The new house was cold, and nothing in it felt like theirs. Boxes filled every room, and dust covered every windowsill.

Then, on the first night of Hanukkah, Papa opened the Bible on top of a moving box and told Eli what the word means: dedication. Giving something back to God.

Night by night and room by room, Eli's family cleans, prays, and gives their new house back to Him, just as God's people once cleansed His house in Jerusalem. Eli learns that Yeshua Himself walked in the Temple at the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22-23), and that God's people are His temple today. But Eli has kept one door closed. And he discovers there is one more room to give.

The House We Gave Back is a warm, Scripture-rooted Hanukkah story for children ages 4 to 8 and the families who read with them. It tells the story of the rededication of the Temple in simple words, connects Hanukkah to Yeshua and the Feast of Dedication, and invites children to make every room, and every heart, a place for God.

Inside the back of the book you'll find:

• Eli's Scripture Search: where the Bible speaks about Hanukkah, with simple explanations
• Eli Wonders: a question to talk about together
• Walk It Out with Eli: a family activity for each night of Hanukkah
• Eli's Hebrew Corner: the Hebrew word for dedication

Part of Olive Shoots Little Learners, a Scripture-first series that helps children learn the Sabbath and the biblical feasts through story, play, and practice.

Book details

• Format: Paperback, standard color
• Size: 8.5 x 8.5 in, 32 pages, full color illustrations
• Ages: 4 to 8
• Author: Beth Estevis
• Publisher: Day Break Publishing House, 2026
• ISBN: 979-8-9994421-5-4
• Scripture: World English Bible, with the divine name rendered YHWH and the Messiah's name rendered Yeshua

An affordable edition for family reading, classrooms, and congregations. Looking for a keepsake? The premium hardcover is also available.

Hanukkah gift tip: Order by November 19 for Hanukkah. Pair it with any of our Olive Shoots Hanukkah books for kids and save 15% with code HANUKKAH15 when you buy 2 or more.