About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when they want to build joyful anticipation for Hanukkah or explain the flow of the eight-day celebration to a young child. Written in the familiar cadence of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, this story follows a contemporary family as they prepare for and enjoy the Festival of Lights. It centers on themes of family togetherness, the warmth of tradition, and the excitement of shared rituals. Best suited for toddlers and preschoolers, it serves as a gentle introduction to lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and eating latkes. Parents will appreciate how it frames religious tradition as a time of play, delicious food, and deep familial love, making the holiday feel both accessible and magical.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular-religious, focusing on the cultural and familial observances rather than the theological or historical origins of the Maccabees. It is a joyful, low-stakes celebration with no sensitive triggers or conflict.
Ideal Reader
A 3-to-5-year-old child in a Jewish or interfaith household who is experiencing the holiday for one of the first times and needs a roadmap for what to expect. It is also excellent for a preschool classroom where children are learning about different winter holidays.
