Review: Construction Site Hanukkah Lights

Construction Site Hanukkah Lights: A Hanukkah Lift-the-Flap Book

by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Shawna J.C. Tenney

Chronicle Books, 2025

Category: Board Books

Reviewer: Lila Spitz

 

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This lift-the-flap board book is a charming and culturally appropriate addition to the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series. The text bolds specific words to show emphasis and includes developmentally appropriate rhymes which give the book a sing-song tone when read aloud. The illustrations are drawn in the same fun style and high contrast colors-yellow, red, and orange- as other books in the series.

The seven machines celebrate Hanukkah by participating in cultural and religious traditions such as building a menorah, lighting candles, and gifting gelt. Additionally, the cement mixer creatively sculpts a huge dreidel in recognition of its importance within the Hanukkah story. This delightful book would be a wonderful gift for Jewish and non-Jewish toddlers this 2025 holiday season. 

Editor's Note: This book was named to the Fall 2025 Holiday Highlights list by the Association of Jewish Libraries.  

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As a Children's Librarian with the New York Public Library, Reviewer Lila Spitz leads weekly storytimes and school-age programs as well as visits to daycares and schools. She has a passion for outreach to government agencies and community organizations. Her expertise in children’s literature has been honed by her participation in the Vibrant Voices Book Committee (2025-Present), the Storytime Collection Committee (2023-2024) and the Best Books for Kids Committee (2022). When she’s not reading the latest Kate DiCamillo book, she spends her time going to museums and libraries in New York City.