Noah and the Eight Trucks of Hanukkah
What’s inside...
Noah is a young boy who loves Hanukkah, but his favorite thing in the world is trucks. Feeling that trucks should be a part of the Hanukkah celebration, he creates a Festival of Trucks in addition to the traditional Festival of Lights. This new festival also honors the brave Maccabees, combining Noah's passion with the holiday spirit.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each truck represents during Hanukkah?
How do the characters in the story show kindness and teamwork?
Why do you think Noah chose trucks to celebrate Hanukkah?
Can you think of other ways to celebrate holidays that include everyone?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite truck in the story and explain why it stands out to them.
Discuss the importance of traditions and how they can be both respectful of the past and open to new interpretations.
Ask your child to think about how they would feel if they were part of Noah’s Hanukkah celebration.
Relate the story's themes to your child’s experiences by asking them about times they have worked together with others to accomplish a task.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Generosity and Sharing
Explanation: In the story, Noah shares his Hanukkah gifts, which are trucks, with his friends, demonstrating the joy of giving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their toys and special belongings with others, fostering a sense of community and kindness.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book introduces children to the traditions of Hanukkah through the story of eight trucks, each representing a night of the holiday.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and respect cultural differences and traditions, promoting inclusivity from a young age.
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: Noah expresses gratitude for each truck he receives, showing appreciation for small and big gestures alike.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express thanks for gifts and kindnesses they receive, which can improve their emotional and social skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Each truck represents overcoming different challenges, symbolizing persistence and resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying in the face of obstacles, be it in learning new skills or dealing with day-to-day challenges.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning
Explanation: The trucks each teach Noah something new about Hanukkah, blending fun with education.
Real-World Application: Children can see learning as an enjoyable activity, which can lead to a lifelong enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge.