General & Miscellaneous Holidays, Jewish Holidays, Judaism

Hanukkah Lights

Name: Hanukkah Lights
Author: David Martin
ISBN: 9780763630294

by David Martin, Melissa Sweet

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Overview

Sweet illustrations and simple language bring the holidays to life for the youngest of children.

Candles on the menorah, ready to light! At Hanukkah, there are many much-anticipated rituals — latkes to eat, dreidels to spin, presents to give and receive, and shiny gold treats. Add some free-form fun, from shadow puppetry to singing and dancing, and you have a warm, truly child-friendly celebration.

Synopsis

Sweet illustrations and simple language bring the holidays to life for the youngest of children.

Publishers Weekly

In this cheerful board book, five children light a new candle on their menorah for each night of Hanukkah as they indulge in activities like exchanging gifts, making shadow puppets and reading a story. The text is simple and soothing—“Hanukkah candles, shining bright./ One more candle every night”—while patterns as cozy as a patchwork quilt are featured throughout: the children are dressed in festive floral and plaid prints, and the candles they place on the menorah feature stripes, dots and curlicues. Also available: Christmas Tree. Ages 1–3. (Sept.)\

About the Author, David Martin

David Martin is the author of WE'VE ALL GOT BELLYBUTTONS!, illustrated by Randy Cecil, and PIGGY AND DAD GO FISHING, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz, among other books for children. He lives in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.

Melissa Sweet is the author of numerous books for children, including LOVE AND KISSES and MY GRANDMA IS COMING TO TOWN. She lives in Rockport, Maine.

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

For those Jewish children who live in parts o the world where it would snow on Hanukkah, this board book offer a nice counterpoint to all the Christmas hoopla. The children gather around a menorah which is placed in a window. The large center one (not named) is lit and then one of the other eight and mention is made about lighting one more ever night. Some of the Hanukkah traditions such as latkes, playing with a dreidel, exchanging presents, gelt (shown as gold foil covered chocolates), singing and dancing as well as a shared story are all part of the festivities which on the last night end with a big feast. Adults or others will have to fill in all the missing information such as what the holiday is all about and how the symbols have become associated with it. The final spread shows the fully lit menorah in a window with kids all wrapped up and outside in the winter night wishing everyone a happy Hanukkah. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

School Library Journal

PreS–These attractive board books feature simple, clear concepts and delightful pencil-and-watercolor illustrations enhanced with patterned fabric swatches. Christmas demonstrates the connection between what children might see in nature and ornaments that decorate a Christmas tree such as birds, snowflakes, and stars. Hanukkah celebrates familiar aspects of the holiday such as candle lighting and playing dreidel. In both books, it is the clever illustrations with their sunny colors, charming compositions, and multicultural casts of characters that really shine, making these titles satisfying choices.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library