Hanukkah,2003

   The following reviews were presented in our 2003 Hanukkah feature.

Reviews

A Blue's Clues Chanukah
Jessica Lissy
Illustrated by Dan Kanemoto and Jennifer Oxley
   Blue receives an invitation for all of the friends to a Chanukah party at Orange Kitten's house. What fun! Especially since they've never been to one before and don't know what to expect. "'What do you think we'll do at the party?' asked Joe. 'I think we'll see all our friends,' said Slippery. 'I think we'll help Orange Kitten celebrate Chanukah,' said Tickety." The happy Blue's Clues bunch finds that the party includes making decorations, menorahs and potato latkes as well as lighting the Chanukah candles and opening presents. Orange Kitten sings the blessings and explains things as they go along, and Joe and the bunch enjoy the customs, like eating the chocolate coins and playing the dreidel game. This is a well written and adorably illustrated softcover book sure to be a hit with the fans of the TV show as well as anyone interested in the highlights of Chanukah. 2003, Simon Spotlight/Nick, Jr/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 8, $3.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-689-85840-X

The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes
Linda Glaser
Illustrated by Nancy Cote
  Rachel's house will be filled to overflowing with invited guests and also last-minute guests, but the potato sack and egg tray are empty by now. How will there be enough latkes? Mrs. Greenberg next door might help, and is happy to, but she just won't come join Rachel's family for Hanukkah. "'She's got a heart of gold, but she's as stubborn as an ox," says Mama. But she meets her match in Rachel and rediscovers the joy of celebrating within a family rather than alone. The story is delicious, and the language is, too, with treasures like: "Mrs. Greenberg's house was always clean and tidy, like its face was just scrubbed and its blouse was tucked in, while Rachel's house always looked like it was still in its pajamas and needed to brush its hair yet." Cote's gouache and colored pencil pictures are a delight, as lively as the story they enhance. This new paperback edition of the 1997 hardcover deserves to enjoy great success. 2001 (orig. 1997), Whitman, Ages 4 to 8, $6.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-8075-0842-X

Chanukah
Dana Meachen Rau
   The history and traditions of this Jewish holiday are clearly explained and depicted. The illustrations are an interesting combination of historic paintings, artifacts and contemporary photographs. The word Chanukah means rededication, which is what happened after the Maccabees drove the Syrians out of Judea and restored the Temple. The story of the miracle of the lamp oil burning was a legend that came about after the event, but many people believe that the victory of the small group over the more powerful soldiers was also a miracle. The closing pages list additional books, organizations and Internet sites, a mini glossary, an index and a brief bio about the author. 2000, Grolier, $22.00 and $6.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0516215140

Chanukah
David F. Marx
   Many teachers and librarians are familiar with the "Rookie Reader" books. They contain engaging stories and offer kids a chance to move quickly through several levels of independent reading. A new series in this collection introduces early elementary readers to six holidays. The pattern in each book is the same. The opening sentence asks the reader if he or she celebrates the featured holiday. This is followed by a brief history of the holiday and information about the way that it is currently celebrated accompanied by full-color illustrations. In this title, readers learn that Chanukah is a religious holiday celebrated by Jewish people--one that emphasizes the importance of family and friends and sharing with others. The book closes with a picture list entitled "Words You Know" that reiterates sections of the text and an index. 2000, Grolier, $19.00 and $5.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 051622204X

The Chanukah Blessing
Peninnah Schram
Illustrated by Jeffrey Allon
  A stranger appears in a poor town to its poorest family and is invited to share in their meager Chanukah meal. What else could this be but an Elijah the Prophet story? Schram, a celebrated storyteller, tells us that this is "an original story, created by my weaving together scraps of memories, remnants of recalled dialogue, recollections of beloved people, and timeless Elijah folktale motifs" and fondly calls Eliyahu HaNavi (Hebrew for Elijah the Prophet) her favorite folklore character. Predictably, the elements of the story seem familiar: poor but gracious people sharing what they have, a homemade menorah, stories around the fire, miracles of abundance appearing after the stranger disappears, and Schram always tells with warmth and deep feeling; but there's not much new here. The illustrations don't do justice to the tale, either, with poorly drawn characters who look different on every page and children often looking as old as the prophet. Perhaps the recipe for Mama's Latke-Kugel will compensate for the other flaws in the book. 2000, UAHC, Ages 5 to 10, $12.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-8074-0733-X

Chanukah Bugs
David Carter
   A pop-up book for preschoolers, this title begins with the question "Who's in the box on the first night of Chanukah?" The answer is the Shammash Bug, and when one pulls the tab, a kaleidoscope effect makes it seem that the first candle is throwing off light. On the second night, the Storyteller Bug is in the box, and the pop-up shows a funny bug reading a book. The questions continue through to the eighth night, with spinning dreidels, sizzling potato latkes, and my favorite, the Bubbie Bug, popping up as each page is turned. The final page is a four-sided menorah. Simple and fun, this is sure to get a giggle from the toddler set. 2002, Little Simon, Ages 3 to 5, $10.95. Reviewer: Miriam Rinn
ISBN 0-689-81860-2

Chanukah Lights
Judith Moffatt
   This delightful new board book with glow-in-the-dark pictures for the very young hits the main highlights of the Chanukah holiday in a charming way. Just enough text to keep the illustrations company as the happy-faced family lights candles, tells stories and sings songs, plays the dreidel game, enjoys potato latkes, and heads off the bed with a cheery "Shalom and good night." Plan enough time to expose each set of pages to bright lights to enable the glow feature to take effect so you won't have disappointed faces at the first reading; after that, a flashlight should activate them in a wink. 2001, Simon & Schuster, Ages infant to 6, $5.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-689-84389-5

