The Magic Dreidels: A Hannukah Story
Written by Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by Katya Krenina
The Magic Dreidels: A Hannukah Story tells of a family busily preparing for Hannukah. Everyone is working, except for Jacob who is distracted by playing with his dreidel. His mother sends him out into the cold to fetch water from the well. On this snowy night, he meets a goblin who exchanges his ordinary dreidel for a magical one! He rushes home to show his family; however, he soon finds out that his neighbor has played a trick on him. Will his family ever believe him again?
In our home, we read picture books to learn and connect with people, places, special holidays, and historical events. Stories, like this one, are great ways to introduce young children to terms (vocabulary) and traditions associated with these events. When children have a broad introduction to a variety of people, places, and events, they can build on that knowledge as they journey through life. These kinds of books make unfamiliar objects become known and seemingly foreign cultural traditions become recognizable. There are many Hannukah stories. What is your favorite?