Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah

Sammy Spider

by Sylvia A. Rouss

Sammy Spider watches longingly as Josh Shapiro lights another candle and receives another brightly-colored dreidel each night of Hanukkah.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Childrens, Holiday, School, Cultural

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Kirsten - Children's Library Lady]

A curious little spider named Sammy watches the Shapiro family celebrate Hanukkah by lighting the menorah and playing with different coloured dreidels.

Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah sparks conversations about the significance of observing and respecting different cultural traditions, feelings of longing, and an outsider's perspective. 

Discussion Questions:
- How does Sammy's observation of the Shapiro family's Hanukkah celebration improve his understanding of their tradition?
- What does this book teach us about respecting and appreciating different cultural traditions?
- How does the story portray feelings of longing and desire? 
- Think of a time you observed a tradition or custom different from your own. How did that make you feel?
- What might Sammy learn from his experiences of observing the Hanukkah celebration?

[K Morlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for young children celebrating Hanukkah!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Cathy Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hanukkah arrives at the house where a young spider lives. Many questions are asked answered. There are colors, counting, and a Eight surprise Hanukkah gifts. Bright illustrations. Enjoy

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sooooo sharing these with my kids.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLASSIC book, we bring it out for every Pesach

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sammy Spider is a mainstay in Jewish children's literature. This book was so popular that the publishers asked the author to write more Sammy books for other Jewish holidays. Little Sammy Spider is watching the Shapiro family celebrate Hanukkah and wants a dreidel of his own. With the colorful illustrations and the repetitive refrain, this book will be a family favorite. I bought this book when my children were little, and we read it together every year. It is still sitting on my children's literature bookcase, and I look forward to reading it with my grandson.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I'm not a big fan of spiders, I thought this book was absolutely adorable. A clear, simple, very cute story perfect for little ones. Not too religious, either. There's a focus on numbers and colors, and a nice rhythm to the writing. I believe there's also a nice repetition to a certain phrase, which my kinders really dug and learned to repeat after only a few pages.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Chanukah story.

[Dubovoyalena]

Book about the jewish holiday. Gives a spiders perspective on the holiday. Great book to read around the holidays and talk about different cultures