Hanukkah Short Stories

It's Hanukkah time! Preschoolers will learn all about how people celebrate Hanukkah—from eating latkes, spinning dreidels, exchanging gifts, and lighting the menorah. And they'll also learn why they celebrate—from the destruction of the Temple, the bravery of the Maccabees, and the miracle of that little bit of oil that lasted for eight nights.

Traveling storyteller Joel ben Izzy recounts the story of Hanukkah, as you've never heard it before, along with seven other tales to keep you laughing for all eight nights of the festival of lights. Through it all, Joel manages to capture both the warmth and humor of the holiday, with the stories woven together by the lilting music of The Kings of Klezmer.

It’s Christmas time in the city, and Brooke is feeling a little frisky for Santa. Christmas Eve, dressed to kill, husband and wife venture out into the snow for a night neither of them will ever forget. When Mr. Claus crosses their path, out delivering toys to underprivileged kids, eyeing Brooke like he can’t resist her, who are they to deny St Nick himself? A boring, stuffy networking opportunity turns into a wild night hot enough to thaw the North Pole. Brooke’s flirtation becomes something decidedly riskier as Elliot keeps court in the other room. Soon, she’s stealing her husband...

A bear wakes to wonderful smells that lead him to the house of Bubba Brayna. Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, but at 97, she doesn't hear or see well. When the bear arrives at her door, she believes he is her rabbi. Bubba Brayna and the bear light the menorah, play the dreidel game, and eat all the latkes. The mix-up is revealed, Bubba Brayna has a laugh about it, and everyone works together to make more latkes.

The Hanukkah story honors the heroes and heroines throughout Jewish history who have fought using both might and wisdom to overcome their foes. One of these heroes is Judah the Maccabee.

In this marvelous story the miracle of Chanukah is retold in a refreshing and modern way. The old story of the festival of light takes on new significance for a family just like yours.

Carefully leveled text engages young listeners in learning about the traditions and celebrations of Hanukkah. Age-appropriate critical thinking questions and a glossary help build nonfiction learning skills.