Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel is my favorite book to read with my daughters, ages 1.5 and 4, during Hanukkah. It’s a classic that I loved as a child, and it’s become a special holiday tradition in our home. The story is the perfect mix of folklore, humor, and spookiness. It always keeps my little ones engaged. Trina Schart Hyman’s illustrations are absolutely stunning—dark and moody.

The book follows Hershel of Ostropol, a traveler who arrives in a village where goblins have been preventing the townspeople from celebrating Hanukkah and lighting the menorah. Hershel, using his wits and a little trickery, outsmarts the goblins night after night. On the eighth night, he faces the King of the Goblins, breaking the curse and bringing the Hanukkah lights back to the village.

Reading this book with my daughters is pure joy. I make my voice deep and growly for the goblins, giving each one a different personality, which always gets giggles. It’s a fun read-aloud. This book has become a beloved Hanukkah tradition in our home.