Hanukkah Picture Books

Hanukkah Sameach! Hanukkah 2019 will begin tonight and end on December 30th.  Here are ten Hanukkah themed picture books.

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins & Paul O. Zelinsky - Acclaimed author Emily Jenkins (A Greyhound, a Groundhog) and Caldecott Award-winning artist Paul O. Zelinsky (Rapunzel) bring the beloved All-of-a-Kind Family to life in a new format. Fans, along with those just meeting the five girls ("all of a kind," as their parents say), will join them back in 1912, on the Lower East Side of NYC, and watch as preparations for Hanukkah are made. When Gertie, the youngest, is not allowed to help prepare latkes, she throws a tantrum. Banished to the girls' bedroom, she can still hear the sounds and smell the smells of a family getting ready to celebrate. But then Papa comes home and she is allowed out--and given the best job of all: lighting the first candle on the menorah.

Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift by Dara Goldman - Boris is a musician, playing the songs he learned growing up in Russia. Stella is a baker, baking cakes and pastries like her father used to back in Italy. Boris and Stella live in the city and are best friends. They like movies, hats, and each other. At holiday time, Stella wants to give Boris the perfect present for Hanukkah. She wants him to know how special he is. Boris wants to give Stella the perfect present for Christmas--she means so much to him. But perfect presents cost money and their savings banks contain very little. To make their dreams of perfect presents come true, Boris and Stella each sacrifice something very special.

Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka - Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation.  He lumbers into town to investigate, and Bubba Brayna--who does not see or hear very well--mistakes him for her rabbi. She welcomes the bear inside to play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy a scrumptious meal.
However, after her well-fed guest leaves, there's a knock at the door--it's the rabbi, and all of Brayna's other friends, arriving for dinner.  But there are no latkes left--and together, they finally figure out who really ate them.

Hanukkah Cookies With Sprinkles by David A. Adler, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler - Sara sees an old man pick up a bruised apple from the discarded pile next to the local market. She wonders if he's hungry, as she eats her own breakfast. She wonders if he's lonely, as she shares Shabbat dinner with Mom and Grandma. As Hanukkah approaches, a season of light and hope, Sara discovers that tzedakah can be as bright and colorful as a Hanukkah cookie with sprinkles.
A Note for Families provides context about the story and traditions of Hanukkah, and about the meaning of tzedakah, and challenges readers to think about ways they can give tzedakah, too.

Hanukkah Hamster by Michelle Markel, illustrated by André Ceolin - 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?

A Hanukkah With Mazel by Joel Edward Stein, illustrated by Elisa Vavouri - Misha, a poor artist, has no one to celebrate Hanukkah with until he discovers a hungry cat in his barn. The lucky little cat, whom Misha names Mazel, inspires Misha to turn each night of Hanukkah into something special. He doesn't have money for Hanukkah candles, but he can use his artistic skills to bring light to his home--as Mazel brings good luck to his life.

Little Red Ruthie by Gloria Koster, illustrated by Sue Eastland - I am going to eat you up! With jars full of sour cream and applesauce in her basket, Little Red Ruthie is on her way to Bubbe Basha's house to make latkes for Hanukkah! But along the path she meets a scary wolf who wants to eat her. Can Ruthie use her wits and powers of persuasion to convince the wolf that latkes will taste better than she will? This clever spin on the classic LIttle Red Riding Hood tale introduces Hanukkah traditions in a humorous and unexpected way.

The Night Before Hanukkah by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Amy Wummer - It's the night before the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah begins, and everyone is excited! Each evening, the family gathers to light the candles and share holiday traditions such as playing dreidel, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts. The seventeenth title in Natasha Wing's bestselling series, The Night Before Hanukkah captures all the joy and love in one of the most wonderful times of the year!

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Richard & Tanya Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel - A refugee seeking sanctuary from the horrors of Kristallnacht, Oskar arrives by ship in New York City with only a photograph and an address for an aunt he has never met. It is both the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, 1938. As Oskar walks the length of Manhattan, from the Battery to his new home in the north of the city, he passes experiences the city's many holiday sights, and encounters it various residents. Each offers Oskar a small act of kindness, welcoming him to the city and helping him on his way to a new life in the new world.

Way Too Many Latkes by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Aleksandar Zolotic - Faigel makes the best Hanukkah latkes in Chelm, but somehow, this year she's forgotten how to make them! She sends her husband, Shmuel, to ask the rabbi for help. And in Chelm, the village of fools―oy vey!―this becomes a recipe for disaster!

