Hanukkah: A Counting Book In English - Hebrew - Yiddish

by Emily Sper (Illustrator)

This stunning novelty book, now in paperback features bold graphic artwork and die-cuts in the shape of candles, and simply explains the Hanukkah story and teaches children to count from one to eight.

Graphic, vibrant artwork and die-cuts in the shape of candles combine to create this informative and elegant book about one of the most joyous Jewish holidays. The symbols of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, are visually presented to stunning effect as young children learn to count in three different languages from one to eight. Die-cuts of colorful candles--one for each night of Hanukkah--against rich black backgrounds add up one by one with each turn of the page. The importance of the menorah, shamash candle, dreidels, and more are explained in this simple retelling of the story of Hanukkah

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Childrens, Counting

28 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

I’ve worked in the field of children’s book publishing for many years, both as a book designer and designing marketing and point-of-purchase materials. My mother was an editor at Viking so I grew up surrounded by children’s books that are now classics.

It was only when I decided to dedicate time to working on self-generated books and projects that I concentrated on the ideas floating around in my head. Advances in technology have allowed me to print color book dummies in my studio and develop my style of illustration. Because I design my own books I am able to work on all aspects of a book at the same time and this gives me a lot of control.

I studied photography and graphic design at the Rhode Island School of Design (BFA) and Media Ecology at NYU (MA). Originally from Croton-on-Hudson, New York, I now live in the Boston area.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence:
Worker candle
Light one more candle every night
to make EIGHT candles burning bright...
or NINE candles, if you count
the sha-MASH...or SHA-mes!

Premise/plot: This board book is an adaptation of a picture book. (The picture book is eight pages longer; I'm not sure if there are any changes or differences in the text or illustrations.) It is written in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish. (There is a pronunciation guide for adult readers.) So this is a concept book doing at least double duty--if not triple. It teaches about Hanukkah. It teaches other languages. It teaches numbers.

My thoughts: I like this one. Can a book be both simple and complex? If that's possible this one is. At its simplest, it's a counting book that even the very young can enjoy. At its most complex, it offers information that can teach readers of all ages. (Learning numbers in Yiddish and Hebrew. There is one page explaining Hanukkah.) I really like the candle cut-outs. Board books with cut-outs are fun.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Count through Hanukkah in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish

Review: So, I grew up in a very Jewish community, and it's been a goal for me to learn Hebrew. After I moved away, I realized that I knew more Yiddish works than a lot of people knew both because of my community and because of the influence that Yiddish had amongst the Poles (my heritage). I've never been able to read it or relate it to Hebrew. This was a simple and easy way to do it. The pronunciation guide in the beginning is great -- granted, for the adults, not the kids. When counting you count different parts of the Maccabees' story.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very technical... I like the idea of the counting (one menorah, two jelly donuts, etc) but the book is very technical with all of the vocabulary it includes. There are both Jewish and Yiddish words included on each page written in their original characters and in pneumonic phrases. A little heavy for older children (unless they are bilingual already!).

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son is trying to read the Hebrew and Yiddish in this book right now. He loves counting in multiple languages and is fascinated with learning about the holiday. The paper cuts in this book are wonderful and kid appealing.

[Katelynn Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, I especially enjoyed the pronunciation key in the beginning, and the Hanukkah story at the end. This is definitely one I plan on using in my future classroom

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thumbs up, Emily Sper, it's Hanukkah all year round at our house thanks to this big hit. There's so much going on here to keep babies and toddlers engaged: counting to eight in English, Hebrew and Yiddish, candle cutouts on each page to make it easy for chubby little fingers to get a good grip for flipping back and forth, and a concise summary of the Hanukkah story for caregivers unfamiliar with the festival of lights.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian]

A specialized holiday counting board book for youngsters. I appreciate the use of three languages in this book: English, Hebrew, and Yiddish. I also enjoyed the cutout candles multiplying with each page. At the end, Sper also included an informational page for those unfamiliar with Hanukkah and Jewish history.

[Lucia Benzor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rare find. Not only is it in many languages that most of use don't really see in kid's books, it's a different kind of counting book with no animals or such but instead features things that would be commonplace during the Hanukkah celebration. Nice book overall!And colorful to boot!

[Alexis Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for counting. I love how each day there's another candle cut out lit. Hanukkah would be great for 3-6 year olds to read around Hanukkah time, of course. The pictures are bright and simple!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - this book does exactly what it sets out to do. It has nice, die-cut illustrations, thoughtful note at the front, a clear pronunciation guide... and goes through major symbols of the holiday while also counting in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

really nice counting book. Makes the male and female numbers easy to learn.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that it is in Hebrew and Yiddish.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hanukkah: A Counting Book In English - Hebrew - Yiddish
Sper, Emi
a good cross cultural counting book

[molliekay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great board book for all ages. The very young will enjoy counting, and the older children will enjoy learning about Hanukkah and hearing the Hebrew and Yiddish words.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yiddish, English, and Hebrew-- great find!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hanukkah, Yiddish, English and Hebrew...mix in some counting and you have a fun Hanukkah Book!!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josie x 2

[K Morlando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Hanukkah book!

[Doree Burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really cool colorful cut-outs on each page and a great pronunciation and story guide.