Spin the Dreidel!

By Alexandra Cooper, 15 pages, board book.

This board book was one of the first books I bought for my son and it has not gone out of style! It comes with a built in dreidel that the child can spin whenever he/she wants! We like to spin it after reading each page. The book has clever rhymes that teach children about the dreidel game. It also explains what each Hebrew letter on a dreidel represent and their meaning. There is a short history of Chanukah at the end of the book for parent/child discussion. Overall this is a book I'm sure your child will bring to you to read over and over during story time...even when it's not Hanukkah!

On the First Night of CHANUKAH

By Cecily Kaiser, 24 pages.

Not only do my children love this book, but I don't mind reading it over and over again. That may be because I actually get to sing it to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." It is wonderfully written with lively pictures that you can use over and over again for your "picture walks." You can even use them to play "I Spy" to point out the Chanukah items the book highlights such as a menorah, candles, doughnuts, gelt, dreidels, Stars of David, and latkes. This is definitely a great addition to the toddler library.

Hoppy Hanukkah

By Linda Glaser, 24 pages.

This book is so cute. It is a great way to introduce the idea of Hanukkah to a toddler. Two bunnies burst with excitement as they learn about lighting the candles on the Hanukkah menorah every night, playing the dreidel game and eating latkes. Great pick if you can find it at your local library because your toddler may outgrow this one fast.

Hanukkah A Counting Book

By Emily Sper, 20 pages, board book.

My boys love this book! They love to count all the Hanukkah objects such as gelt, dreidels, latkes and more. Then of course they get to learn the Hebrew and Yiddish words for the numbers 1 through 10. It is very colorful and bright and fun! A great gift for any toddler on Hanukkah! This book would also make a nice addition for your class or nursery.

A Lawyer's Case for God

By Jim Jacob, Esq., 145 pages.
A Lawyer's Case for God is another keeper. It is also a great book to hand out to people who are agnostic or atheist, especially if they are inquisative about God. It is written by a former athiest raised as a Reform Jew who has since become a Messianic Jewish Believer. If you have a heart to reach the lost, or non-believing Jewish people, this is the book for you. He effectively presents common arguments that unbelievers offer up when faced with a conversation about salvation. After reading this book, you'll know how to respond to questions like; Is there a God?; Is the Bible true?; Is it Jewish to believe in Yeshua?; Does the Bible have meaning for my life today?; Do I need to succumb to organized religion?; and so many more! You also get a bit of Jewish history. You learn how many historically famous people are Jewish and how the Jewish people have contributed to the entire world. He ends the book with his own faith journey and it's an encouragement to people who witness to others. It's a well thought out, easy to read, and worth the time book that everyone should own and share with others.

Abounding Health Naturally

By Sharon Jean Wiginton, 184 pages.
This is not just another diet book, it is a book full of hope! I actually know the author, and she has a very sweet spirit with a heart for the Lord. You feel that as you read this book. It is a must read for anyone who wishes to live healthfully the way God intended. You discover that sometimes traditional medical doctors and pharmaceuticals are not always the best answer. Not only do you learn biblically based principles of eating, but then it is coupled with proven history. You see how it works through the author's successful journey as she beats cancer. I not only bought one for my permanent library, but others for family members. In fact, I accidentally gave out my own copy! So I bought two more, to have one on hand to give away. It is a great book to give to people who are struggling with health issues ranging from cancer, to chronic colds, to obesity. To top it all off, it has a suggested eating plan with recipes at the end. This book has something for everyone!

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back

By Todd Burpo, 192 pages.

This book was given to me by a friend. She told me it was an easy read and thought I might enjoy it. Well, I did. Not only was it an easy read, but it is a very nice story that you do not have any problems believing. It is a recounting of true events about a 4-year old boy, who has a health encounter that winds him up in the hospital, and then right in the middle of heaven. The amazing thing is, he comes back to tell his family about the experiences he had, and also things that he couldn't possibly make up. It's a great book for believers and non-believers. When you claim Messiah Yeshua as your Lord and Savior, you know that you are saved and will spend eternity with the Creator and His son. What you don't know is exactly what that will look like. I am not saying that I agree this is the end all, final answer, to what heaven is like. But it is just further confirmation that there is a heaven and yes, we want to end up there. This is great for any stage of faith, or even people that are still, on the fence. You just never know if the explanations of a child will be sufficient to move someone over to committing themselves to the Lord. Youth readers will especially enjoy the story because it shows a personal relationship with the Lord is very possible, especially when you are young. All in all, I'd have to give this book a big thumbs up!