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FeatureArts & Culture

Eight Jewish kids’ books to buy for Chanukah

From historical novels to modern picture books and a collection of special Hanukkah stories, each of these titles is sure to get the kids excited.
The Jewish Independent
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Kids Books

(Image: TJI)

Published: 9 December 2025

Last updated: 9 December 2025

With the holidays just around the corner, it can be tricky finding time to pick out Hanukkah gifts for the kids. Recent data has shown that parents reading to kids is at an all-time low, so there's never been a better time to give kids a newfound love of literature.

This list of Jewish kids' books covers all ages, from babies all the way to pre-teens. There are some Chanukah-themed titles, as well as books they'll want to read all year round. Whether they're covering biblical stories, moments in history or icons of pop culture, each book celebrates Jewish culture, traditions and history in its own unique way.

It's a Mitzvah: Small Deeds With Big Heart

By Suzy Altman

The Jewish Independent

Author and artist Suzy Ultman melds her Jewish upbringing with a modern aesthetic, creating kids’ books that stand out amongst the more old-school styles. The third release in her Jewish-themed board book series, this book introduces readers to everyday good deeds and inspires kids to bring kindness, connection, and peace to the world.

(Age 1-3)

Hannukah

By Lesléa Newman

The Jewish Independent

Lior and his family are inviting you to celebrate Hanukkah with them! Join in and learn the story and customs of the festival of lights in this immersive picture book. Kids will follow along as the family make latkes, spin the dreidel and light the menorah for eight nights.

(Age 5-7)

My Inner Spark: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Jewish Spirit

By Chana Herzog

The Jewish Independent

Full of big feelings and questions, Rose turns to her mother for guidance, who shares with her stories of wise and resilient Jewish women over generations. This uplifting book is about connection, hope, and timeless values, inspired by courageous Jewish women and the lessons they've imparted.

(Age 6-11)

The Children's Illustrated Jewish Bible

By Laaren Brown & Lenny Hort, illustrated by Eric Thomas

The Jewish Independent

All the key stories from the Hebrew Bible are beautifully and clearly told in this refreshed edition. In the book's foreword, the authors encourage readers to think for themselves about the meaning of each story: “The stories of the Bible… can be understood in many ways and on many different levels… As we grow up and change, we can see new questions in each story."

(Age 9-12)

Shabbat Shalom: Let's Rest and Reset

By Suzy Altman

The Jewish Independent

This informative and entertaining book is the second in Suszy Ultman's series of stylish, modern, Jewish-themed board books for young readers. Shabbat Shalom: Let's Rest and Reset introduces kids to the day of rest, validating the varied experiences of Shabbat for Jewish families.

(Age 1-3)

Across So Many Seas

By Ruth Behar

The Jewish Independent

Spanning over 500 years, Pura Belpré Award winner Ruth Behar’s epic novel tells the stories of four girls from different generations of a Jewish family, many of them forced to leave their country and start a new life. Starting in 1492 during the Spanish Inquisition, the novel follows the girls all the way to the 2000s in the United States.

(Age 8-12)

My First Book of Famous Jews

By Julie Merberg, illustrated by Julie Wilson

The Jewish Independent

From Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Barbra Streisand to Einstein and the Marx Brothers, this engaging board book gives an overview of some of the most influential and iconic Jews in recent history. Kids and adults like will enjoy learning about the ways Jews have contributed to the fields of science, literature, Hollywood and more.

(Age 8-12)

The Festival of Lights: 16 Hanukkah Stories

Edited by Henry Herz

The Jewish Independent

This collection of stories and poems by 16 Jewish writers portrays the magic of Hanukkah with a diverse range of genres and characters. From a young baker trying to make sufganiyot from a family recipe to code breakers in England during World War II, each story explores what it means to be Jewish both across the world and throughout history.

(Age 9-12)

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