Chanukah Lights Everywhere
Michael J. Rosen
Illustrated by Melissa Iwai
   This is a great book for counting and noticing since each night's candles are a jumping-off point for the child's finding one or two or three other lights shining somewhere. As the family lights one candle, the child notices a sliver of moon in the sky. The second two candles coincide with headlamps from his grandfather's car shining into the window as he pulls up to the house (although I do wish they had waited for Grandpa to light those candles!). On the seventh night, they go for a ride to see the brightness everywhere and notice seven single candles in the windows of his best friend, who "celebrates Christmas," thus giving an opportunity for Dad to mention that "Chanukah is also about the joy of different religions sharing a street." The acrylic paintings done on board are absolutely wonderful-bright, happy, warm and homey, and there's a Note at the end with some details of the Chanukah story. 2001, Harcourt, Ages 3 to 7, $16.00. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-15-202447-6

Clap And Count! Action Rhymes for the Jewish Year
Jacqueline Jules
Illustrated by Sally Springer
   This wonderful collection of sprightly counting and action rhymes will take children through all the Jewish holidays in an entertaining and meaningful way. Many are originals, others are compiled from various old and newer sources, and the bright pictures clearly show how to create movement and fun while reciting the verses. You'll find such delights as "Dreidel Game" for Hanukkah to the tune of "This Old Man," and "Where is My Flag?" for Israel's Independence Day to the tune of "Where is Thumbkin?" along with two airplane songs, "Messy Matzah" and "Sleeping in the Sukkah," plus lots more. 2001, Kar-Ben, $17.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 1580130674

D is for Dreidel: A Hanukkah Alphabet Book
Tanya Lee Stone
Illustrations by Dawn Apperley
   Hanukkah is presented through short rhyming stanzas that correspond to the letters of the alphabet in this colorful, D-shaped book. "Eight is for eight days/ Of Hanukkah joy/ With treats and small presents/ For each girl and boy!" There is a nice mix of the general and the specifically Jewish. F is for festival and N is for neighborhood coexist nicely with T is for tzedakah and B is for bracha, making this book one that should satisfy all denominations of Jewry. The rhymes are consistent and generally scan well. Illustrations are cheerful, depicting a smiling family that Jewish children will be glad to identify with. Characters are shown wearing yarmulkes, the Jewish head coverings. The story of Hanukkah is explained on the last page. This is a sweet and inexpensive holiday gift. 2002, Price Stern Sloan, Ages 2 to 7, $4.99. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf
ISBN: 0-8431-4576-5

Eight Nights of Chanukah Lights
Dian Curtis Regan
Illustrations by Dawn Apperley
   A board book for toddlers is enlivened by gold glitter paint and not much else. Childlike drawings of a generic family lighting the Chanukah menorah, eating latkes and chocolate candy, and exchanging gifts will probably hold the attention of a two-year-old for a few minutes, but certainly will not charm the adult reader. Unusual words-wick, cozy-seem peculiar for this crowd. Nothing special. 2002, Little Simon, Ages 1 to 3, $4.99. Reviewer: Miriam Rinn
ISBN 0-689-84568-5

Hanukkah
Cathy Goldberg Fishman
Illustrations by Mary O'Keefe Young
   A beginning reader, part of the On My Own--Holidays series, this softcover is a factual account of the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, its history and how it is generally celebrated today. The author begins with the "amazing story" of "events that happened more than two thousand years ago...in Judea." The history of the holiday is well done and very readable, emphasizing the importance of self-rule and religious freedom which led to the successful revolt of Mattathias and his five sons against the Syrian rulers of their country and the rededication of the Temple with the small jar of oil that lasted eight days. The second half of the book relates today's observances and includes the fact that Hanukkah always comes on the same day in the Hebrew month, regardless of its English date. It covers modern day celebrations, including the correct way to place and light candles in the menorah, or hanukkiah, eating of latkes and sufganiot (jelly doughnuts), playing dreidel, and having parties. With realistic pastel pictures, this book is an excellent sourcebook for Hanukkah and a good choice for an overall view of the holiday. 2004, Lerner, Ages 5 to 8, $5.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 1-57505-583-X

Hanukkah
M.C. Johnston
Photographs by Romie Flanagan
   A leveled nonfiction reader, this title is elementary, straightforward, and informative for children who have never heard of the Jewish holiday. Simple sentences introduce the holiday, tell how long it lasts, describe how to light the menorah, and present special foods and games. Full-color photographs of an appealingly casual family celebrating the holiday add to the book's strength. A basic introduction for beginning readers, this would be useful for most collections, especially where there is not a wealth of Hanukkah materials. 2003, The Child's World, Ages 5 to 7, $21.36. Reviewer: Miriam Rinn
ISBN 1-56766-024-X

Hanukkah
Natalie M. Rosinsky
   Part of the "Let's See Library" series, this is a simple, straightforward introduction to the Festival of Lights. Rosinsky covers the history of the Maccabees' fight for religious freedom, and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days, a light that "was as strong as the Jews' faith." She shows how modern celebrations echo the Jews' miraculous victory against a powerful king, such as the fact that latkes (potato pancakes) and other foods cooked in oil remind us of the oil in the temple's lamp, or that gold-covered chocolate coins feature pictures of menorahs or Judah Maccabee instead of the evil king who tried to destroy the faith. The book is very short (24 pages, including glossary and index), but it would make a good read-aloud to young children right before the holidays. It also would be a good basic reference work to educators or librarians who want to introduce different cultures to their young charges. 2002, Compass Point Books, Ages 4 to 10, $18.60. Reviewer: Donna Freedman
ISBN: 0-7565-0390-6

