Elephants, mice, and dragons make their appearance in these fun and festive board books and picture books.

Board Books

Hickman, Jessica. Happy HanukKAT. illus. by Elissambura. 12p. Kar-Ben. Oct. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9798765644010.
PreS–This joyful board book provides a warm and accessible introduction to Hanukkah for young children as it follows a family of cats celebrating the holiday. “The friendly feline family/ get together this first night/ to kindle the menorah/ for the Festival of Light.” With playful rhyming text and irresistible illustrations, the story continues, highlighting key elements of the holiday, including traditional foods, games like dreidel, candle lighting, and the story of the Maccabees. The cheerful tone and engaging visuals make it easy for toddlers and preschoolers to connect with the celebration. VERDICT A fun and festive choice; a strong addition to board book and holiday collections alike.–Melanie Leivers

Koffsky, Ann D. My Shofar: A Rosh Hashanah Board Book. illus. by Ann D. Koffsky. 12p. Apples & Honey. Sept. 2025. Board. $10.95. ISBN 9781681156149.
Toddler-PreS–In this charming board book, a young elephant struggles to make a sound with her shofar until her mother helps clear it. The opposite concepts of “quiet” and “loud” are introduced through the playful storytelling: “I want it to be loud! Toot. Toot. I will try again. That was not loud. That was quiet.” A brief note at the end explains the shofar’s role on Rosh Hashanah. It does not mention other key shofar calls, including “shevarim” and “t’ruah,” nor does it discuss the shofar’s use on Yom Kippur. VERDICT Joyful illustrations and vibrant backgrounds make this a delightful addition to holiday collections.–Melanie Leivers

Picture Books

Murray, Lily & Kirsti Beautyman. A Dragon Called Spark: A Hanukkah Story. 32p. Kalaniot. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781962011099.
PreS-Gr 3–A heartwarming book that blends the magic of dragons with the traditions of Hanukkah. A young girl adjusts to a new home and the challenge of making friends. With only her invisible dragon, Spark, for company, Eva feels alone until a gentle nudge from her mom leads her to meet the boy next door. At first, Charlie can’t see Spark, but as he and Eva grow closer, he sees Spark and begins to imagine a dragon of his own. Eva later shares both Spark and her culture with other kids at the playground, who are enchanted and eager to create dragons, too. The story ends with a joyful Hanukkah celebration where the children and their imagined dragons come together. Gentle storytelling paired with whimsical, charming illustrations bring warmth to each page. The fantastical element of invisible dragons, eventually imagined and created by all the children, beautifully symbolizes the power of imagination and shared experiences in forging friendships. The story subtly but effectively introduces Hanukkah to readers of all backgrounds, offering a celebration of both cultural identity and community. Eva and her family have tan skin and dark hair, Charlie and his family are Black, and the others have a variety of skin tones. VERDICT A sweet, meaningful addition to holiday collections.–Melanie Leivers

Shafiroff, Hannah. My Little Book of Big Jewish Holidays. 64p. Bloomsbury. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781547614356.
PreS-Gr 3–Ten of the major Jewish festivals are covered in this illustrated holiday treasury: Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu Bi’Shvat, Purim, Pesach, and Shavuot. The introductory text for each festival is divided into the following sections: When, What We Say, Why We Celebrate, and How We Celebrate. Spreads ranging from two to 10 pages, depending on the holiday, feature cheery cartoon illustrations with acrylic gouache, colored pencils, and digital details, depicting contemporary families of all ages, ethnicities, and physical abilities. Men and boys, and some women, have their heads covered. The synagogue scenes appear to be in a liberal reform setting with mixed seating, musical instruments, and women reading from the Torah; instead of using gender neutral language for God, the masculine pronoun is used throughout, along with words like “Lord” and “King.” The name for each holiday and the holiday greeting are offered in Hebrew, English, and transliteration, with helpful pronunciation clues as well. The note on the Hebrew calendar appended at the beginning is especially helpful. VERDICT This is a comprehensive, attractive, and accessible volume, similar in format and scope to Marilyn Singer’s Awe-some Days, Leslie Kimmelman’s Dance, Sing, Remember, and Alfred Kolatch’s Let’s Celebrate Our Jewish Holidays.–Rachel Kamin

Wieder, Joy Nelkin. The Mouse Who Loved Latkes. illus. by Joy Nelkin Wieder. 32p. Kar-Ben. Oct. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9798765644249.
PreS-Gr 1–A rodent romp about a little mouse who learns about Hanukkah and friendship. Colby Jack (C.J.) Mouse lives in an apartment that becomes newly inhabited by the feline Katz family. While terrified of becoming the cats’ next meal, C.J. can’t help but be tempted by the delicious aromas of holiday foods and curious about their novel objects. He secretly samples bits of jelly donut and chocolate gelt and wonders about the purpose of a dreidel. Finally, the adorable Kitty Katz convinces him to emerge, teaches him about the holiday, and invites him to make and eat latkes with her family. Though briefly alarmed by the menorah, which C.J. initially views as a giant mousetrap, his fears are assuaged by the last page where he is reassured by the family that mice are not kosher. This story is a light and fun glimpse into family holiday life for those who do or do not observe Hanukkah. Readers are brought into a mouse-eye view from the various perspectives presented in the watercolor illustrations. Though C.J.’s fear is apparent through his expressive face, the peril remains minimal, and the story is gentle enough for young or timid readers. Back matter includes a glossary, a recipe for Mrs. Katz’s latkes, and instructions for how to play dreidel. VERDICT A recommended purchase for holiday picture book collections.–Clara Hendricks

Wind, Lee. Banana Menorah. illus. by Karl West. 32p. Apples & Honey. Nov. 2025. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781681156811.
PreS-Gr 2–Skylar and her two dads have gone on a beach vacation over winter break. Unfortunately, the Jewish family brought only their Hanukkah candles, not the menorah. Inspired by a real event, Wind tells a story of finding a creative replacement for the candle holder in the form of a banana! Skylar first worries that the holiday will not feel “comfy. And cozy. Tried and true and everything I was used to.” But as she chooses a different item on which to place the candles each night, like a bag of granola or sculpted tinfoil, she creates a new tradition for their family, even after they return home. Contained within is a subtle reference to the Hanukkah miracle of the candles sustaining despite a lack of resources. Digital cartoonlike images depict a family that presents white, colorful beach scenes, and page spreads of the nontraditional candle lighting rituals. Readers will find visual hints as to what item Skylar will choose next. Through language and onomatopoeia, this makes for a delightful read. VERDICT An engaging book depicting a family’s fun and unique spin on their Hanukkah celebrations.–Clara Hendrick