Editorial Review

“True to its subtitle, this is a resource for families observing the Festival of Lights at home. The candle blessings – in Hebrew, transliteration, and English – are followed by free verse poems and brief reflections to read on each of the eight nights of the holiday. The poems contain references to light (‘First Night: On this night, we bless the first flame. The light willing to stand alone – to speak out when others stand back – to burn brightly when others are indifferent’). The reflections infuse the referenced historical, ritual, and cultural aspects of Hanukkah with meaning, and make connections to each poem’s theme (‘. . . there are times in life when we need to be the first candle, to brighten the darkness the best we can, even if we must stand alone.’). A four-page ‘Story of Hanukkah’ provides background information about the Maccabean revolt and the miracle of the oil, and a ‘More About Hanukkah’ section answers several questions including “How many candles are needed to celebrate all nights?‘; ’What role did women play in the Hanukkah story?’; and, ‘Where is the Hanukkah story recorded?’ Also included are instructions for playing dreidel, latkes and sufganiyot recipes, and Hanukkah songs and crafts. The text is enhanced by Swarner’s illustrations which are dreamily evocative – in this book as well as in her numerous Sydney Taylor award-winning and notable books.”—Association of Jewish Libraries