The 9 Candles Of Hanukkah Tell The Tale
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
This captivating illustrated children's book captures the magic of Hanukkah's nine nights while telling (and showing) the history behind this wonderful holiday. Each candle will share a unique piece of the story of Hanukkah, from the Greeks taking over, to the Maccabees' fierce reaction, from the miracle of the cruse oil, to the meaning of sufganiyot and latkes. Bursting with vibrant illustrations that bring the story to life, the book blends historical moments of deep complexity with fun and easy to read language and iconic characters for each of the 9 candles, engaging young readers while introducing them to Hanukkah's cultural heritage. A timeless treasure for families to share the joy and enchantment of Hanukkah.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-18
Length
33 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each candle of the Hanukkah menorah represents in the story?
How do the characters in the book celebrate Hanukkah, and how does it compare to our celebrations?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the story?
How did the story make you feel about the importance of family and tradition?
Can you think of a favorite moment or character in the book? Why did that stand out to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a soft and curious tone when asking questions to make the conversation feel like a fun and engaging discovery rather than a quiz.
Connect the themes of the book to your child’s experiences by relating the characters’ stories to their personal life.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, reinforcing that their perspective is valued.
Pause after reading poignant or complex scenes to discuss its significance, ensuring comprehension and emotional connection.
Celebrate the cultural aspects by possibly incorporating some Hanukkah traditions from the book into your family’s celebration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family traditions
Explanation: The story follows a family as they celebrate Hanukkah, showcasing the lighting of the menorah and other traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and participate in their own family's traditions, understanding the value of cultural heritage.
Example Lesson: The concept of perseverance
Explanation: Each candle in the story symbolizes a challenge the characters overcome, teaching children that persistence leads to achievements.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up easily in face of difficulties, whether in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The spirit of sharing and kindness
Explanation: During the story, the family shares their celebrations with neighbors, spreading joy and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to share with others and act kindly, promoting a sense of community and empathy in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of storytelling
Explanation: Every night of Hanukkah, a different family member tells a story related to the candle lit that night.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and engage in storytelling, enhancing their imagination and communication skills.
Example Lesson: The significance of resilience
Explanation: The characters in the book experience various setbacks but come together to find solutions, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face challenges with a positive attitude and understand that resilience can lead to overcoming obstacles.