Every year new books come out for the Jewish holidays. Hanukkah is an especially popular topic for picture books. This year’s most talked about book is Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf by Los Angeles author Greg Wolfe, illustrated by Howard McWilliam. In this picture book, some children have been left off Santa’s list. Shmelf the elf is assigned to investigate. Shmelf observes a family celebrating Hanukkah and is very impressed. Santa then appoints Shmelf to be the Hanukkah elf. Dressed in blue and white and with a yellow Jewish star dangling from his stocking cap, Shmelf, accompanied by Asher, his Jewish reindeer, will visit Jewish children.
Much of the criticism concerns the intermingling of Hanukkah and Christmas which are two entirely different holidays. This can be very confusing to children who are not old enough yet to have solidified their Jewish identities and don’t know enough about Jewish traditions.
Interfaith families, of course, seek to find commonalities between these two winter holidays. Marjorie Ingall, a Jewish parenting expert and author of Mamaleh Knows Best, says that” parents should educate themselves on both faiths, keep Christmas and Hanukkah separate,…and stop trying to compete with Christmas.”
Anne Connor, a reviewer for School Library Journal, says that “while the illustrations are bright and colorful and the verse is perky, the message seems awkward and leaves a patronizingly bad taste.” She does not recommend this book for libraries.
But not everyone agrees with Ingall, Connor and scores of Judaica librarians. Publishers’ Weekly says “Three cheers for Shmelf for recognizing that ‘Hanukkah’s awesome’ though it may rankle some families to see the Santa juggernaut expand to include Hanukkah, too.”
Amazon reviewers overwhelmingly applaud the book , calling it adorable, a new classics, clever and inclusive.
No mention is ever made of the millions of non-Jewish, non-Christian children who celebrate neither Hanukkah nor Christmas.
And by the way, in the BCCLS library system only 13 libraries out of more than 70 currently own the book. That certainly sends a message.
Reviewers who criticize the book feel that Santa and Hanukkah just don’t go together, no matter how well-meaning the story. Instead of trying to impose Christmas customs on Hanukkah, why not emphasize the themes of bravery, liberation from oppression, freedom of religion, fighting back when people’s rights are taken away and working together. Certainly those messages are more universal than the commercial message of more presents given by a mythical character, charming as it may be. The messages of Hanukkah are universal, powerful and just as important today as they were centuries ago.
There are other far better books that provide both a positive message and an enjoyable read. There are books that celebrate the unique qualities of the holiday, books that concentrate on the positive aspects of Hanukkah, books that are as warm and fuzzy as the best of the Christmas genre while staying true to Hanukkah.
In addition, there are many books that sensitively and accurately portray blended families. This article does not deal with those.
The Lampert Library suggests the following for Hanukkah reading. These and many more are available in the Lampert Library or the public library either on display or by searching the catalog. Keep in mind that picture books make fine family read-alouds and great discussion starters even for older readers.
Picture Books
Brown, Hanukkah in Alaska has its own special miracles such as the aurora borealis.
Howland, Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat appear in a magic frying pan that helps a poor family celebrate the holiday.
Kimmelman, The Runaway Latkes is a Hanukkah take on The Gingerbread man. Great for reading aloud.
Kimmel, The Chanukah Guest is a gently humorous story of mistaken identity and hospitality.
Kimmel, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is an award story that reworks a traditional folktale into a scary Hanukkah story that emphasizes bravery and cleverness.
Korngold, Sadie’s Almost Marvelous Menorah takes a common childhood event of a broken craft project and gives it a positive spin.
Krensky, Hanukkah at Valley Forge is the story of a possible meeting between General George Washington and a Continental soldier during Hanukkah.
Robinson, Jackie’s Gift-that’s Jackie Robinson- for his Jewish neighbor Steve was a Christmas tree. Based on a true story.
Rosen, Elijah’s Angel teaches the narrator that a gift given in friendship is a true gift.
Schnur, Potatoes at Turtle Rock follows a family’s unique Hanukkah celebration.
Middle Readers
Polacco, Trees of the Dancing Goats is a gorgeously illustrated story that exemplifies the mitzvot of visiting the sick and generosity when a Jewish family makes it possible for their Christian neighbors to celebrate Christmas.
Pushker, Toby Belfer Never had a Christmas Tree as the only Jewish girl in her small southern town but she never wondered why because she “knew she was Jewish; that was reason enough.’
Snicket, The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming is an irreverent story of a misunderstood latke who insists that it’s not part of Christmas and that “Christmas and Hanukkah are completely different things.”
Stillerman, Nine Spoons, a Chanukah story is based on an actual event from the Holocaust where, at great danger to themselves, a group of women make a menorah out of their precious spoons.
Sussman, There’s no Such Thing as a Chanukah Bush, Sandy Goldstein is a classic that address the issue of Christmas envy. Sandy’s grandfather explains that there is a difference between celebrating something because you believe in it and helping friends celebrate something because they believe in it.
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Pre-K in Montclair loved Shmelf ….and own a copy of the book for their class library. . I read one of my favorites, “A HANUKKIAH FOR DINA” to them. We made a menorah out of potatoes, just like Grandpa and Dina did. I recommend this classic Chanukah book to the 3-7 crowd.
This is an important article for many young parents wrestling with the seasonal holiday dilemma. While every family strives to finds its answer, these books provide different vantage points to consider. Thank you, Aileen.