My first Chanukah

Ages: 3+

With simple text and clear cheerful illustrations, dePaola has created a board-book introduction to Chanukah. The opening spread depicts an inviting primary landscape, with menorahs glowing in a window of each house. Following pages identify the traditional holiday accompaniments, such as the dreidel and latkes–complete with applesauce and sour cream. The progression of lighting the menorah is explained briefly, and the book closes with a nice sense of continuity for youngsters: “We will celebrate Chanukah again next year.” The book’s tone is geared to a very young audience, which provides parents with a good opportunity to elaborate on the story each year.