With the first night of Hanukkah roughly a month away (Hanukkah starts the night of Nov. 28 this year), shoppers are sure to be in the thick of present buying. Why not make things a little easier on them and suggest a great book (or four)? These titles are proven Hanukkah hits:

The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein (Holiday House, for ages 4–8,

The last night of Hanukkah is here, and everyone is doing their part for the big celebration, but alas! A dastardly dragon named Dreadful keeps foiling the party preparations. Lady Sadie must call upon the Eight Knights of Hanukkah to perform deeps of awesome kindness and stupendous bravery to catch Dreadful. Filled with Hanukkah humor and fun, this picture book emphasizes kindness to help the holiday lights shine a little brighter.

Hanukah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka (Holiday House, for ages 0–3)

Bubba Brayna’s makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking weeks a hungry, adorable bear. Bubba Brayna—who does not see or hear very well—mistakes the bear for her rabbi and invites him in to play dreidel, light the menorah, and enjoy some scrumptious latkes. After her well-fed guest leaves and her friends arrive for dinner—along with her actual rabbi—together, they discover who really ate them.

The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler, illustrated by Jill Weber (Holiday House, for ages 0–3)

Celebrate Hanukkah with a beautiful board book that tells the story of a great miracle. This version of the popular and well-received picture book has been carefully pared down for preschoolers and toddlers, and will introduce children to the Maccabean Revolt, the Holy Temple of Jerusalem and the oil that burned for eight nights.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (25^th Anniversary Edition) by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Tricia Schart Hyman (Holiday House, for ages 4–8)

An original tale featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story, which received a Sydney Taylor honor and a Caldecott honor, has been a family favorite for decades. This beautiful 25th Anniversary Edition includes an insightful afterword from the author and publisher explaining the book’s origins, and remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator. who brought the tale to life.