Light the Menorah!

Starred review from September 24, 2018
In this collection, which pairs themed poems and prose passages on each spread, Jules (Drop by Drop: A Story of Rabbi Akiva) expands on typical Hanukkah how-tos with short, imaginative reflections, one for each night of candle lighting. For the first night, readers are reminded of how Judah Maccabee stood up for what he thought was right and how “it is not easy to be the first.” The fourth night becomes a tribute to the shamash—the “helper candle” on the menorah used to light all the others—and reminds readers to be thankful for teachers, librarians, parents, and others who “serve and help us.” Softly textured pastel drawings by Swarner (Little Banty Chicken and the Big Dream) show quietly proud and happy characters from history and the modern day (one family includes a same-sex couple), with festive decorative borders framing the scenes. The calm tone, scrupulous sourcing of information (as in the distinction between history and rabbinic lore), and clear instructions make this an excellent choice for families who are creating their first Hanukkah traditions. Ages 4–10.

September 1, 2018
A handbook to help families make Hanukkah--the Jewish Festival of Lights--even more meaningful.Candles are lit for each night of Hanukkah, starting with one for the first night and finishing with eight for the eighth night. Jules offers eight free-verse poems and eight reflections that combine a history of the holiday with moral teachings that can be followed by those of any or no specific faith. Readers are urged to "brighten the darkness," to "add our light," to "appreciate each flickering moment," and to live with tolerance for all peoples. There is also a retelling of the origins of Hanukkah, factoids (including how many candles are needed in all: 44), and mention of two women associated with the festival. Directions are provided for playing with a dreidel, words and music for two songs, recipes for potato latkes and jelly doughnuts, and simple crafts made from household objects. The illustrations depict a white, observant family and pages filled with flickering lights and stars against a blue background. Other pages show a diverse array of children playing games as well as images of the Holy Land at the time of the first Hanukkah. Caregivers and teachers looking for a general introduction to a plane of higher principles may find this helpful.A thoughtful exhortation to have "the light of freedom always burn brightly in our homes and in our hearts." (Picture book/religion. 5-7)

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September 15, 2018
Grades 2-5 Jules offers readers a compendium of information detailing the celebration of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday with historic rather than biblical origins. She provides traditional candle blessings (in English and Hebrew); original poems and short reflections about each of the holiday's eight nights; an overview of the history surrounding this celebration's origins; questions and answers about contemporary customs; an explanation of the dreidel game; and several related songs, recipes, and crafts. Swarner's colorful artwork exhibits a dreamy feel that works well in linking contemporary and historic scenes. Many of the illustrations feature blues and yellows (traditional Hanukkah colors) accented with purples and greens. She also makes effective use of borders featuring classic Hanukkah images and symbols. This makes a good resource for young families observing this holiday, particularly those who would like to move beyond the emphasis on presents that results from Hanukkah's proximity to Christmas. Ideal for religious collections, this will also be welcomed in public libraries with Judaica sections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)