Hanukkah, 2000
The following reviews were presented in our 2000 Hanukkah feature.
Reviews
Hanukkah, Festival of Lights:
Prayers, Crafts, Recipes, Games, Puzzles, Songs and More to Explore the Symbols and Traditions for a Joyous Celebration
Jeff O'Hare
Illustrated by Arthur Friedman and Mary F. Rhinelander
The subtitle, perhaps a Guiness Book of Records contestant, tells it all. This softcover will be worn out in no time if an appreciative family uses all of its enticing pages to celebrate the holiday. The author disarms us on the very first page by explaining how someone "with a name like O'Hare could write a book about Hanukkah" and shares that his Catholic father converted to Judaism before marrying his Jewish mother and then was "so anxious to learn all the customs and traditions...that extra emphasis was placed on doing everything right." So he's entitled to pass all this on, and more. These brightly colored pages are filled with stories, maps, songs with music, mazes, puzzles, gifts to make and a light-hearted spirit that fits in perfectly with that ever-present symbol, the candles of Hanukkah. It even includes a 20-year calendar so you'll always know when your favorite holiday is coming. The only things I didn't care for were the unsmiling father in the full-page illustration of an otherwise-happy family lighting its menorah, and the prominently displayed challah (twisted holiday loaf) on the same page. Challah for Hanukkah? Bring on those half-hidden potato pancakes Mom is carrying instead and the picture will sparkle! 2000, Boyds Mills Press, All ages, $7.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 1-56397-907-1
Is It Hanukkah Yet?
Nancy Krulik
Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalva-Ryan
While a little girl anxiously awaits the start of Hanukkah, she helps her mother polish the menorah, put out the candles, prepare the latkes. Together they read the story of the Maccabees and the origin of the holiday. Grandma and Grandpa arrive and finally Dad. As the sun goes down the holiday celebration begins. Words that may be difficult to pronounce are listed in a box opposite the title page. A "Step into Reading" Step 1 book. An opening note to parents explains the goals of each book in the series and the grades and reading levels. 2000, Random House, Ages 3 to 6, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
This Step 1 Book for pre-schoolers through beginning readers utilizes a variation of "Are we there yet?" to introduce the rudiments of this happy holiday in a most delightful way. It also reinforces the important fact that Jewish holidays begin at sunset the night before the day most calendars name as their beginning date. Meanwhile, the child enjoys the buzz of anticipation as preparations progress, first with her mom, then with arriving grandparents, finally culminating in Daddy's arrival with its illustration of a night sky and the answer "Yes!" to her oft-repeated question. The drawings are a joy, simple and filled with love and excitement any youngster will absorb. 2000, Random, $3.99. Ages 2 to 7. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-375-80286-X
ISBN: 0-375-90286-4
The Jar of Fools: Eight Holiday Stories from Chelm
Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Is there anyone who doesn't know about the mythical town of Chelm? About its inhabitants who, so goes the legend, have more than their share of fools-some say...of wise men? Perhaps it's really true that "the angel carrying the jar of fools dropped his jar-splat!--right on Chelm." Judge for yourself, after you ponder these light-hearted tales, one for each night of Hanukkah, although some are not about the holiday at all. Of course there is the hay fork-or is it now a menorah because it holds candles on its tines?; and Silent Samson the Maccabee, the speechless and fearless villager who bested the hated and feared Chmielnitski the Cossack by saying not one word; and the letterless dreidel (spinning top with Hebrew letters on its four sides), which is the only game in town in Chelm. Some of the stories may be familiar, recycled with a holiday spin, but several are originals which, author Kimmel declares, are a challenge to write, requiring "think(ing) like a Chelmer." Judge for yourself. And don't overlook the intricate and hilarious pictures sprinkled throughout the book-they are treasures. 2000, Holiday House, Ages 5 up, $18.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
Kimmel has gathered and/or written eight delightfully humorous stories set in Chelm, the legendary Jewish town of fools. Two of the tales are Yiddish in origin; three have been adapted from other cultural groups, and two are original Kimmel stories. The stories are short, catchy, and are great read-alouds. Each could easily be mastered for telling, as well. Droll humor abounds in the names and the escapades of the characters. Gerstein's ink drawings on oil-paper are full of detail and portray Kimmel's characters quite well. The simple ink borders that he uses on each page of the book frame both the text and the illustrations nicely. This book would be a good choice for any type library, for storytellers, or for parents to share with their children. 2000, Holiday House, $18.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Jenny B. (J.B.) Petty
ISBN: 0-8234-1463-9
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2000 ; Cahners; United States
Jason's Miracle: A Hanukkah Story
Beryl Lieff Benderly