Hanukkah
Lola M. Schaefer
   A small, short book for beginning readers, part of the Holidays and Celebrations series which "supports national social studies standards," this factual introduction to Hanukkah highlights the main features of the holiday. Photographs showing real-time families with mainstream traditions as they light candles, play dreidl, eat latkes and exchange gifts are leavened with a couple of old drawings for the history of the holiday pages. At the end there's a "Read More" section and one for Internet Sites, along with an Index/Word List. Pre-schools, early grades and day care centers might find this book a useful library addition. 2001, Pebble/Capstone, Ages 5 to 7, $14.60. Reviewer: Judy Chernak

Hanukkah
Lola M. Schaefer
   One way to understand a different culture is to learn about its holidays. A straightforward text and plenty of full-color pictures explain the history of Hanukkah and how Jewish people celebrate it in the United States. One of the most recognizable symbols is the menorah and candle lighting that takes place over the eight nights of Hanukkah. Other activities such as the driedl game and eating special foods are also featured. The closing pages contain a short glossary, a few books and Internet sites and a word list/index. Part of the "Holidays and Celebratrions" series. 2001, Pebble Books/Capstone, $13.25. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7368-9662-8

Hanukkah!
Roni Schotter
Illustrated by Marylin Hafner
   Truly a delightful experience, this board book-a National Jewish Book Awards winner-was first published in 1990. It has lost none of its pizzazz or charm and is sure to be a favorite as a three-generation family celebrates in the traditional ways. Part poetry and part prose, it nevertheless manages to read well from "In darkest December/Night steals in early/And whisks away the light" all the way to "And, as the candles burn low and lose their light/Eight sleepy people say, 'GOOD NIGHT.'" In between, Mama, Papa and Grandma Rose, Nora, Dan, Sam and Moe have lit the menorah, made potato latkes, created handmade gifts, devoured their dinner, played dreidel games, exchanged presents, enjoyed songs around the piano, danced, and wilted on the sofa as the wax candels wilted to fizzing extinction. The pictures are priceless, with such details are latkes flipped onto the floor in addition to the platter, one shoe on and one shoe off for the tired Mama, Moe's baby bottle on the floor under his chair, and the family cat inside an empty gift box. Sure to be read over and over. 2003 (orig. 1990), Little Brown, Ages 3 mo. to 3, $6.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-316-77623-8

The Hanukkah Candle Book
Jordan Abramson
   This is a perfect book to involve the whole family in the meaning and celebration of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. For the adults and older children, there is an excellent and quite thorough history of the Jewish revolt rebel army named Maccabees, or hammers. The Maccabees were one of the first guerilla forces and their victory over Syrian-Green authority led to the rededication of the temple and the miraculous oil which lasted for eight nights instead of one. A timeline would have been helpful to sort out the different events that all occurred "BCE." The eight nights of Hannukah are remembered with eight candles. Colored wax, wicks and instructions to make many candles are included in this kit, along with directions for making a menorah to hold the candles out of clay or wood or even baby food jars. There are recipes for holiday food like latkes and Israeli jelly doughnuts. There are songs in English and Hebrew as well as directions for making a dreidl and playing quite a few different games with this toy. Even the dreidl has an interesting history; when Jews were forbidden to practice their religion, Jewish children could play with the dreidl and still learn bits of Hebrew and Jewish faith. With lots of extra adult hands, the candles could be made in a classroom and the recipes, songs and games could be used to introduce this Jewish holiday in a multicultural setting. 2003, Running Press, Ages 4 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett
ISBN: 0-7624-1561-4

Hanukkah: Celebrating the Holiday of Lights
Arlene Erlbach
   Undiscriminating students trying to finish a report quickly will enjoy the well-organized and easy-to-read format of this title in the Enslow nonfiction series, "Finding Out About Holidays." The average reader will find an adequate yet unexciting overview of the history and customs of Hanukkah amidst a few minor inaccuracies. Although the text states that Hebrew is the official language of Israel, Hebrew is defined in the glossary as the "language spoken by the ancient Jews." A picture of Israeli flags shows purple and white flags instead of blue and white. The explanation of the Hanukkah game of dreidel states that "gambling is not allowed in the Jewish religion." While gambling is not encouraged, Jewish law is ambiguous about the subject. In addition, the lesser-known biblical acronym, Tanakh, is used to define the Jewish Bible, while a picture of Torahs is captioned as "books important to the Jewish people." The color photographs, like the text, are functional. For a more appealing explanation of this holiday, readers would be better off with Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith's photo-essay Celebrating Hanukkah. 2002, Enslow Publishers, $18.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf
ISBN: 0766015777

