Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

by Susan L. Roth

Celebrate Hanukkah with a family of mice as they dance the horah, spin the dreidel, and eat latkes in honor of the Jewish festival of lights, in a book from the creator of the best-selling, My Love for You.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Holiday, Childrens, Storytime, Music

24 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Susan L. Roth creates unique mixed-media collage illustrations that have appeared in numerous award-winning children’s books, many of which she also wrote. Her book, Listen to the Wind, spent a year on the New York Times best seller list. The Mangrove Tree, which was released in 2011 and addressed Dr. Gordon Sato's mangrove tree-planting project, was the winner of Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Roth lives in New York.

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a short and sweet illustration of a Hanukkah song, each page depicting the lyrics of the song through a family of mice as they celebrate Hanukkah. On nearly each page a new candle is lit on the Menorah, a small detail but one that illustrates the passage of time throughout the celebration.

[Jan Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was the song lyrics for text. The illustrations were very nice, though.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of my favorite holiday books for a couple of years now. Using the traditional "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah" text (and music, if you choose to sing it), the book is an engaging introduction to Hanukkah for children who are unfamiliar with the celebration, and a wonderful affirmation for children who themselves celebrate the Festival of Lights. Without telling the faith story of the miracle of the oil, Roth's papercut illustrations clearly depict common Hanukkah celebratory traditions -- lighting the menorah, dancing the horah, playing dreidel, eating latkes, sharing gifts, and gathering with family and friends. Roth's art joyfully opens space for meaningful conversation with young children (ages 3-6) about Hanukkah traditions.

[Nikki Chadwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is for children to read themselves, and/or sing along to the “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” song. This story intrigues children because it provides a plot with a use of language that is age-appropriate for lower elementary grades. The illustrations correspond to both the text and the setting; and hold interest to the reader, which enhance and add to the story. Instead of using characters, Roth uses mice, which are not presented in a negative light; therefore, no negative stereotypes are represented. The only word and/or phrases that children will need helping reading are the words that are specific to a culture, and do not follow English language rules. The author comes from Jewish backgrounds, so her knowledge is accurately represented from personal experiences. This is fiction.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute introduction with colorful collages introduce the activities of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. Very simple text and a song at the end! Grinned when I saw what book the little mice family were reading.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Musical text pairs with papercut mixed media collage artwork. A family of mice celebrates the holiday with traditional symbols represented. The artwork is a bit stronger than the text for me, but the sheet music is included should readers want to perform the story. PreK-2.

[Lena Barnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is great for Hanukkah. The pictures are whimsical collages of different materials. This book is the holiday song of "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah".

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The words to a traditional Hanukkah song are illustrated with adorable collage mice. This simple book is great for toddler and preschool audiences.

[Mills College Library]

Picture R845hk 2006

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love the felt esq pictures of mice which threw off my love of the book. The Hanukkah song set to pictures of mice. Simple for any age group not a board book but not full size either.

[Marlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is adorable. The pictures are just so cute. I didn't know I could find mice adorable, but these ones really are.