Today's read is one which I meant to hit last year, but it slipped into the cracks of my pile and just recently hit daylight again. So, I'm going to take a look at it, anyway, and see is as inspiration since Hanukkah is sure to come again this year...probably faster than I notice.
THE BOOK OF CANDLES
Eight Poems for Hanukkah
by Laurel Snyder
Illustrated by Leanne Hatch
Clarion Books
Picture Book / Religious
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
From Sydney Taylor Award winner and National Jewish Book Award honoree Laurel Snyder comes a warm, reverential, surprising, and fresh story of one very special Hanukkah.
In a dark, dark room,
one thin candle
wakes, bursts to life
Thus begins the first night of Hanukkah in one child’s home. But what does the light from the candle mean? What are the words everyone is singing? What will each of these eight nights hold? Family and friends, takeout dinners and flat tires, traditions new and old—it’s all part of this year’s timeless, timely holiday celebration.
In a dark, dark room,
one thin candle
wakes, bursts to life
Thus begins the first night of Hanukkah in one child’s home. But what does the light from the candle mean? What are the words everyone is singing? What will each of these eight nights hold? Family and friends, takeout dinners and flat tires, traditions new and old—it’s all part of this year’s timeless, timely holiday celebration.
MY TIDBITS
With a hint of calmness and an atmosphere of reflection, these pages take readers through each day of Hanukkah.
This is a gentle but informative book, which guides young readers through each day of Hanukkah. Every night, a candle is lit, there's a small poem, and the atmosphere between family members comes to life. It's a warming way to bring young readers through the season and encourages the togetherness the holiday holds. Each night is a little different, and one night, the candle is even lit a bit late due to a busy day. So, there's a sense of reality to the entire thing as well.
The illustrations hold the violet/blue tones, which give the entire thing a nice, end-of-the-day touch. The scenes come across with familiarity, while letting readers connect with the family. The short poem on each day flows nicely. There's also a box of extra information surrounding each day for adult readers to incorporate, if they desire, or for slightly older readers to explore or their own.
It's a nice book to greet the Hanukkah season and can accompany young readers through each day.
And here they are...
Laurel Snyder is the author of many picture books and novels for children, including National Book Award nominee Orphan Island, the Geisel Award winner Charlie & Mouse, the Sydney Taylor Award winner The Longest Night, and the National Jewish Book Award honoree The Witch of Woodland. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, she lives in Atlanta with her family. She can be found online at laurelsnyder.com.
Leanne Hatch is the author and illustrator of The Brand-new, Never-used, Perfect Crayons; Rosie and the Pre-loved Dress; and Unraveled. She’s also the artist of My Thoughts Have Wings by Maggie Smith. With a background in both fine arts and fashion design, she divides her time between writing and illustrating for children, creating patterns for textiles, and designing accessories. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. You can visit her online at leannehatch.com.
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