Hanukkah Pajamakkahs

A spotlight on a Hanukkah picture book that is pure Jewish joy

Editor’s note:

I needed some pure Jewish joy and I found it in Dara Henry’s Hanukkah Pajamakkahs. This is also Henry’s debut picture book so there is even more to celebrate. The book is sweet and silly, smeared and stained, splattered and smudged and spotted too! It might even inspire you to sport a pair of Hanukkah pajamas.

Hanukkah Pajamakkahs, written by Dara Henry, illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov, is published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (September 3, 2024). Sample pages have been shared with permissions.

Dara Henry is a children’s book author living in Southern California. She has a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, and as a former classroom teacher, she loves sharing her stories with children and families. When Dara is not writing, her favorite pastimes include being active in the beautiful California weather, going on adventures with her family, and spending time at the library. Dara finds inspiration in nature, life experiences, and in watching her children grow. Hanukkah Pajamakkahs is her debut picture book. Learn more about Dara’s work at www.darahenry.com.

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Five tiny delights:

1) I relish early morning writing sessions when the house is still quiet.

2) Drinking hot coffee on a cold day does more than warm my insides. It wakes me up, calms me down, and helps me focus on whatever tasks lie ahead.

3) I love fall! Starting at the end of August or beginning of September, I look for signs of the changing season. Here are a few of my fall favorites: brisk autumn breezes, sweater weather, and the leaves changing color.

4) Cooking and baking with my children brings me a tremendous amount of joy. There are a few family recipes we make every year and I look forward to these cooking sessions the most.

5) Cuddling with my two cats, Reuben and Luna, is the best—especially on a lazy weekend morning.

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Five tiny Jewish delights:

1. Baking honey cake with my children for Rosh Hashanah is a family tradition. We deliver the cakes to our neighbors and friends (one year we made and delivered over 25).

2. We eat the same meal most Fridays for Shabbat: rotisserie chicken, couscous, roasted vegetables, and challah. Everyone looks forward to it.

3. I love Tashlich and talking to my kids about starting fresh after we cast away our sins. I especially enjoy Tashlich at the beach and watching as our bread is carried off into the ocean.

4. Sharing Jewish stories with my family is very special.

5. I love ALL pajamas, but I especially love Hanukkah pajamas. My kids have multiple pairs and wear them year round. During the holiday time, my family wears their Hanukkah pajamas practically every night. Watching my own children enjoy their special pajamas was a big inspiration for my debut picture book, Hanukkah Pajamakkahs.

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