Maccabee!

“From the comic book superhero-like illustrations to the heartfelt repeated chorus of ‘Sometimes it only takes a few/Who know what’s right, and do it, too,’ this wonderful rhyming retelling of the Chanukah story is sure to be a favourite of adventure-loving little girls and boys.”—Noodlenuts

The account is told in an accessible rhyme with a refrain “Sometimes it only takes a few,/who know what’s right and do it, too.” Children will relate to the bright, stylized, cartoon-like illustrations and the characters’ dramatic expressions.

“Appropriately for the Festival of Lights, Harrington’s use of light is the illustrations’ greatest strength.” —The Horn Book Guide

“With its ‘little engine that could’ vibe and comic book-style illustrations, Maccabee! is sure to entertain young readers as well as inform them on the origins of Hanukkah. Harrington’s bold art creates a sense of energy and determination while Balsley’s rhyming text urges the story on. An author’s note provides additional information on Hanukkah traditions.”—School Library Journal, Extra Helping

“This book is an enjoyable read-aloud and will appeal to students looking for Hanukkah material. The illustrations and text meld together very well to make this an appealing book with an engaging story that will captivate the reader. Recommended.” —Library Media Connection

“The real draw is the high drama of Harrington’s sculptural illustrations and their superhero cartoon vibe, as the Maccabees fend off armored elephants and labor to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.” —Publishers Weekly

“Looking for books that teach young readers the history of Hanukkah? This one does it through rhyme…and the rest is history.”―We Are Teachers