Hanukkah: A Counting Book in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish
Emily Sper
   For $6.95 you'd expect a paperback; instead Scholastic has produced a gorgeous hardcover with die-cut candles on each stunning page of this cumulative counting book. Black backgrounds alternate with bright colors on facing pages so the candle cutouts almost jump out, demanding to be counted. And the clever idea of presenting three languages (faultlessly transliterated) will give children and parents a tri-lingual experience of Hanukkah. Along the way you get basic elements of the holiday, and a fuller treatment of the history and observances covers the last two pages. This is sure to be a favorite. 2001, Scholastic, Ages 2 to 8, $6.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
Hanukkah: A Counting Book in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish
Emily Sper
   A novelty picture book, this cleverly constructed title teaches many different kinds of facts--the numbers from one to eight in three languages; the background of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah; the identification of colors; and the fact that books are fun. Using die cuts of candles, Sper works her way from one menorah to eight nights, stopping at Hanukkah-related items on each page along the way. There are two jelly doughnuts, an Israeli Hanukkah treat, and three elephants for the beasts the Syrian Greeks rode into battle. There are four dreidels, the traditional spinning top, and five coins to represent the classic holiday gift. There are six Maccabee heroes and seven potato pancakes. Each Hebrew and Yiddish word is printed in Hebrew letters and then transliterated in Roman letters. The addition of Yiddish, the language spoken by East European Jews before their annihilation by the Nazis, is interesting. Spoken nowadays almost exclusively by ultra-Orthodox Jews, Yiddish is enjoying a revival of academic interest and can be studied in various colleges. 2001, Scholastic, $6.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Miriam Rinn
ISBN: 0-439-28291-8

Hanukkah Cat
Chaya Burstein
Illustrated by Judy Hanks-Henn
   This story has been a favorite since it first appeared in print in 1985. A new paperback edition features charming pen and watercolor pictures, which give it new life and create even more fun. Hanukkah Cat is the skinny orange kitten that appears on Lenny's doorstep the first night of Hanukkah. His parents disapprove and warn that cats are too much trouble and it can stay no longer than the eight days of the holiday. No matter how hard Lenny tries to keep it occupied by his serial telling of the Maccabees and the Temple and the oil, the cat gets into mischief daily. But this is the season for miracles, so expect a happy ending for this endearing tale, a snuggle-up-and-listen story if there ever was one. 2001, Kar-Ben, Ages 3 to 8, $6.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 1-58013-029-1

Hanukkah: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration
Ron Wolfson
   In 2nd Edition, this popular all-purpose guide to Hanukkah is comprehensive, entertaining, jam-packed with innovative writing and ideas, and refreshing to read. Along with the requisite What is Hanukkah? and The Hanukkah Ritual, other chapters deal with music, recipes, games, gifts and decorations. A pronunciation guide is included as well as pictures of the correct sequence of lighting the candles on consecutive nights and both Hebrew and English words to a number of songs. One entire important section focuses on The December Dilemmas: the relationship Hanukkah, by virtue of its place on the calendar, bears to Christmas; how interfaith families and Jews by choice might handle the holidays; what is respect for another's celebration and what is abrogation of one's own. Black-and-white photographs throughout. 2001 (orig. 1996), Jewish Lights, $18.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 1580231225

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights
Barbara Soloff-Levy
    This old workbook, filled with information on its activity pages, is ideal for classroom and homework use. Originally published in 1988, the black-and-white pages have simple activities suitable for second to fourth graders, such as word searches, connect-the-dots, mazes, and directions for coloring. Soloff-Levy includes a traditional explanation of the history and significance of the Jewish festival and many of its customs, such as lighting the menorah, playing with dreidels, and eating foods cooked in oil. These are everyday reproducible sheets, the kind teachers have been using forever, which makes this an unimaginative but practical purchase. 1988, Watermill Press, Ages 6 to 8, $1.50. Reviewer: Miriam Rinn
ISBN 0-8167-1129-1

Hanukkah Ha-Has: Knock-Knock Jokes that Are a Latke Fun
Katy Hall and Lisa Eisenberg
Pictures by Stephen Carpenter
   This hilarious combination of joke book and lift-the-flap book will be a welcome addition to the celebration of the happy festival, provided you're not an old sourpuss. Who can resist the wisecracking Honey-kah Mack-a-bees, who are constantly upstaging the knock-knock jokes and the children in the adorable pictures? Many pages have not one but two lift-the-flaps to keep the action swirling like a whirling dreidel. Okay, "Who's there? Candy! Candy who? Candy-light is so pretty!" is a bit lame, but most of the ditties are a barrel of laughs: "Who's there? Harmony! Harmony who? Harmony more people can fit into this house?" The book is nicely engineered, too, so that the flaps cover what they should and lift easily without sticking. This one's really fun. 2001, HarperFestival, Ages 4 to 8, $6.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak.
ISBN: 0-694-01361-7

Hanukkah Lights
Ben Lakner
Illustrated by Christopher Santoro
   This board book with 25 lift-the-flaps for curious children to discover is quite colorful and hits the highlights of the Hanukkah story as well as to how to celebrate the holiday. The pictures are of oval-faced characters who often exhibit the head tilt of early religious paintings but do manage some expressions mixed in with their equanimity. Children may need adult assistance to loosen the many flaps from their frames (leaving disappointingly frayed edges, unfortunately) but will delight in finding the well-camouflaged hiding places sprinkled around on the pages and hearing the tidbits of text uncovered. 2001, Random, Ages 1 to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-375-80289-4

Hanukkah Lights
Dian G. Smith
Illustrated by JoAnn Kitchel
   A charming board book with simple text and rhymes based on the traditional song "On this night let us light," this book boasts shiny gold foil flames on each candle as it appears in the menorah. The shammash, the helper candle, is painted gold but does not have the foil so that the eight candles can be counted properly. The story of Hanukkah is presented on the inside cover, but for the very young, it can be a "parents only" read. One notable feature included is the instructions on how to play the dreidel game, generally omitted from holiday books. The mop-headed family could use happier faces, but they seem content in their celebration, and you will be, too. 2001, Chronicle, Ages 2 to 6, $14.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-8118-3257-0

