Hanukkah Moon


Book Description

When Isobel is invited to Aunt Luisa’s for Hanukkah, she’s not sure what to expect. Aunt Luisa has recently arrived from Mexico. “At Aunt Luisa’s you’ll get to celebrate the Hanukkah Moon,” Isobel's father promises. Isobel’s days at Aunt Luisa’s are filled with fun and surprises – a new camera, a dreidel piñata filled with sweets, and a mysterious late night visit to welcome the luna nueva, the new moon that appears on Hanukkah. An unusual Hanukkah story with a multi-cultural focus, this title celebrates a little-known custom of the Latin-Jewish community.




Gateway to the Moon


Book Description

In 1492, two history-altering events occurred: the Jews and Muslims of Spain were expelled, and Columbus set sail for the New World. Many Spanish Jews chose not to flee and instead became Christian in name only, maintaining their religious traditions in secret. Among them was Luis de Torres, who accompanied Columbus as an interpreter. Over the centuries, de Torres’ descendants traveled across North America, finally settling in the hills of New Mexico. Now, some five hundred years later, it is in these same hills that Miguel Torres, a young amateur astronomer, finds himself trying to understand the mystery that surrounds him and the town he grew up in: Entrada de la Luna, or Gateway to the Moon. Poor health and poverty are the norm in Entrada, and luck is rare. So when Miguel sees an ad for a babysitting job in Santa Fe, he jumps at the opportunity. The family for whom he works, the Rothsteins, are Jewish, and Miguel is surprised to find many of their customs similar to those his own family kept but never understood. Braided throughout the present-day narrative are the powerful stories of the ancestors of Entrada’s residents, portraying both the horrors of the Inquisition and the resilience of families. Moving and unforgettable, Gateway to the Moon beautifully weaves the journeys of the converso Jews into the larger American story.




New Month, New Moon


Book Description

It’s Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of a new month in the Jewish calendar! In celebration of this monthly event, a family goes out to the Negev Desert to camp out and observe the moon. A photo essay about the changing phases of the moon and their relationship to the Jewish calendar, this beautifully photographed book explains the basics of the Jewish calendar, which is based on the moon rather than the sun. Instructions for building a papier mache moon are included. This book is the fifth in Kar-Ben’s “Nature in Israel” holiday series by this author/photographer team.




The Hanukkah Mice


Book Description

While searching for the Hanukkah lights, three mouse children and their mother discover new treasures each night.




Goodnight Bubbala


Book Description

This festive parody reimagines a classic bedtime book as a lively Jewish family gathering complete with bubbies and zeydes—a perfect gift or read aloud that includes an exclusive latke recipe by Ina Garten, TV’s Barefoot Contessa! In the small blue room there was a bubbala, and a little shmatta, and then—oy vey!—came the whole mishpacha! This zesty parody of one of America's favorite picture books offers a very different bedtime routine: one that is full of family exuberance and love. Instead of whispers of “hush,” this bedtime includes dancing and kvelling, and of course, noshing—because this little bunny is a Jewish bunny, and this joyous book celebrates the Jewish values of cherishing your loved ones, expressing gratitude, and being generous. Filled with Yiddish words, the book includes a phonetic glossary and even an easy latke recipe by beloved cookbook author Ina Garten, who calls the book “brilliant, beautiful, important, and so much fun!”




Chanukah Lights Everywhere


Book Description

A young boy counts the candles on the family Menorah and the lights he sees in the world around him on each night of Hanukkah. Includes information on the history and significance of the celebration. Illustrations.




The Ninth Night of Hanukkah


Book Description

It's Hanukkah, and Max and Rachel are excited to light the menorah in their family's new apartment. But, unfortunately, their Hanukkah box is missing. Luckily, their neighbors happily help, offering thoughtful, often humorous, stand-ins each night. Then, just as Hanukkah is nearly done, Max and Rachel, inspired by the shamash ("helper") candle, have a brilliant idea: to celebrate the Ninth Night of Hanukkah as a thank you to everyone!




Celebrating Hanukkah


Book Description

Presents the history, traditions, and significance of Hanukkah as it is celebrated by a Jewish family in San Francisco.




Hanukkah Hamster


Book Description

The holiday season is a busy time, with people bustling about. And it's a busy time for Edgar, a cabdriver who conveys passengers around the city. All day long Edgar drives his cab; many people going to many different places. At the end of one busy day, Edgar is so tired he climbs into the backseat of his cab to take a nap. But he discovers he is not alone. A little hamster has somehow been left behind from one of the many fares Edgar has driven. Edgar dutifully reports the hamster to the cab company's Lost and Found department, but in the meantime the little creature needs to be taken care of. Edgar brings the hamster to his apartment, making it a bed, feeding it, and even giving it a name, Chickpea. As Edgar starts his Hanukah observance, with no family nearby to share in it, the little hamster becomes more than a casual companion to the lonely man. But what happens when Chickpea's owner is found?




Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins


Book Description

The classic Hanukkah tale, shared by families all around the world-- now available in a beautiful anniversary edition. A Caldecott Honor book. A gift edition of this title is also available, featuring a slipcase and fold-out poster. (ISBN: 9780823452552) An original tale featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story, which received a Sydney Taylor Honor, has been a family favorite for decades! On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him. But when he arrives not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. Using his wits, the clever trickster faces down one goblin after the next, night after night. But can one man alone save Hanukkah and live to tell the tale? Trina Schart Hyman’s leering goblins are equal parts terrifying and ridiculous as they match wits with Hershel, trying to keep him from lighting the menorah and celebrating Hanukkah. This beautiful 25th Anniversary Edition includes an insightful afterword from the author and publisher explaining the book's origins, and remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator who brought the tale to life. This classic picture book is a perfect Hanukkah gift and a wonderful read-aloud. For more tales of this clever folk hero, read The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol— another collaboration between master storyteller Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman. Caldecott Honor Book ALA Notable Children’s Book NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book Colorado Children’s Book Award Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award