This year’s assortment of new releases for Hanukkah is not too different from one of Hanukkah’s favorite treats, latkes. Some are big, some small, some thinner, some fatter, but all are tasty and worth having.
The season's most extraordinary new Hanukkah title is Chanukah Lights by Michael J. Rosen and Robert Sabuda (Candlewick Press, Sept.; ages 5-up). Eight pages of superbly intricate pop-up designs and brief explanations take readers through the centuries of Hanukkah experiences--on ships bound for America, in tenements, and even in the Holy Temple. Children and adults will be amazed at the sophisticated artwork.
Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles by Tami Lehman-Wilzig with Nicole Katzman and illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau (Kar-Ben, Sept.; 4-up) is an outstanding new title that tells the story of a boy with an autistic brother. When Jacob sees Nathan blow out the Hanukkah candles as though it’s a birthday cake, he gets angry, until his new friend pokes fun at Nathan.
Engineer Ari continues his holiday adventures in Engineer Ari and the Hanukkah Mishap by Deborah Bodin Cohen, illustrated by Shahar Kober (Kar-Ben, Sept.; 4-up). As Ari makes his way from the marketplace in Jerusalem to take the train to Jaffa on the eve of the holiday, he learns from others more about the Hanukkah story, its artifacts, and the value of friendship. Lively pictures bring this kid-friendly story to life.
New in paperback this season from Kar-Ben are two photograph books. It’s Hanukkah Time! by Latifa Berry Kropf, with photographs by Tod Cohen (Sept.; 2-6), follows children as they prepare for and experience Hanukkah. Harvest of Light by Allison Ofanansky, photographs by Eliyahu Alpern (ages 3-8), takes children on an in-depth journey on how to harvest the olives used to produce oil for Hanukkah.
The Golem gets a new chance at life in Eric A. Kimmel’s adaptation of the story, with illustrations by Aaron Jasinski (Marshall Cavendish, Oct.) In The Golem’s Latkes (K-3), a PJ Library selection, Rabbi Judah, creator of the legendary creature whose purpose was to help the Jews in time of need, leaves his housekeeper in charge of the Golem while he’s out. But when she sneaks out to a friend and leaves the senseless Golem alone making latkes, latkes begin piling up, filling the streets and wreaking havoc. This delightful yarn is filled with colorful and inviting illustrations.
Younger children will enjoy Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah!, illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov (Marshall Cavendish, Oct.; 3-8). Using the words of the longtime favorite Hanukkah song, the Ivanovs enliven the lyrics by lending each line a fresh and colorful illustration.
Holiday House retells the classic Hanukkah tale with The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler, illustrated by Jill Weber (Aug.; 4-8). Vivid illustrations combined with clear text offer the whole story, simply told, behind the Hanukkah celebrations.
