Caleb's Hanukkah

Cloverleaf Books ™ - Fall and Winter Holidays

by Constanza Basaluzzo (Illustrator), Lisa Bullard

Caleb is excited to spin the dreidel! His family is celebrating Hanukkah. For eight days, they light candles on the menorah. They eat latkes and open presents. And of course, they play the dreidel game!

Genres: Cultural, Holiday, Picture Books, Nonfiction

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Zara Younus]

This book beautifully illustrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. In the book, the family prepares foods and games for their festivities as they learn about the values cherished and shared within the religion. This book is a great way to promote cultural diversity and teach children of another's holiday. Inviting a guest speaker or student to share.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good starter book for young readers to learn about Hanukkah. What’s great about this series is that it makes learning about different cultures and holidays fun in a way that entices the reader to want to know more. Caleb's Hanukkah is very informative with beautiful illustrations to enhance the learning experience. I know this is a nonfiction picture book, but the ending was rather abrupt. Still I liked the book and illustrations and appreciate this educational series. I would recommend this book to kids who want to learn more about Hanukkah, its history, its traditions, and how it is celebrated.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about Hanukkah. Very easy and a great little read.

[Shamilah Gillani · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Caleb’s Hanukkah”, by Lisa Bullard, is an educational story about the Jewish religious holiday, Hanukkah. The story follows the family of a young boy, Caleb, as they celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting the candles on the menorah. Caleb’s family explains the history behind Hanukkah to Caleb and demonstrates many customs that people take part in as they celebrate the holiday. For example, they eat latkes (potato pancakes), exchange presents, and play the dreidel game. While they are celebrating, Caleb’s family teaches him the ethics of their faith, such as giving back to the community. As a teacher, I would use this book to educate children about Hanukkah in a fun and informative way. The students would be able to learn more about their Jewish peers and become open-minded about the holiday. I would also emphasize how we all value helping others and sharing. To conclude the lesson, I would have the students make a dreidle out of a milk carton, which is an activity given at the end of the book. Although the author and the illustrator are not a part of the Jewish faith, the book is still well researched and depicts a very detailed account of Hanukkah customs.

[Rebecca Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text to World Connection:
This book connects to world history of the Jewish faith. The history of the Jewish people is told in this story through a father talking to his son.

Discussion Questions:
1. What questions would you ask Caleb's dad?
2. What is the theme of Hanukkah?
3. What did you like best about Caleb's family traditions?
4. Role play the conversation between Caleb and his father.
5. How would you compare Hanukkah to Christmas?
6. Name two traditions of the Hanukkah holiday.

Booklist
http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through simple but thorough explanations about the traditions of Hanukah, this book describes some of the traditions and foods associated with the holiday. Not only will readers enjoy this introduction to the holiday, but they will also learn how to make a dreidel from a milk carton and find additional information from suggested websites. It's visually appealing and a great way to understand someone's own family customs as well as learning how others celebrate Hannukah. I liked how the author shared Caleb's excitement about being able to light the candle on the menorah.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

this time i got 8 reads by Lisa and different illustrators ... very cool. I enjoy learning about Jewish traditions and hoping i am opening my eyes and mind to end items that i might not know and help myself to just grow and learn. love it.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the better Hanukkah books I have read. I liked it okay The pictures are cute, the story is simple and concise....fun one!

[Desiree Cottle]

I recommend this book if a person is trying to just get an idea about what Hanukkah is along with a little of the history to go along with jt. The author is not of the same religious or ethnic background so it is not coming from a person who has experienced this lifestyle first hand. that is one of the few things that goes against this book. However the pictures are illustrated wonderfully. since the book is about a specific group it does have a diverse group of people in it the story mainly just follows a little boys family. I like that the book gave alot of information but it was in the form of a story. following the life of the little boy. also there were no problems or conflicts in the story it was very simply written.