"Eight Winter Nights: A Family Hanukkah Book" by Laura Krauss Melmed, Illustrated by Elisabeth Schlossberg

Eight Winter Nights summarizes each night of Hanukkah through a short poem. It describes the food, the games, and the traditions in an easy to understand format that also rhymes. While this is a very cute book, I was sort of disappointed while I was reading it because, at first, Laura Krauss Melmed didn't give much detail as to what Hanukkah is, why it is celebrated, or an explanation of the traditions. However, I was pleased when I reached the end to find a short history of Hanukkah and a glossary. I was glad that it presented the material in a fun way but then gave the reader more information. 

I live in an area that doesn't focus very much on Hanukkah, which is sad because it is one of my favorite holidays. I am hopeful that one day I will be invited to a Hanukkah celebration so that I can enjoy latkes and dreidal games and get to see the lighting of the menorah. Until then, I will settle for the amazing books that celebrate this holiday. Totally recommend this book to any one who celebrates Hanukkah or to those that want to teach their children more about this awesome holiday.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama" by Selina Alko

This book is fabulous!  I didn't know anything about Hanukkah until reading Ann M. Martin's Little Sister series and learning about Nancy's Jewish celebrations.  I loved Selina Alko's Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama and how Sadie gets to celebrate each holiday with all of the members of her family.  They hang candy canes on the menorah and put gelt under the Christmas tree.  They eat foods traditional for each holiday and give presents for the eight nights of of Hanukkah and on Christmas mornings.

There were quite a few things I liked about this book.  First, I love how it incorporates elements of the two holidays.  It covers food, traditions, and how the two can be intertwined.  The second thing I loved was the art style.  I am realizing that I am quite a fan of mixed media.  I especially loved the way images were pieced together from found objects (I really loved the painted over crossword puzzle).  I think this a definite must for the holiday reading list.

Happy Reading!
-Melly