Teddy Bear Picture Books

Sadly, I'm probably not publishing this post in time for many of you to take proper advantage of today.  Today is Bring Your Teddy Bear to School (or Work) Day.  Please forgive the lateness!  In honor of this important day, here are ten picture books which feature teddy bears.

Bear in the Air written by Susan Meyers, illustrated by Amy Bates - When a teddy bear is lost by the child who loves him, the bear begins an amazing journey to get back home again. From swimming in the ocean with the fish, to flying in the sky with the gulls, to being found by a sailor, and then being carried off by the wind, the bear meets new friends and travels to many places he never dreamed of. This tender picture book with beautiful seaside imagery will capture readers' hearts with the bear's summer adventure as he gets back home where he belongs.

Ben Loves Bear by David McPhail - Ben and Bear do everything together. After breakfast, they play hide-and-seek and do tricks to make each other laugh. At night, Ben tells Bear a bedtime story and Bear snuggles with Ben until he falls asleep.

Brown Bear, White Bear written by Svetlana Petrovic, illustrated by Vincent Hardy - Alice got two teddy bears as gifts from her grandmas. One bear was white and the other was brown. Except for their colors, the bears were exactly the same.  Alice loved both of her bears, and didn't really pay much attention when her grandmas argued over which one was her favorite. But when the bears start fighting to see who she likes best, Alice is forced to take drastic action.  This charming story of competition and cooperation features two naughty but endearing bears, and a little girl who loves them both very much.

Cuddle Bear by Claire Freedman & Gavin Scott - Do you need cuddles, cheer- up hugs,Or snuggle times to share ?Then Cuddle Bear is made for you -A hug-you-happy bear!Meet Cuddle Bear - the unforgettable hero with hugs for everyone! If, like lion, panda, penguin or elephant, you're feeling sad or lonely, never fear! Cuddle Bear has plenty of hugs to go around. It doesn't matter if you're big or tall, short or small, there's one for every size!

Red Ted and the Lost Things written by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Joel Stewart - One day, a little bear named Red Ted is accidentally left on the seat of a train. When he winds up on a high shelf in the place for lost things, he doesn't despair - he puts his mind to work! With the help of new friends and the use of all their senses (including a certain fondness for cheese), Ted and pals are determined to find their way back to the little girl who loves and misses him. Author Michael Rosen and illustrator Joel Stewart offer a sweet graphic storybook about pluck, persistence, and the pure comfort of home.

Teddy Bear Counting written by Barbara Barbieri McGrath, illustrated by Tim Nihoff - Bears tumble in! Count teddy bears from one to twelve, name their colors, and even form three primary shapes--square, circle, and triangle. Then count down to zero as the bears trot away. Back matter includes a review of the counting and math skills presented. Perfect for use with bear counters and other classroom manipulatives.

Teddy: The Remarkable Tale of a President, a Cartoonist, a Toymaker and a Bear written by James Sage, illustrated by Lisk Feng - It all started when one of America's most iconic and beloved presidents, Theodore Roosevelt, refused to shoot a bear on a hunting trip. A newspaper cartoonist, Clifford Berryman, heard the news and created a political cartoon about it, which a candy shop owner, Morris Michtom, showed to his wife, Rosie. Rosie Michtom, whose handmade toys were often displayed in their Brooklyn shop, was so inspired by the story that she made an adorable stuffed toy bear, which the couple decided to name "Teddy's Bear." Demand for Rosie's bears grew so high that the couple went on to found their own toy company and opened a factory in Brooklyn.

Theodore written by Edward Ormondroyd, illustrated by John Larrecq - A long-suffering old teddy bear has a dreadful experience at the laundromat.

Where is Bear? by Jonathan Bentley - It's almost bedtime, and a little boy can't seem to find his beloved Bear! Children will love joining in the irresistible search for Bear and finding where he is on every page . . . and they will love the surprise ending even more!

