Review: Horton Hears a Hanukkah Party!

Horton Hears a Hanukkah Party

by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Tom Brannon

Random House Books for Young Readers, 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Jany Finkielsztein

 

Buy at Bookshop.org

 

Horton the elephant, first seen in Dr. Seuss's Horton Hatches the Egg and Horton Hears a Who, has been brought back to life very much in character by Leslie Kimmelman, with authentically Seussian illustrations by Tom Brannon.

 

Horton Hears a Hanukkah Party tells the story of Horton following mysterious sounds (as in Horton Hears a Who) that lead him to a miniature yet joyful Hanukkah celebration. Through clever rhymes, vibrant pacing, and engagingly bright illustrations, children discover Hanukkah traditions—menorahs, dreidels, and festive foods—along with themes of freedom, community, and believing in yourself.

 

What stands out most is the book’s deeper message. Horton is uncertain at first, but as in his earlier adventures, through patience and courage he demonstrates that staying true to yourself matters more than the opinions of others. Children can connect with his journey of self-belief, learning that confidence and kindness help them discover their own strengths.

The narrative also includes a playful mystery. Young readers are engaged by the question of what Horton hears, eagerly anticipating the source of the joyful sounds. This touch of suspense adds to the fun and keeps children invested in the story.

Although it centers on Hanukkah, the lessons are universal. The book encourages children to appreciate cultural celebrations while also trusting themselves in moments of doubt. At the end, a brief history of Hanukkah is included, giving readers context and helping them understand the holiday’s deeper meaning. Families celebrating Hanukkah, as well as those experiencing it for the first time, will find joy in this heartwarming, entertaining, and meaningful read.

The story does not present a particular stream of Judaism or specific level of Jewish observance. The Hanukkah customs are presented naturally through the plot and illustrations, so children experience them as part of the festive adventure rather than as a boring lesson. Non Jewish readers will easily connect to the book: the rhymes and artwork make the holiday traditions clear, while the universal themes of joy, community, self-belief, and even the idea of celebrating freedom, allow any child to comprehend the story. The book increases understanding of Jewish experiences by introducing Hanukkah traditions while also reflecting the deeper meaning of the holiday—celebrating resilience, freedom, and the strength of a community coming together. The note at the end presents the historical context for the holiday. These all help readers appreciate the history, the practices, and the values behind them. 

 

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Reviewer ​​Jany Finkielsztein is originally from Bogotá, Colombia. Jany has built a career in education, serving as a middle school teacher, curriculum coordinator, and instructional coach in charter, public, and Jewish Day Schools across Massachusetts. She brings extensive experience in designing and leading professional learning opportunities for K–12 educators. Jany has also taught pre-service teacher preparation courses as an adjunct faculty member at Boston University and Simmons University. She is a board member of the Massachusetts Council for Social Studies (MCSS). Jany is also on the advisory boards of AmYIsraelChai Book Project and Read Your World where she contributes to educational programming and outreach.