Byline: Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library

Curl up with books from Waldman Library

There was an old lady who swallowed a dreidel … perhaps it’s fatal! There are many great stories to read to your kids over Chanukah. What a wonderful way to spend time with your family – curling up with a good book or CD. The Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library has lots of each from which to choose.

Two of the newest books for Chanukah are Honeyky Hanukah by Woody Guthrie and I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel by Caryn Yacowitz.

Written in rhyme, Honeyky Hanukah lights the way for a night of family, friends, food and fun in a warm and joyful celebration, and it includes a CD performed by the Klezmatics.

I Know an Old Lady is also a rhyming book, written in a cumulative style, and with the help of the artwork, this well-known folk song takes on a new life in this tale about celebrating Chanukah with Bubbe and her family.

Two of the library’s most popular classic storybooks to read aloud are A Hanukkah Treasury by Eric Kimmel and The Stone Lamp by Karen Hesse and Brian Pinkney.

Treasury is a Chanukah compilation filled with history, flavor, legends, contemporary stories, recipes and games, suitable for the entire family. Stone Lamp comprises a series of eight free-verse poems in which the authors capture the resilient spirit of the Jewish people through the imagined voices of eight children at Chanukah.

These are just some of the Chanukah books available at the library. There are also dozens of holiday CDs and the library even has a Chanukah klezmer collection. To peruse the entire catalogue, go to jcclibrary.ca or just come up to the second floor of the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, say hi, and browse through the collection in person.

Waldman Library’s holiday books for kids

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are nearly here! A memorable way to include some special inspiration for you and your children is to drop into the Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library, where you’ll find a great variety of books perfect for both celebrating both of the High Holidays. Here are just a few of the new children’s books that you can find on loan.

image - What a Way to Start a New Year coverWhat a Way to Start a New Year! A Rosh Hashanah Story. The complexities of both family and relating to a new community are thoughtfully explored in story of Dina and her family moving to a new city via the great value and resilience of tradition renewed in the High Holidays. Dina’s family life is expressively and colorfully illustrated by Judy Stead.

I’m Sorry Grover: A Rosh Hashanah Tale. Part of the enduring Shalom Sesame series, this is a delightful introduction to all the important aspects of Rosh Hashanah. Dear old Grover tells the funny adventure of Brosh, who has misplaced his favorite blue, woolly hat. In his search, his doubts are resolved and confidence and New Year happiness restored.

Apple Days: A Rosh Hashanah Story. Every year, in preparation for the holiday, Katy and her mom pick enough apples to make their special sauce. But this year brings the birth of a new baby cousin for Katy, so, apple picking is off. Not to worry, the family’s friends and neighbors come to the rescue. Dynamic illustrations complete a story as fresh and crisp as a first, sweet autumn apple.

The library has dozens of other books on the High Holidays, including the Sammy Spider’s First Series that are very popular with preschoolers, as well as lots of board books for babies and toddlers.

Take the books home or read in the library. Babas and Zaydas can drop in with their grandchildren, who can choose their favorite holiday story.

To see a complete list of library books, check out the library catalogue at jcclibrary.ca.