(2) K-3 Translated by Ilana Kurshan. Illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami. Uri, his little sister Shir, and their mother are waiting for their father to come home to begin their Hanukkah celebration. As evening falls, Uri starts to worry. He imagines, and then draws, Dad in various possible real-life jams (flat tire, stuck in the rain). Looking out the window, he's freaked out by the shadows, which take the shape of an advancing army led by a blobby-shaped King of Darkness; an appended note makes the connection to King Antiochus IV and the Hanukkah story. Just as Uri and Shir summon their courage, their father appears -- bearing jelly doughnuts traditional for the holiday, and ready to light the candles. Effective rhyming text carries readers along while colorful, sketchlike illustrations are a creative mix of realistic and imagined scenarios

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Shirley Waisman. When space aliens crash-land behind the Abraham home, the family invites them in and makes them feel welcome, though differences in language and custom present some humorous obstacles. Illustrations in a pastel palette depict appealing mushroom-like creatures attempting to make themselves at home. The Abrahams are depicted as an ethnically diverse Jewish family; the (somewhat lengthy) text makes the value of welcoming guests clear to readers of any background, while an author’s note makes Jewish connections (the biblical name Abraham is no coincidence).

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Margeaux Lucas. Young Daniel wonders about his parents' mysterious trips with boxes through the snow, only to discover they are helping others in need through anonymous acts of kindness. With his father’s help, Daniel joins in, discovering the joy of giving. Heartwarming illustrations in soft pastels juxtapose the wintry suburban outdoors with cozy indoor snapshots of family and community life. Backmatter includes a closing author’s note, a postface about the Jewish tradition of tzedakah (charitable giving), and a glossary.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Daphna Awadish. Mendel loves Hanukkah but is prone to, and known for, making mistakes. He over-onions the latkes, for example, and uses sparklers in place of Hanukkah candles. "Oy, Mendel!" When Rabbi Klein asks him to drive the Mitzvah Mobile to spread the word about the big Hanukkah bash, everyone is nervous. Things go surprisingly well--at first. Details in the childlike illustrations give this community lots of personality; and Mendel's personal journey very loosely mirrors the Hanukkah story in a lighthearted way. "A Brief History of Hanukkah," a glossary, and some holiday activities are appended.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022