Synopsis
It s the first night of Hanukkah, and the mouse family secretly looks on as Mr. Silman lights the first Hanukkah candle. Then they watch Rachel Silman open a gift from her family, a beautiful dollhouse with a wraparound porch and tiny lace curtains. Just the right size for us, whispers Mindy Mouse.
While the Silmans are asleep, the mouse family explores the dollhouse. On each night of the holiday, they enjoy the small pieces of furniture and dishes of food that magically appear. Finally, on the eighth night of Hanukkah, a small miracle occurs, showcased nicely in Michelle Shapiro s colorful gouache illustrations.
Horn Book Guide
Rachel's Hanukkah gift is a dollhouse perfectly proportioned for a family of curious mice. Gouache illustrations, which effectively use few colors, allow readers to share with the mice each addition to the dollhouse. While the mice wonder who is responsible for their Hanukkah festivities, readers will delightedly watch Rachel provide them with tiny latkes, dreidels, and even a miniature menorah.