Jason Cohen is a confused young man. Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. The family had latkes for dinner, lit the menorah, and sang the songs, but he can think only of the Christmas celebrations that give his friends strings of colored lights, decorated trees, and carols, and lots of presents-it seems as if everyone's happy. Only three families in his neighborhood don't have their houses decorated. And no one else has to waste two whole hours going to Hebrew school. Now, lying in bed, sulking slightly, Jason hears something downstairs. When he investigates, he finds a boy about his own age who's wearing a sort of headband/scarf, a short skirted tunic, and sandals strapped as far up as his knees. The stranger introduces himself as "Aaron ben Moshe" and claims he's been sent to the house he knows only as the Cohen's, the priestly clan's, where he's supposed to collect supplies. Jason soon gathers that the revolution Aaron's talking about is taking place in Judea, thousands of years ago. There's nothing confused about Jason now. He throws some supplies together (peanut butter, bread, bananas, a compass and a flashlight) and follows Aaron into the night. Soon he has to defend his name against a sentry who says a boy with a Greek name could be a Greek spy. When Jason thinks about it, he realizes that the one little compromise that might make the fighters mistrust him could divert the Greek soldiers. Maybe they'd think that he couldn't possibly be part of a revolution. Then he meets Judah Maccabee. And suddenly Hanukkah isn't a meaningless part of history anymore. The story is clever and the characters are very real. Recommended. 2000, Albert Whitman & Company, Ages 9 to 14, $14.95. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 0-8075-3781-0
If you get through the first few pages, where 12-year-old Jason is having himself a pity party about not being able to celebrate Christmas like most of his neighbors and friends, you'll be in for a good read in this chapter book. Jason just can't get excited about little jars of oil and singing "I Have a Little Dreidel" as a token Hanukkah song thrown in with all those great carols sung at his school. But he does get thoroughly involved when the intruder in his house turns out to be a Judean about his own age searching for supplies for the Maccabees' revolt. Think "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" and you'll get the idea of this cool book, a great choice for boys who'd rather be playing ball than in Hebrew School-or anyone growing up as a minority in our commercial American jingle bells culture. 2000, Whitman, Ages 8 to 12, $14.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-8075-3781-0
It is the first night of Hanukkah, and Jason cannot sleep. It is so tough listening to the kids at school talk about Christmas presents. He wishes he could have a Christmas tree. But his dad won't celebrate Christmas, not even a little. His dad thinks the miracle of the Hanukkah lights is such a big deal. Who cares, thinks Jason, as he closes his eyes. He wakes to a strange boy claiming to be with the Maccabees, fighting in ancient Judea. He can't believe it, after all, the Maccabees lived two thousand years ago. But Jason responds to his urgent message--if you don't help us, our revolt will fail--and as he joins the Maccabee forces, he comes to understand and appreciate this miracle. This wonderful, dramatic tale teaches the meaning of Hanukkah with the same style, excitement and suspense as A Christmas Carole teaches the meaning of Christmas. This holiday story will inspire children of all religions. 2000, Albert Whitman, $14.95. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Dia L. Michels
ISBN: 0-8075-3781-0
Light the Candles: A Hanukkah Lift-the-Flap Book
Joan Holub
Illustrated by Lynne Cravath
This very simple peekaboo paperback features different families in different houses with a different menorah (candlelabrum) and another holiday activity highlighted for each of the eight days. It's a novel but somewhat unsettling experience to find and then lose family members after each two-page spread! But seeing all the unusual menorahs, the most familiar style saved for last, is a treat. My only regret is that one day is devoted to fun in the snow with nary a mention of a Hanukkah custom, even under the flap, where the children could have been pictured warming up with hot chocolate and oil-fried sufganiot (jelly donuts)-a rapidly growing custom imported from Israel. Other books in this series feature Valentine's Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving, and it's nice to see this widely celebrated Jewish holiday included as a favorite. 2000, Puffin, Ages 2 to 6, $6.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-14-056757-7
Moishe's Miracle: A Hanukkah Story
Laura Krauss Melmed
Illustrated by David Slonim
In the poor village of Wishniak, a generous milkman named Moishe and his scolding wife prepare for Hanukkah. But this Hanukkah will be like no other, according to Moishe's Miracle. Acclaimed author Laura Krauss Melmed tells of a supernatural latke-making pan and a scheming, sharp-tongued woman who is haunted--and ultimately transformed--when she tries to misuse it. Kids will like the magic, adults will enjoy the humor, and everyone will love the rhythmical language and sprinkling of Yiddish words. David Slonim's dark-toned illustrations capture the look of Old World Eastern Europe in this folklore-flavored, original tale. 2000, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
ISBN: 0-688-14682-1
ISBN: 0-688-14683-X
