lee Wind’s holiday picture book. The two main characters are celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah when this based on a true incident starts. […]
How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen
The illustrations of the cover tell you that this is another Jane Yolen and Mark Teague collaboration. And the cute lovely dinosaur on said cover shows you it is part of their How Do Dinosaurs…? series. The title tells you that this is How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? The format is familiar: the narrator asks does the dinosaur do X? (Something naughty or mischievous). And then you see what you should be doing to celebrate the holiday. The board book format makes it perfect […]
Good Night Hanukkah by Adam Gamble
Good Night Hanukkah is a perfectly detailed look in the board book format of the Festive of Lights. And while aimed at the baby to about four-years-old, anyone can appreciate it. Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper created a book that is highlighting each of the family’s personal celebrations. We see the special foods, songs, the Menorah, games played, gift giving and the meaning behind the celebration on every page. Katherine Blackmore’s illustrations bring it all to life with lovely colorful illustrations. From playing the Dreidel […]
The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco
Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz
An Irish tradition around the corner (St. Patrick’s Day) and the coincidence of reading two books, back-to-back about tradition, made this post possible! The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco is traditional Polacco. The love of family, history, tradition and friendship bounce off the page. The appreciation of Hanukkah and Christmas traditions (at first separate, but later, specially mixed together) is a tribute to the spirit of the season. Having a Christmas Tree might not be Polacco’s family “way”, but they know how to […]
Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale by Gloria Koster and illustrated by Sue Eastland was a book I reviewed awhile back for my stores newsletter. I picked it up again to see if it was still the fun Little Red Riding Hood story with a Hanukkah twist. And it is still that fun Little Red Riding Hood story with a Hanukkah twist, turn and lots and lots of sour cream and applesauce to go along with the yummy latkes. Ruthie is going to Grandmothers house […]