Hanukkah's Here!
Kate Davis
Illustrated by Bob Filipowich
   This very first book is a 4" x 4" "soft shapes" creation with sponge pages, each with a brightly colored pop-out holiday symbol: dreidel, menorah, gift, and Star of David. A very clever idea for toddlers ("Not intended for teething" we're warned) who will derive much pleasure from the manipulative aspects and can take it into their bath. The simple text is in the form of riddles and is perfect for this age group. Buy two - the children will never forgive you if one of the pop-outs gets lost! 2001, Innovative KIDS, Ages 1 to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 1-58476-051-8

Happening Hanukkah: Creative Ways to Celebrate
Debra Mostow Zakarin
Illustrated by Amanda Haley
   This author knows her audience. "Let's be honest here." "Wouldn't you agree that giving and receiving gifts is one of the most fun parts of Hanukkah?" she writes. But Zakarin isn't appealing to greed; she reminds children that it's equally fun to bring "a personal touch" to the holiday by making their own gifts. She offers easy-to-follow instructions for gifts such as decorated picture frames, friendship bracelets, Star of David earrings and sweatshirts decorated with fabric-paint menorahs. Zakarin also offers a how-to list for "the ultimate Hanukkah party," so that children can help their families celebrate in a cozy way, rather than a commercially oriented fashion. And to paraphrase the old advertisement, you don't have to be Jewish to love this book teachers, librarians and afterschool program leaders can use it to help all children understand the meaning of this beautiful holiday. 2002, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 7 up, $5.99. Reviewer: Donna Freedman
ISBN: 0-448-42869-5

Happy Hanukkah, Biscuit!
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Pictures by Pat Schories
   Biscuit is a puppy whose antics threaten to break up the Hanukkah fun for his mistress and her friend. His escapades are hidden beneath mini-flaps on alternate pages, so the little ones will be eagerly peeling them back to spy the puppy's naughtiness throughout the story. Poor puppy, he must constantly get scolded for trying to celebrate like a person instead of a dog! But it is all in good fun, and we experience some of the highlights of the holiday, such as jelly doughnuts to eat, dreidels to spin, chocolate coins to share, stories and songs and potato pancakes. The children in the story enjoy the craft of making candles from squares of beeswax, an activity gaining popularity of late and a great way to involve the very young in creating their own rather than just picking candles out of a box. The watercolor pictures are adorable enough that parents might get begged for a puppy after reading this story, so be prepared with your answer. 2002, HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 6, $6.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-694-01525-3

Holiday Fun
Kingfisher Publications
   This book is actually a combination of six books in one, as each holiday section was originally published in its own volume. The holidays included are Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Each section begins with an interesting history of how the holiday originated, and the activities are clearly illustrated and explained. The text is simple enough for children (ages 8 and up) to be able to read on their own, however, many of the activities require some adult supervision. A lot of the ideas could be adapted for classroom use, making this a useful teaching resource. The background knowledge of each holiday would be particularly useful for a teacher. It would be helpful to have larger patterns provided, as the ones in the book are small and require the children to copy and enlarge them on their own. Otherwise, this book is an excellent home or school resource for holiday fun. 2000, Kingfisher, $10.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Cheryl Peterson
ISBN: 0753453142

Hooray for Hanukkah!
Fran Manushkin
Illustrated by Carolyn Croll
   From the first joyful lines: "Hooray for Hanukkah! It's my favorite holiday. I'll tell you why. I am a menorah!" to its last: "I am the brightest I can be! My brave light pushes the darkness away. All year long, the family will remember my eight bright days. That's why everyone says, 'Hooray! Hooray for Hanukkah!" this is a smiling, singing book. The happy menorah chronicles the family's activities during the week of holiday, saying each night, "I am bright, but I could be brighter!" and then rejoicing as another new candle is added. This is a bustling, participatory family, too, so all the happy faces carry through the entire story of singing, dancing, blessings, cooking and the rest. Although this menorah lives on tables and furniture tops rather than in the window as tradition bids us, it's hard to quibble with the closeness it enjoys in the midst of its family. Kudos to Croll for her sunny water colors and lovable folks; to Manushkin for her rollicking story; and to the book designer for the front and end pages done in the same sunny motifs as the inside pages. 2001, Random, Ages 3 to 8, $9.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-375-91043-3

It’s a Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybook
Stephanie Spinner
Illustrated by Jill McElmurry
   This year, six-year-old Owen Block has become the “official candle lighter” or O.C.L. for the family’s Hanukkah celebrations. Each night of Hanukkah, he carefully lights the shammes and uses it to light the candles on the menorah. After the evening’s blessings and festivities, Owen’s grandmother tucks him in and tells him a story. Each story is different, but the people in them seem very familiar to Owen--reminiscent of his aunts and uncles and parents and grandparents. The stories range from the dentist who had a talking parrot in his office to distract patients to a little girl who always wanted a horse, to the more serious tale of a man so worried about his ill wife that he called every Jewish family in the phone book to ask them to pray for her recovery. On the last night of Hanukkah, the whole family comes over for a big feast, and then Owen finally realizes that his mother has been entertaining him for nights with his own family history. The traditions of Hanukkah are skillfully woven into the story, and a synopsis of the history behind the holiday appears in the back, as do blessings for Hanukkah and a glossary. The illustrations are fun and colorful. Each character’s personality is nicely captured in the paintings -- for instance, the grandmother wears red cowboy boots and western style clothes. A wonderful book about the bonds of family as well as the joys of celebrating a holiday together. 2003, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, Ages 5 to 10, $16.95.
Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-689-84493-X

