My First Chanukah

by Tomie dePaola

Describes the traditional celebration of Chanukah, including the lighting of candles on the menorah, the eating of latkes, and the spinning of the dreidl. On board pages.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Jewish, Holiday, Cultural

14 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 1 out of 5]

While not a Jew himself, Tomie dePaola brings Chanukah to the world of board books with his usual cheer and grace, attempting to convey what the Feast of Lights has meant to Jews over many generations.

Candles are lit in a menorah to recreate the miracle that came to Ancient Israel under the guidance of Judah the Maccabee in the second century B.C. The menorah is displayed in a window to show pride in God, who has preserved his people through the ages. Chanukah features good food (such as latkes), games (using a dreidel), and small presents to bring loved ones together. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of community in submission to God.

The pretty illustrations and charming tone make me want to rate My First Chanukah higher, but I think it misses the mark. An extended explanation of the holiday's history would be impractical in a board book, but its roots should have been explored a little more since they're so foundational. On balance, I rate My First Chanukah one and a half stars; it's a pleasant read.

[Beverlee Jobrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet.

[Kjartan A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I was to present to my students to the Jewish holiday of Chanukah, this would an excellent book. It contains great picture and a nice story about celebrating Chanukah.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewer Miss Sherry
Rating 10/10
Created 2018-11-30 17:57:35
Review

I love cute little educational books that expose children to different cultures. It is short and easy enough for an early reader and the artwork is great. I love Tomie dePaola and am rarely disappointed.

[10TX · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 21 month old loves this book. He's learned a lot of Hanukkah vocabulary thanks to this book and stories we told during the holiday. He even says, "Mackeebee" (tho not because of this book). From this book: "Pin the dayul" (Spin the dreidel.)

[Kirbook · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would be nice to learn more of the meaning behind the holiday, but overall not bad for a kid's book.

[Latifa Awad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genre: Non-fiction
My first Chanukah is a cute short book that describes different things that people who celebrate Chanukah do. The story is good for young children, grades kindergarten through first, because it is brief. For young children, he book is age-appropriate and children can understand what is represented. The language and sentence structure in the book is simple. The book is interesting to children and can help them understand how Chanukah is celebrate. This book can be a good source to use to explain to other children what celebrating Chanukah looks like. The illustrations correspond to the text and are accurate in terms of setting and what the book is describing. The pictures hold the child’s interest while the text is read and give a visual image to support the text. The illustrations include realistic and convincing characters. There are no negative stereotypes of the represented group.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for a book with a bit more history about Chanukah to teach my kids what it is all about. This was more about the celebration. Cute and short and it drew out some questions from my four-year-old for a short discussion between us about different religions and customs; which is always good.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

More detailed than My First Passover. It talks about traditions, and barely mentions the history of it (says "we light candles to remember Judah the Maccabee and his brothers."). Again, basic, meant for an infant, so fine!

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic and the images aren't very attractive or interesting to me or kid... They should be in a basic children's book. It has the minimal information though to teach about the holiday. Very minimal.