5 Hanukkah Books for Toddlers

While big-box stores are great, there is something so special about finding holiday books from small, independent publishers. They often focus on the most authentic details, the sweetest community values, and the kinds of stories that truly feel like home.

For the 2 to 3-year-old crowd, I’ve found five gems from smaller houses like Kar-Ben, Apples & Honey Press, and Kalaniot Books. These are sturdy, soulful, and perfect for tiny hands to hold during the Festival of Lights.

1. Hanukkah Hippity-Hop By Barbara Kimmel (Kar-Ben Publishing)

If your toddler has a case of the "wiggles" while you’re trying to fry latkes, this is the book for you. It’s an energetic board book that encourages kids to move like a Maccabee, shake like a jelly donut, and "bippity-bop" through the holiday.

Why it works: It’s pure interactive fun. It’s designed to get kids moving and grooving, which is a great way to channel that "it's-almost-candle-lighting-time" excitement.

2. Kayla and Kugel’s Happy Hanukkah By Ann D. Koffsky (Apples & Honey Press)

Kayla and her rambunctious dog, Kugel, are back! In this installment, they are searching for the family’s Hanukkah box. Kayla explains the traditions to Kugel in a way that is incredibly easy for a 2-year-old to understand.

Why it works: Kugel the dog is hilarious and relatable for any child with a pet. The illustrations use a beautiful color palette that distinguishes between the "now" and the retelling of the Hanukkah story.

3. My Dreidel By Ann D. Koffsky (Kar-Ben Publishing)

This is a super-simple, sweet board book about a puppy who is trying her hardest to learn how to spin a dreidel. It keeps falling over, but with a little help from Daddy, she finally gets it to spin.

Why it works: It’s a great lesson in perseverance (and teamwork!). It’s very short, which is perfect for the 2-year-old attention span, and the puppy protagonist is instantly lovable.

4. Happy HanukKAT By Jessica Hickman (Kar-Ben Publishing)

Who doesn't love a pun? This "purr-fect" board book follows a family of cats as they don their "dreidel hats," light the menorah, and celebrate.

Why it works: The rhyming text is catchy and "bouncy." It’s a very gentle, festive introduction to the holiday symbols—menorahs, latkes, and Maccabees—all through the eyes of cute kitty cats.

5. Jewish Songs from Around the World By Kalaniot Books

While not exclusively about Hanukkah, this musical board book is a total game-changer for holiday atmosphere. It features buttons that play authentic Jewish melodies from different cultures (including Ladino and Hebrew songs).

Why it works: It’s the ultimate sensory experience. Toddlers love pressing the buttons to hear the music, and it’s a beautiful way to show them that Jewish traditions look and sound different all over the world.