Hanukkah Hippity-Hop

PreS–Hanukkah is a joyous time when people come together to celebrate with family and friends. In this charming board book, young readers are invited to participate in the fun alongside the children pictured within the story. Whether the children are jumping like a sizzling latke or twirling like a dreidel, each movement is fun, memorable, and representative of a specific element of the Hanukkah holiday. Bright, colorful illustrations feature a diverse group of children, many of whom are wearing clothing that speaks to Hanukkah in some way. Similarly, the background incorporates visuals readers are likely to find in a Hanukkah setting. A menorah, yarmulkes, and a plethora of foods are depicted, and these images provide an enriching foundation for the story, even though they are not the book’s primary feature. The text itself is short and succinct, encouraging readers to move their bodies with each mention of a Hanukkah item. These rhyming lines have a catchy rhythm as well, which helps to enhance the movement component of the book. While not every element of the Hanukkah holiday is explained in detail within the text, this book includes an appropriate quantity of subjects for its target audience. Accessible, fun, and interactive, this board book fits well with any Hanukkah storybook collection for young readers.