Hanukkah, 1999
The following reviews were presented in our 1999 Hanukkah feature.
Reviews
Celebrate! Stories of the Jewish Holidays
Gilda Berger
Peter Catalanotto
In a very personal introduction, Berger explains why she decided to create this holiday book. She tells readers that her family loves to celebrate and that books are very much a part of this celebrating. However, she couldn't always find something that was appropriate as a holiday reading. Thus, she has retold these stories and organized them based on the Jewish year beginning with Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah and closing with Shavust. To add even more interest, Berger has included information about what is being celebrated and how the celebration takes place plus activities and recipes for the special foods eaten on many of these holidays. The watercolors by Catalanotto include full-page illustrations that frequently play with bright light coming from the sky and smaller illustrations that focus on a special moment in each story. It is a collection that will appeal to those of the Jewish faith and is an excellent resource for those who may have wondered what all this celebrating is about. 1998, Scholastic, Ages 4 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-590-93503-8
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
Illustrated by Stephen Carpenter
It isn't much, this musical board book tells about making a dreidel from clay but no instructions are provided. Pushing the button initiates the music to the simple song to which the text can be sung. Note that the game is not explained nor are any of the related traditions. A bit of a disappointment. 1998, HarperCollins, Ages 6 mo. to 2, $9.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-694-01217-3
Eight Days of Hanukkah
Harriet Ziefert
Pictures by Melinda Levine
Subtitled, "A Holiday Step Book," this colorful introduction to the Jewish Festival of Lights is made up of eight pages, each slightly longer than the preceding one. There's a page and a short rhyme featuring a holiday artifact or activity for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. There's repetition, rhythm, color, energy, and just enough information to satisfy the intended preschool audience. 1997, Viking, Ages 2 to 5, $10.99. Reviewer: Judy Katsh
ISBN: 0-670-87326-8
The Eight Nights of Hanukkah
Judy Nayer
Illustrated by Yuri Salzman
Rebecca and her family celebrate each night of Hanukkah in a special way: with grandparents, retelling the history, or playing games and singing songs. In addition to the story, there is a recipe for latkes and directions for the dreidel game as well as directions for a variety of crafts. While there is little detail to the illustrations, they do show the joy and delight on the faces of the family members. Directions for the crafts and recipes are simple and easy to follow. A good basic introduction for young children. 1998, Troll, Ages 3 to 8, $3.50. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-8167-4550-1
The Gift
Aliana Brodmann
Illustrated by Anthony Carnabuci
With the Hanukkah money from her father, the little girl felt she "could buy the whole world" if she wanted. After school the next day she went from store to store in the village looking for the perfect item. She looked at hats, dolls, gingerbread men with clay pipes, and even a little kitten. As dusk approached and the stores were closing, she still hadn't made a decision. Then she heard the beautiful music. When she tossed her money into the musician's hat, he returned the gift by teaching her how to play the accordion. A lovely, quiet, reminiscence piece set in post World War II Germany. The illustrations, done in oil, bring the village and stores to life. The little girl has a thoughtful, dream-like expression - just what you'd expect from someone trying to select the perfect gift. 1998 (orig. 1993), Aladdin Paperbacks, Ages 5 to 8, $5.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-689-82240-5
The Great Hanukkah Party
Suzy-Jane Tanner
It's the first night of Hanukkah, but where are the candles for the Menorah? The reader can search along in this lift-the-flap book while the children look in the toy chest, the closet and a wrapped gift box from grandma and grandpa. The characters are huggable, friendly-looking bears. The brief text, the clean and simple illustrations, and the interactive approach will appeal to young children. 1998, HarperFestival, Ages 2 to 5, $6.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-694-01121-5
How I Saved Hanukkah
Amy Goldman Koss
Illustrated by Diane deGroat
While her classmates are given red and green paper to do their art projects, the substitute teacher gives Marla blue and white so she can make something for Hanukkah. Marla hates being singled out. What's more, she loves the way her best friend Lucy celebrates Christmas. Marla's mother had always downplayed Hanukkah. This year, Marla had lots of questions for her. With help from her little brother and her best friend, Marla is able to reawaken the joys of family tradition in her home. Her mother makes potato latkes, teaches them the hora, and gives a party for friends and neighbors. Middle grade readers will relate to Lucy and Marla's views of their families. They will enjoy the light-hearted approach to self-acceptance. The black and white line drawings show two friends enjoying each other's company and some symbols of the holidays. 1998, Dial Books for Young Readers, Ages 7 to 10, $15.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-8037-2241-9
On Hanukkah
Cathy Goldberg Fishman
Illustrated by Melanie W. Hall
Blending the historical roots of the holiday with modern customs and feelings surrounding Hanukkah, Fishman has created a glorious story. As the family lights another candle on each succeeding night of the holiday, the young candle lighters find something new to celebrate and remember. As the lit menorahs are put in the window after each night's blessing, the family commemorates the occasion with a wish and hope for a better world. The text glows with family love and cultural respect. The illustrations glow with golden accents among the rich blues and purples that have come to be traditional Hanukkah colors. And readers are left with a glow, feeling that they too have been a part of something real and timeless. 1998, Antheneum, Ages 5 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Judy Katsh
ISBN: 0-689-80643-4
Pearl's Eight Days of Chanukah
Jane Breskin Zalben
Pearl and Avi aren't looking forward to having their cousins Sophie and Harry spend all eight days of Chanukah with them. They remember all too well the little tricks the cousins have played on them in the past. But Mama has planned activities for each of the eight days, and with Zalben's clear instructions, we can all participate in Chanukah activities with Pearl and her cousins. Lots of fun for kids and caregivers, good for schools and libraries, too. 1998, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Ages 5 to 10, $16.00. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 0-689-81488-7
When Mindy Saved Hanukkah
Eric A. Kimmel
Pictures by Barbara McClintock
Kimmel creates a family of Jewish elves who live behind a wall in New York's Eldridge Street synagogue in this innovative tale. Once you fall for this clever theme, you'll easily appreciate their plight when Papa, who always manages to find one big Hanukkah candle for the family to melt down into their own eight-day supply of small ones, is disabled with a sprained ankle and cannot search the synagogue as usual. Who will brave the lurking cat, who also lives in this house of worship? How will the family celebrate the holiday? Never fear, Mindy to the rescue! The gallant efforts of the tiny heroine will have you cheering as the little family greets Hanukkah on time, with all the accustomed props. 1998, Scholastic, Ages 3 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-590-37136-3
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Added/ 11/30/99
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