Dreidel Stories

Hanukka is over this year. In our household, it is our favorite holiday therefore in order to lift the mood up, we rely on stories while preparing for the next year chag.

Dancing Dreidels by Alva Sachs, illustrated by Patricia Krebs

The dreidels from this story are hardly preparing for their moment of glory as well. Rebecca, their owner, do practice before the holiday, but one, Shin/Sheila is struggling with spinning. With a bit of night practice though, she will succeed and for her Hanukka moment she will definitely play her part well.

Accompanied by explanations about traditions, food and the origin of the holiday, this book, beautifully illustrated adds some playful experience to the traditional Hanukka party. A great introduction to the holiday as well as a good story to keep the preschool children focused and entertained.

Rating: 4 stars

The Extraordinary Dreidel by Devorah Omer illustrated by Aviel Basil translated by Shira Atik

Israeli (secular) children books, also when they are approaching traditions as Hanukka, do have such a modern relatable way. In The Extraordinary Dreidel by late Devorah Omer illlustrated by Aviel Basil and translated into English by Shira Atik, just before the Hanukka party, the children are faced with the disappearance of a dreidel. But as the dreidel apparently appears, the four cats named after the four dreidel letters may keep it. Why bother them, anyway?

It is a funny story, with playful dialogues and characters and some behavior lessons for preschool to school children. 

My favourite of this season so far!

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Books offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the Hanukkah Version

What makes this book different from other Hanukkah books? From the literary Jewish perspective not too much. 

It features the star character ´hungry caterpillar´ created by Eric Carle, which appears on every page, and during all the eight nights of the festival. The information is correct, simple, written and visually presented in a way that is appealing for children between 1 and 3 years of age.

The illustrations are following the usual format of the caterpillar books, colourful and attractive enough for this age range, but not necessarily the kind of visual outline for a children book. 

The book does not tell a specific story, only describes the general way Hanukkah is celebrated. There is the food and the presents and the family ambiance, but everything is told in a very reserved, careful voice. Nothing less, nothing more, just the brand famous caterpillar and the right amount of information needed.

8 Nights of Chanukah by Eric Carle helps to introduce the holidays to small Jewish children, but it is a good idea to have this presented to non-Jewish children as a way to encourage multicultural interests.

Rating: 3 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review