Moishe the milkman is poor, but gives what he can to the other unfortunates of Wishniak when "the wind prowled the icy lanes of the village like a starving jackal." His wife Baila is furious at his generosity when there is no money to buy what's needed for latkes at Hanukkah. When a magic frying pan left by a stranger produces latkes enough for them to share with all the villagers, selfish Baila wishes to make money from the magic pan, despite the warning that only Moishe should use it. The frightening results change her behavior for the better in this vividly told original folk tale. The story almost demands visuals that suggest rather than stipulate, providing the foundation of belief in the possible but leaving a window open for individual response. Slonim's rough-brushed paintings of the snow-encrusted village do just that. There is warmth in his pigments, and a lively, humanistic depiction of character, even of Baila, that allows us to smile at the temporary adversity as we anticipate a happy ending. There are notes about Hanukkah and a glossary of Yiddish and Hebrew words. 2000, HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-688-14682-1
ISBN: 0-688-14683-X
Because of his kindness, and also perhaps as a gift for putting up with a most unpleasant wife, Moishe the milkman is given a magic frying pan by his two talking cows. The empty old pan will produce an unlimited supply of hot, sizzling potato latkes (pancakes) with no ingredients at all. The only proviso is that it must be used only by Moishe, no one else. This new story doesn't retreat to the usual format of similar tales by coaxing ingredients from credulous bystanders: an onion here, a potato there, etc. It does what is promised, on both counts. For Moishe it provides latkes for the entire village; for his stingy wife, it provides a lesson not to be forgotten, a transforming experience which allows a believable happily-ever-after ending. The poor village of Wishniak and its old world inhabitants are depicted realistically in their snow-covered and sparsely furnished cottages and offer that sought-after blend of a perfect mix of story and pictures. "Snow on the rooftops/Milk in the pail/That is the end/Of this Hanukkah tale!" 2000, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-688-14682-1
ISBN: 0-688-14683-X
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
National Jewish Book Awards Winner 2000 Children's Picture Book: The Louis Posner Memorial Award United States
My Two Grandmothers
Effin Older
Illustrated by Nancy Hayashi
This book will particularly appeal to inter-married and Jews-by-choice families as it centers around Lily's love for both her grandmothers and their different holidays and customs. Grammy Lane lives on a farm, lets Lily drive her tractor, prepares a huge feast and sings carols around the piano at Christmas time. These are Lane traditions, she is told. Bubbe Silver lives in an apartment, snowbirds to Florida in the winter, loves extra-hot horseradish on her gefilte fish, and makes the best latkes (potato pancakes) in the world. These are Silver traditions, Lily learns. And she loves them all! She's only sorry that her two grandmothers can't share in each other's celebrations as she does. So she plans a way for that to happen, for a new tradition to appear. This is a charming book, inclusive and non-judgmental, with adorable watercolor and pencil drawings, and it should be a welcome choice for those families who include both heritages in their December holidays, as well as those who just want an easy read about the holiday of Hanukkah. 2000, Harcourt, Ages 3 to 7, $16.00. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-15-200785-7
Lily has two very different grandmothers. One lives on a farm, one in the city. One hates winter, the other loves to go snowshoeing. One celebrates Hanukkah, the other, Christmas. Lily loves all of the traditions she shares with her grandmothers, and wishes she could share all of the special times with both grandmothers. Finally, she hatches the perfect plan-she invites them both over for a new holiday, the "First Traditional Grandmothers' Party." The pencil and watercolor illustrations invite us into Lily's world. 2000, Harcourt, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-15-200785-7
State Reading Lists:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Reading List, 2003 ; Arkansas
Charlotte Book Awards, 2002 ; New York
Our Eight Nights of Hanukkah
Michael J. Rosen
Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
Each of the eight nights has a different focus for this contemporary family living in a city setting. The first night they polish and light Great-grandmother's old menorah (9-branched candlelabra), sing songs and read the Hanukkah story (interestingly, the author comments that "nobody in that story gave...presents"). The second night they go to their grandparents for latkes (potato pancakes)-still no gifts in sight. Other nights are designated for gathering household things and toys that they'll give away, for actually taking their gifts and cards to a shelter, attending the temple's party, and other special activities. On the seventh night, the family takes its menorah and gifts to their best friends' house, Christian people of color, and enjoys a latke meal with them, ending with the awkward sentence "...and eat cookies I've sometimes helped decorate earlier in the day." This pleasant sharing is followed by a joint tree-trimming session. The child narrator comments that "Hanukkah is also about people of different religions living alongside one another" but doesn't distinguish between respecting, as different than actually participating in (trimming the tree), another's holidays-which was what the Hanukkah battle between the Jews and the Greeks was all about. However, this book with its warm and fuzzy pictures and de-emphasis on gifts sets a comfortable tone for mutual appreciation of differing heritages. 2000, Holiday, Ages 5 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-8234-1476-0