The Little Book of Hanukkah
Steven Zorn
Illustrations by Marco Ventura
   This pint-sized compendium packs the story, traditions, blessings, games and recipes of Hanukkah into 128 tiny pages. The majority of this material can be found in the Hanukkah chapter of any book about Jewish holidays. While some readers may be intrigued by the miniature format, there is not much to commend this book over full-size books. The illustrations are adequate but do not compare to glossy, picture-book-size spreads. The battle history between the Maccabees and the Syrians is the lengthiest part of the book. The other two sections are limited. For example, only the transliterations of the Hebrew blessings and songs are provided, not the Hebrew. In addition, the text says the shamash or servant candle represents the Messiah, a statement not supported by the Encyclopedia Judaica or any other source this reviewer consulted. Mentioning the messiah without a discussion of what that term means within Judaism may be troublesome for the Jewish reader. This book is simply a novelty. Better information can be found elsewhere in a more attractive and usable format. 2000, Running Press, $4.95. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf
ISBN: 0-7624-0790-5

Lots of Latkes: A Hanukah Story
Sandy Lanton
Illustrated by Vicki Jo Redenbaugh
   There's more than one way to have a "bring something along to go with the latkes" Hanukkah party, Rivka Leah finds when her guests all run into problems with their intended offerings. Moshe the Milkman can't bring sour cream because the cow kicks over the cream pail; Chana, who has a fruit orchard, can't bring applesauce because her apples have turned rotten; Avrom the Fisherman can't bring fish to fry because they're not biting that day; and Manya the Baker can't bring jelly donuts because the mice have gotten into her sugar. No harm done, though, because a festive spirit will find a way to make a happy holiday celebration, and each guest pulls out a talent to create a wonderful evening for all. The pastel pictures of the "faraway village nestled between two tall mountains" are charming, with their old-fashioned stoves, sinks and cellars; but I could have done without all the mice running around everywhere, realistic though it may have been at that time and place. 2003, Kar-Ben, Ages 3 to 7, $6.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 1-58013-061-5

Love Santa: A Different Kind of Christmas Story
Sharon Glassman
    This is a fun and quick read for anyone, but especially for anyone who has ever wanted to celebrate Christmas and has been unable to due to religious constraints. Sharon Glassman grew up in a home where her family celebrated both Hanukah and Christmas, however, they were more Jewish than Christian and therefore Sharon had always felt that she has missed out on the full Christmas experience. Readers learn about Glassman's childhood and longing for the ultimate Christmas as she stands in line at the post office and flirts with a gorgeous Canadian hockey player. As the hockey player's interest builds as to whether Sharon was ever able to experience the Christmas she has dreamed of, the readers curiosity mounts as well. Glassman writes well and does a good job drawing her readers in. Her great sense of humor is clearly evident from the start. While attempting to discover how to have the "perfect Christmas," Sharon stumbles upon "Operation Santa Claus," a program in which many post offices in the United States partake. "Operation Santa Claus" makes it possible for individuals to buy Christmas gifts for those who are less fortunate. Sharon informs the hockey player that her purpose in standing in line is to mail a present that she bought for one of her "Operation Santa Claus" children. While informing the hockey player of this, she also indirectly provides readers with information about this unique program. At the conclusion readers are told how they too can participate in "Operation Santa Claus." A fun book with a noble cause. What more can one ask for at Christmas time? 2002, Warner Books Inc, Ages 12 up, $12.95. Reviewer: Jayme Derbyshire
ISBN: 0-446-67945-3

The Magic Menorah
Jane Breskin Zalben
Illustrated by Donna Diamond
   If you can get through the first several pages of this story about a spoiled kid who's not looking forward to another Chanukah with his disgusting family but nevertheless sits peeling and grating so many potatoes "that his knuckles were almost raw," perhaps you can also get through the old-country genie who emerges from the grimy old menorah Stanley idly begins to polish (a natural thing for such a kid to do, right?). Then maybe you can hope you understand, without turning to the glossary, all the Yiddish the raggedy character intersperses into his wise-cracking stand-up comedy routine and find out about the three wishes, the riddles to be solved, and the rewards to be realized. If you get that far, using the genie's schmatteh of an overcoat for your magic carpet, you can have a glimpse of the shtetl Grampa Abe and the schmutzy menorah hailed from and gain understanding of why he's always so sad on Chanukah. And you can witness the miracle of Spoiled Stanley morphing into Grateful Stanley, accompanied by his new puppy, Fame. 'Tis a tale of miracles and magic, with nary a Maccabee to be seen, and actually becomes somewhat endearing by the last page. Nice black and white drawings are sprinkled throughout the chapters. 2001, Simon & Schuster, Ages 7 to 10, $15.00. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-689-82606-0
Best Books:    The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States

