Title: The Best Hanukkah Ever
Author: Barbara Diamond Goldin (Illustrated by Avi Katz)
About the Author: Goldin lives in Massachusetts. She has always been an avid-reader and loved going to the library. She also loved telling stories. Goldin has written numerous books centered on Jewish themes. She has received the Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work award in 1997 from the Association of Jewish Libraries. Goldin was previously a preschool teacher, language arts teacher, and a writing instructor. She now conducts writing workshops and works as a librarian.
Age Level: 4-8
Synopsis: The Knoodle family is about to celebrate Hanukkah. They discuss what the rabbi has told them: "It is hard to give the perfect gift, one that will be treasured forever." What did the rabbi mean? Thinking they’re to give one another a gift they’d really love to have themselves, they pick names from a hat. Bubby Sadie gives Little Yekl a pickle barrel. Mama Pearl gives Papa Jack a straw hat with yellow daisies -- something she has wanted her whole life! And so it goes. No one is happy...until the rabbi arrives and with Little Yekl s help, straightens things out. Then they all celebrate "the best Hanukkah ever!" Avi Katz s illustrations rendered in digital media bring this endearing story about holiday miscommunication to a proper conclusion.
Theme(s): Hanukkah, gift giving, traditions, Jewish customs, culture
How it can be used in the elementary classroom: This book would be a great way to incorporate Jewish customs into the classroom. Many times, teachers only focus on Christmas but many students come from different religions. It would also be a great resource to just educate students on another holiday that is celebrated by others. This book really discusses the traditions of people that are Jewish. It also discusses Hanukkah and what it is all about. Teachers could do lessons that compare typical Christmas traditions with the traditions of Hanukkah. Teachers could also celebrate Hanukkah in their classrooms and use this book in their unit of study.
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