Where Teddy Bears Come From written by Mark Burgess, illustrated by Russell Ayto - In the middle of a deep, dark forest, all the creatures are fast asleep. Except for a little gray wolf who can't sleep a wink.But the little wolf knows just what he needs to get a good night's sleep: a teddy bear to cuddle, just like in his favorite story book. So the next morning little wolf sets off on an adventure to find a teddy bear.But exactly where do teddy bears come from? The little wolf asks the Wise Owl, but he doesn't know. He asks the Three Little Pigs, but they suggest he speak to Little Red Riding Hood. Finally, when he is very tired the little wolf stumbles upon a kindly man with a bright red suit and a long white beard who needs a helping hand. But good deeds never go unrewarded. So when the little wolf wakes up the next morning there is a soft, cuddly surprise at the foot of his bed...and the answer to his question.

Kindergarten Picture Books

It's my first picture book post!  If I do another one in the future I might have to revamp my book graphic, as picture books do not fit quite as nicely as adult books do! 

School is starting this week, or next week, or already has begun all over the United States!  A major milestone in children's lives, and a theme for August - Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!  Here are ten books about kindergarten.

Eliza's Kindergarten Pet by Alice B. McGinty and illustrated by Nancy Speir - Miss Summer has a special treat for Eliza's kindergarten class--a new pet guinea pig that the kids name Cookie. But Eliza doesn't like this kind of cookie: "A cookie with teeth?" Eliza thinks. She knows that people eat chocolate chip cookies. But do chocolate chip cookies ever eat people? Child-friendly illustrations using acrylic paint by Nancy Speir add charm and appeal as Eliza overcomes her fear and makes friends with Cookie.

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Daniel Jennewein - Your buffalo is growing up. He plays with friends. He shares his toys. He's smart! But is he ready for kindergarten? (And is kindergarten ready for him?) Although kindergarten provides unique challenges for a young buffalo, one who follows the rules and tries his best will get along fine.

It's the First Day of Kindergarten, Chloe Zoe! by Jane Smith - Chloe Zoe is starting kindergarten! Full days of school for a full week. Chloe Zoe has a new backpack and matching lunch box and is so excited to see her best friends Mary Margaret and George. On the first day of school, Chloe Zoe discovers Mary Margaret is in a different kindergarten class. Will kindergarten be any fun without her best friend?

Jumping Into Kindergarten by Julia Cook & Laura A. Jana, illustrated by James Newman Gray - Follow Roo as he figures out how to use and apply his amazing "QI" (new, school-readiness skills pronounced key) skills: ME, WE, WHY, WILL, WIGGLE, WOBBLE, and WHAT IF. 'I love to move around and explore, so my favorite skill is WIGGLE. I can jump into things, and reach for the stars. And bend and stretch and jiggle!' With his backpack of "super cool" skills and a head full of questions, Roo is excited to jump into kindergarten, and your children will be too!

Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Portis - Starting kindergarten can be a little scary. But Annalina shows us there are lots of new and exciting things to look forward to--meeting your teacher, playing on the monkey bars, feeding the pet tortoise, and making new friends. Experience the ups and downs of the first days of kindergarten through Annalina's very own diary.

Kindergarten, Here I Come! by DJ Steinberg and illustrated by Mark Chambers - This adorable picture book celebrates all the familiar milestones and moments shared by every single kindergartener. Whether it's the first-day-of-school jitters or the hundredth-day-of-school party, every aspect of the kindergarten experience is introduced with a light and funny poem--not to mention charming illustrations.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick D. Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton - Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.

Kisses for Kindergarten by Livingstone Crouse and illustrated by Macky Pamintuan - School is about to begin, and Stella Isabella Harden decides that kindergarten just isn't for her. Instead, she decides to spend the day learning from her puppy named Buster. Together these two adventurers plan a day full of playtime, teatime, nap time, and story time. After every "lesson," Stella gets the best reward: a kiss from her best friend and favorite puppy. But will she change her mind about kindergarten before the first day of school? Join Stella and Buster in this lyrical read-aloud and heartwarming story about growing up.

Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt and illustrated by Shane Prigmore - This clever picture book will prepare young explorers to boldly go where they have never gone before: Planet Kindergarten. Suit up for a daring adventure as our hero navigates the unknown reaches and alien inhabitants of this strange new world. Hilarious and confidence-boosting, this exciting story will have new kindergarteners ready for liftoff!

Twindergarten by Nikki Ehrlich and illustrated by Zoey Abbott - Dax and Zoe are twins. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. It's the night before the twins are starting kindergarten, and they have the just-about-to-start-school jitters. After all, they will be in different classrooms! What will kindergarten be like when they're not together all day? But Dax and Zoe will learn that kindergarten is full of new surprises and adventures, and being apart for a short while isn't so bad.