I Have A Little Dreidel [Hardcover]

Maxie Baum (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A retelling of the classic Hanukkah song, just in time for the holiday season!

I have a little dreidel, I made it out of clay,
And when it's dry and ready, then dreidel I shall play!

It's time for Hanukkah, and Hanukkah is a time for family. This reasonably priced hardcover picture book features the classic holiday dreidel song, with extra rhyming verses added on. We see the family gathering at a child's house, mama and child working together to make latkes (a classic Hanukkah treat), the family lighting the menorah, and then a spirited game of dreidel. The game is described in easy-to-follow language so that children can follow along and play at home themselves!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–A favorite Hanukkah song is given new life in this charmingly illustrated variation. Following the traditional first verse (I have a little dreidel; I made it out of clay…), the rhyming text depicts a convivial family gathering to make latkes, light the menorah, and play a joyful game of dreidel, with each new stanza followed by the familiar chorus. Distinctive, folk-art-style illustrations feature a mix of patterns and vibrant solids, thick lines and simple shapes, while the bottom third of each spread frames the text in a bold blue-and-white woodcutlike design. Although the text runs a bit long, the brilliant look of this book is sure to please readers.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Baum embellishes the lyrics of the traditional Hanukkah song by adding words about a family visit, but it is the artwork, which captures the spirit of the cheery little song, that makes this oversize book such a standout. Paschkis' paintings, reminiscent of woodcuts, capture the busy fun of the holiday. However, Paschkis is not just content to provide bold, bright art to illustrate the lyrics. She also tucks in a few surprises here and there that will make children enjoy looking at this more than once (see the cat hiding behind the bushel basket of potatoes), and she uses her considerable design talent in unusual ways. Having grown up in Pennsylvania Dutch country, Paschkis incorporates elements of that culture's traditional motifs such as birds and flowers and combines them with Jewish symbols, including open hands and stars of David, all executed in pure blue and white, the colors of the Israeli flag. A holiday treat. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Cartwheel Books; 1 edition (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439649978
• ISBN-13: 978-0439649971
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,195,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Have a Little Dreidel, October 12, 2006

By 

Jewish Book World Magazine (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Have A Little Dreidel (Hardcover)

This adaptation of the dreidel song is paired with a rhyming story about a family and their relatives celebrating Hanukkah. They prepare and eat latkes, light eight candles (in the menorah, which is shown but not identified) and play the dreidel game. The story is on the left side of the book, and the refrain of the dreidel song appears on each facing page, framed in lovely blue and white painted borders. The borders look like papercuts, complete with Jewish stars and dreidels. The rollicking colorful gouache illustrations add to the child appeal, and will make this fun for families or teachers to read aloud.

This was reviewed from a proof, which indicates that the completed book will include the music for the song, as well as directions for making latkes. Hopefully, it will also include directions for playing the dreidel game. The text says " some take pennies out and put pennies in, and " it drops and then I win," but it doesn't tell what the Hebrew letters stand for, nor does it give their numeric value or clear directions for playing the game. Recommended for ages 3-6, based on what the completed book will contain. Reviewed by Andrea Davidson

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference Book for Young Dreidel Players, January 6, 2009

By 

Dominique M. F. Olbert "dominique456" (Erlangen, Germany) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Have A Little Dreidel (Hardcover)

If, like me, you can neither remember the words of the dreidel song from year to year, nor what each hebrew letter stands for, this book is perfect for you. I agree with reviews that say the book is repetitious, but for my 3 and 4 year olds, that's a plus. My kids enjoyed the illustrations as well. As a mom, I love the two pages in the back, one outlining how to play the dreidel - with clear description of the four hebrew letters - and how to make potato latkes. This book is going to be our hanukah reference book from now on.

3.0 out of 5 stars Cute if repetitive, January 7, 2008

By 

Happy mom (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Have A Little Dreidel (Hardcover)

Though this book does get a bit redundant, I must admit that I'm taking great delight in the fact that my three-year-old sings the refrain on every spread! Drawings are cute, it's fun, easy and encourages participation, its best feature. I wouldn't say it's my favorite book ever but it works.