In this nonfiction picture book, Rosen and DiSalvo-Ryan have presented an informative, yet enjoyable, book about the history and celebration of Hanukkah. The reader steps into a typical middle-class Jewish family with three children (and a dog) as they celebrate this important Jewish holy time. Told by the elder son who appears to be eight or nine, the story would be good to introduce either Jewish or non-Jewish children to the customs of Hanukkah. The colorful illustrations present the family and their home as one most children would find comfortable and inviting. Love abounds in this family--love for one another, their extended family, and their non-Jewish friends who are invited to share in one night of their celebration. The lessons of understanding and appreciation for different cultural and religious traditions are presented in a subtle, yet impressive, way. This would be a good addition to a sometimes-sparse picture book collection about world religions. 2000, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Jenny B. (J.B.) Petty
ISBN: 0-8234-1476-0
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Runaway Latkes
Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrations by Paul Yalowitz
Three latkes (potato pancakes) roll out of the synagogue kitchen singing, "Big and round, crisp and brown, off we roll to see the town! And YOU can't catch us!" This sets off a delightful chase through town a la the Gingerbread Boy. Rebecca Bloom, the best latke cook in town, runs after the latkes because they are needed at a synagogue Hanukkah party. The rabbi and cantor join the chase for the same reason. The mayor runs after the latkes because he remembers how his mother used to make latkes. Harry, the policeman, asks the latkes to stop in the name of his hungry belly. The latkes arrive at Applesauce River as a horrified entourage watches them roll right in. Fortunately, a Hanukkah miracle occurs. The Applesauce River turns to real applesauce and the three renegades are scooped up and shared by all. That night, everyone is invited to a Hanukkah party at the synagogue. Kimmelman and Yalowitz have cleverly refashioned this old story with warmth and humor, providing a far more satisfying ending. The illustrations, done in lovely earth tones, are entertaining and appealing. The book begins with a short explanation of Hanukkah and ends with a latke recipe. 2000, Albert Whitman, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf
ISBN: 0-8075-7176-8
A rollicking romp is in store for the whole town when Rebecca's famously perfect latkes jump out of the frying pan into--not a fire--but a rolling tour. With their mocking challenge, "Big and round, crisp and brown, off we roll to see the town! And YOU can't catch us!" drifting in their wake, they lead a parade, including the rabbi and cantor, the mayor, policepersons, and a growing stream of others. Finally, they land in the Applesauce River where they are fished out and tasted. Everyone will recognize the debt owed to The Gingerbread Boy, The Red Carpet, and other tales of this ilk, but that won't stop the fun of chasing the runaway potato pancakes through the streets. Strangely, the pictures are not much fun. The people look like stylized cardboard mannequins; the bubbling oil appears as green soup, or maybe gook; and the sizzling latkes are a dead ringer for sugar cookies. Improbably fat, round kippot (skullcaps) may jump off the heads of the male rabbi or the female cantor, and arms may be thrown up above heads here and there, but the main impression is one of robots on Ritalin who haven't been properly programmed to engage the reader with the art as well as the story. 2000, Whitman, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-8075-7176-8
The Trees of the Dancing Goats
Patricia Polacco
Two farming families, living half a mile apart in rural Michigan, celebrate very different traditions with their winter holidays, but their friendship is rock solid in a time of crisis. In another of her marvelous autobiographical stories, the author, Trish in the book, remembers her Ukrainian Babushka (grandmother) hand-dipping the candles for the Hanukkah menorah while her Georgian/Russian grandfather carves wondrous wooden animals and figures, brightly painted and the most wonderful gifts in the world. This year an epidemic of the contagious disease, scarlet fever, prevents most of their neighbors from preparing for Christmas. In a practical but kindly way, the family goes from house to house bringing roast chicken, latkes (potato pancakes) and also tiny trees decorated with dancing goats and other painted figures; leaving presents and at every house a candle "So they will have the light of God in their hearts...and so that God will protect them and make them well again." Their unselfishness is returned in a lovely way when the neighbors recover and come visiting them. Polacco's storytelling is faultless, as are her marking pen and pencil illustrations, and the book is also available in a Simon & Schuster hardcover edition. 2000 (orig. 1996), Aladdin, Ages 5 to 10, $6.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-689-83857-3
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
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