Nine Spoons: A Chanukah Story
Marci Stillerman
Illustrated by Pesach Gerber
   The story Oma (German for Grandmother) tells must be repeated every Chanukah, the story about the bent old menorah. The children can almost tell it themselves by now, sentences pouring forth about the women and children in the Nazi slave camp who transcended their deprivation to create a nine-branched lamp for the Chanukah lights. Raizel, an artist before her internment, promised if the women would find her nine spoons she would make a menorah. But spoons were more precious than gold in the camps. Without a spoon one couldn't get the last drops of the soup on which they existed. Who would give up a spoon? This chilling but achingly warm true story, with its heart-rending pictures of women and little children dressed in rags against the bitter winter cold, is a believable way to introduce children to the Holocaust as well as the triumph of faith over circumstances. Winner of the Sydney Taylor Award of the Association of Jewish Libraries. Don't pass it up. 2000 (1998), Hachai, Ages 4 to 10, $11.98. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-922613-84-2

On Hanukkah
Cathy Goldberg Fishman
Illustrated by Melanie W. Hall
   Fishman and Hall have a winning collaboration in their Jewish holiday books, and this newly-issued paperback is no exception. Light plays among the joyous pictures, except for the sections about cold days and dark nights, which are a suitably chilly blue. The family in this book enjoys each of the eight Hanukkah nights with a different emphasis, so that the familiar latkes treats, dreidel games and gift-giving are interspersed with more unusual ideas: adding new squares to their holiday quilt, dancing to the songs they sing while Grandmother plays the piano, reading the story of Hannah and her seven sons and the one about Judith and Holofernes as the evening's activity. There's plenty of attention given to the elements of the ancient story, and the menorah is always placed in the window, dedicated each night to its various messages: light in the darkness, hope, strength, faith, happiness, giving, knowledge, freedom. One error needs pointing out: In the ancient temple the tiny bit of oil burned for eight days until the Jews carefully prepared (not found) more pure oil-a small but significant glitch in an otherwise beautifully told and painted book. 2001 (1998 Atheneum), Aladdin, Ages 5 to 9, $6.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-689-84579-0

One Candle
Eve Bunting
Illustrated by K. Wendy Popp
  This deeply moving story shows that even during mankind's darkest hours, faith will see us through. At a family's Hanukkah celebration, Grandma and Great-Aunt Rose tell the story of how they created a holiday miracle in the hell of the Nazi concentration camps. The two smuggled a potato, some margarine and matches into their barracks and lit a single Hanukkah flame that "lifted us to the stars." As Grandma speaks, she hollows out a potato, fills it with oil and lights it to show that she and her sister survived and kept their family's light burning. The ritual "has to do with being strong in the bad time and remembering it in the good time," the young narrator muses. "And for the women in Grandma's barracks and the others who didn't live to come out." Bunting's deceptively simple words weave a tapestry of pain, hope and ultimate triumph. It is a stirring work of literature, no matter which religion you practice. Popp's illustrations beautifully depict the family's love and faith. 2002, Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Donna Freedman
ISBN: 0-06-028115-4

Rainbow Candles: A Hanukkah Counting Book
Myra Shostak
Illustrations by Sally Springer
  A new board book from a publisher known for excellence in concept as well as execution is always a treat. Simple rhymes count the colored candles, and each night's Hanukkah treat piles up on the floor with the others till, at the end, there is a full menorah and a full floor. The primary colors are bright, the little girl is precious, and the book is a winner. 2001, Kar-Ben, Ages 1 to 4, $4.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 1-58013-031-3

Runaway Dreidel!
Leslea Newman
Illustrations by Kyrsten Brooker
  There are many Hanukkah parodies of Clement Moore's "T'was the Night Before Christmas," but Runaway Dreidel! is one of the most successful. Beginning with "Twas the first night of Chanukah" and ending with "Happy Chanukah to all, and to all a good night," Newman maintains the rhythmic pattern of the original, but tells the story of a runaway spinning top that twirls its way into the night sky and stops spinning "a stone's throw from Mars." Her amusing rhyme is aided enormously by the lovely full-color illustrations. Brooker's technique of collage cut-outs and paint creates a marvelous urban Jewish world, a sort of Brooklyn shtetl, where relatives dressed in Russian-looking furs and caps live in crowded walk-up apartments on streets crammed with multiethnic shops. The illustrations, inspired by Chagall among others, are detailed and specific yet dreamy and mythic, and give the book that special let's-look-at-it-again appeal. The cut-outs provide textural interest and an almost three-dimensional richness. A lovely collaboration of writer and artist results in a terrific picture book. 2002, Henry Holt, Ages 4 to 8, $17.95. Reviewer: Miriam Rinn
ISBN 0-8050-6237-8

Sammy Spider's Hanukkah Fun Book
Sylvia A. Rouss
Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn
   The invincible Sammy appears again-this time in a format inviting you to interact with him. Games, puzzles, mazes, matching, and every page can then be colored. There are even invitations to make for your own Hanukkah party and rhymes galore as you go through the book. Details of the holiday story appear in the front, and a recipe for Spider Cookies ends this Fun Book. The little ones will love it. 2001, Kar-Ben, Ages 3 to 8, $4.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 1-58013-032-1

