The Chanukkah Guest
Worth buying if: You enjoy Eric A. Kimmel's gentle folktale retellings and Jewish-themed picture books.
Skip it if: You expect an adult novel or in-depth history of Hanukkah rather than a 32-page children's picture book.
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780823407880. The Amazon link uses this ISBN, so the product page should open to the edition shown here.
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Summary
Eric A. Kimmel's The Chanukkah Guest is a 32-page illustrated children's story about a hungry stranger who arrives during the festival of lights and the family's unexpected act of kindness that changes the night's meaning.
Why this book now
Revisit this Holiday House classic when celebrating family Chanukkah traditions or teaching children about hospitality and Jewish ritual through picture-book storytelling.
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Best for readers who...
Good fit if you want...
- You enjoy Eric A. Kimmel's gentle folktale retellings and Jewish-themed picture books.
- You want a short, illustrated read for a family Chanukkah storytime or classroom holiday unit.
- When you want something cozy, the setting creates a distinct emotional tone.
- You expect an adult novel or in-depth history of Hanukkah rather than a 32-page children's picture book.
- You prefer modern reimaginings that significantly alter traditional folktale plots.
- You are specifically hunting for the newest framing rather than a backlist perspective.
Decided it fits?
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780823407880
Worth buying if: You enjoy Eric A. Kimmel's gentle folktale retellings and Jewish-themed picture books.
Skip it if: You expect an adult novel or in-depth history of Hanukkah rather than a 32-page children's picture book.
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.
Reader guide
Cues to help you decide faster.
Reading commitment
Quick Easy to move through
At 32 pages, this Holiday House picture book is a single-session read for parents or educators—about 5–15 minutes aloud depending on illustration pauses.
What stands out here
This edition highlights Kimmel's folk-tale pacing and picture-book format; look for the original Holiday House presentation and its illustrator-driven storytelling moments.
Best way to approach it
Read aloud slowly to savor the repeated lines and illustrations; use pauses to discuss Chanukkah symbols and the moral of hospitality with young listeners.
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Exact edition: ISBN-13 9780823407880
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.