Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah
By Sylvia A. Rouss
The Story
A curious spider watches from the ceiling as Josh Shapiro lights a new candle and gets a new dreidel each night of Hanukkah, hoping he might join the family's celebration too.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves counting down each night of a holiday, Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah turns the eight nights into a gentle, repeatable countdown of candles and dreidels.
- Big idea: Watching from the sidelines can be its own kind of belonging, and traditions are richer when someone finally gets to join in.
- Vibes: Cozy, quiet, and warmly repetitive, with a holiday glow that builds night by night.
Perfect For Kids Who
- love counting and repeating patterns
- are learning about Hanukkah traditions like candles and dreidels
- enjoy stories that build night after night
- respond well to gentle, predictable read-aloud rhythms
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & noticing: What did Sammy Spider see the Shapiro family do each night of Hanukkah?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Sammy felt watching Josh get a new dreidel every night?
- Real-life connection: What is your favorite part of a holiday you celebrate with your family?
- Imagination: If you were Sammy, what would you want to do most during Hanukkah?
- Counting fun: Can you count all eight nights of Hanukkah with your fingers?