The Stone Lamp: Eight Stories of Hanukkah Through History
Karen Hesse
Illustrations by Brian Pinkney
   Yes, it is a Hanukkah book. And no, it's not just a Hanukkah book. This beautifully designed volume, a picture book for older readers, presents eight vignettes from the long history of a persecuted people, each framed and accompanied by a free verse story told in the first person by a survivor. It's a gripping combination, compelling in its personalization of each sad chapter in Jewish history. Represented are the Crusades and York, England Massacre of 1190; the Burning of the Books by papal order in Paris, 1242; The Inquisition of Spain and Portugal, 1546; the Muslim forced conversions and the False Messiah, Turkey, 1666; the Pogroms of Russia, 1883; Kristallnacht, Austria, 1938; the British return of the ship Exodus to Germany, 1947; and the Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, Israel, 1995. These wrenching tales of tragedy, bravely illustrated in deep pigments by award-winning artist Pinkney, begin with Judah Maccabee's light-filled victory over the Syrians in 164 B.C.E. and end with the uplifting lines, "...Sometimes a flame refuses to go out...So burns the Light of the Jewish People. So burn the Lights of Hanukkah." Truly a very special book to add to the portfolio of Newbery Medal winner and MacArthur Fellow Karen Hesse. 2003, Hyperion, Ages 9 to 13, $18.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-7868-0619-2

This Is the Dreidel
Abby Levine
Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye
   "This is the dreidel Max takes from the drawer/where he had placed it one year before" begins this very readable picture book for the young set. The progressive story moves on to the menorah "down from the shelf" and the "rainbow of candles" from which to choose and moves on to the blessings and the other elements of Hanukkah. The rhymes work well, and you'll recognize the "This Is the House That Jack Built" cadences as you go along. There's a double spread with a different menorah in each window, each with the next cumulative number of candles burning. And all the bases are covered: Guests, dreidel game, stories, songs, presents. I like the addition of the "pushke" - the charity box - into which the children drop a dollar bill, updating the concept of giving to the less fortunate something more than the traditional coins. And so it goes till the last page that wraps it all up with the reverse telling, "This is the family, gathered around,/ watching the candles, like stars, burning down/...Goodbye to the candles so brave and so bright;/ goodbye to the wonder of Hanukkah lights!" The water color and pencil line pictures are totally adorable - you'll love this family and their enjoyment of their holiday. Glossary at the end. 2003, Whitman, Ages 3 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-8075-7884-3

Who'll Light the Chanukah Candles?
Dandi Daley Mackall
Illustrated by Keiko Motoyama
   Every family has its own way of choosing who lights the candles each night. Will it be Mom, then Dad, or Dad, then Mom? Bubbe (Grandma), Zayde (Grandpa), Aunt, and Uncle--each gets to light the candles. Suddenly we're at the last night, when--oh, no!--Cousin Randall gets the shamash! Our nameless little narrator is trying not to cry, when Randall turns to her and hands her the shamash! He says, "You should do it--nothing to it!" and all ends happily. A sweet story, but strained rhymes and an ending that is somewhat short of believable. How old are these children, anyway? The narrator (girl) is bigger than Randall in one picture, smaller in another, and the same size in a third. They may be five or six years old, but that kind of unforced generosity belongs to a different age. And the number of guests plus family actually leaves room for both children to have a turn. The author glosses over nights five and six, but this is the sort of thing that children will latch onto. "Wait!" one will say. "Count again! Mom, Dad, Bubbe, Zayde, Aunt, Uncle--that's six! Both kids can light them! Why is it the seventh night now?" Good question. Here, have this page of shiny stickers, take your mind off these foolish inconsistencies. A possible gift book from well-meaning relatives to small children, but not a really a meaningful Chanukah story. 2003, Little Simon/Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Ages 3 to 7, $4.99. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 0-689-85025-5

ZigaZak! A Magical Hanukkah Night
Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by Jon Goodell
   In this age of Harry Potter, it's wonderful to welcome a Jewish holiday book suffused with gargoyle-like devils, strange and wondrous happenings, and a rabbi wise enough to figure out the good in it all. The town of Brisk is terrified as the shouted word "Zigazak!" grows appendages on their dreidels, causes their latkes to fly out of the frying pan, and sparks exploding Hanukkah candles. How is it, then, that the rabbi seems to be enjoying these terrifying wonders? "'Nothing is completely wicked,'" he says, catching a floating latke as it goes by. "'Sparks of holiness exist in all things.'" With that, he creates a bit of magic himself, in the form of showers of gold coins for the children from the boastful devils, and then dispatches them to where they belong. Goodell's drawings fill the pages with fear, wonderment and glee in explosions of detail and color, and Kimmel's tale is not to be missed. Your only problem will be trying to figure out why "Zigazak" is spelled "ZigaZak" in the title but not in the story. 2001, Doubleday/Random, Ages 5 to 10, $15.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak

ZigaZak! A Magical Hanukkah Night
Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by Jon Goodell
    Eric Kimmel, a talented folklorist and storyteller, has here again told a story filled with beauty and meaning. One winter night during Hanukkah, two devils visit and wreak havoc upon the town of Brisk. The townspeople, worried by the devils' magic and alarmed at the disruption of their holiday celebrations, race to the home of their rabbi to seek his advice and assistance. With wisdom, matter-of-factness, creativity and patience, the rabbi first allays the townspeople's fears and then rids the town of the two evildoers. If the rabbi's message that "Nothing is completely wicked" and everywhere, there are "sparks of holiness" is too heavy-handed, it is okay, because the truth of his words is evidenced by his deeds. There are lush, exotic, full-color illustrations by artist Jon Goodell that capture both the seriousness and the gentle humor of this universal tale. 2001, Doubleday Book for Young Readers/Random House, Ages 4 to 8, $17.99 and $15.95. Reviewer: Judy Katsh
ISBN: 0-385-90004-X
ISBN: 0-385-32652-1
Best Books:

   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States

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Updated 12/10/03

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