(2) K-3 Illustrated by Fede Combi. Lehman-Wilzig and Prinz set their story during Hanukkah 1773 in the American colonies, centering ­Sephardic New England Jews. Protagonist ­Joshua's friend Isaac and his family have meager resources to celebrate Janucá (the Spanish name for Hanukkah), but innovation from Joshua, and chocolate (an alternative to tea!) imported by Joshuas father and his crew, provide help. The Boston Tea Party actually took place on the last night of Hanukkah; the somewhat lengthy text draws connections between the colonists' "fight for freedom" and the ­Maccabees'. The muted palette of Combi's digital-looking illustrations lends a historic feel. Back ­matter provides more information about Hanukkah, the Boston Tea Party, and early ­American Sephardic Jews--and, of course, recipes.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Anna Shuttlewood. This charming story of a girl helping migrating storks takes place on a kibbutz in Israel, and Hebrew words are used strategically throughout. Maya's compassion and creativity are the focus, but the narrative unfortunately feels passive, missing out on an opportunity for a truly engaging story. Loose, lightly washed watercolors give life to Maya and the graceful storks.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard. Old Testament stories are retold to highlight ecological themes. Some of the interpretations make easy, logical connections, while others are too much of a stretch and are told in an awkward way. Activities follow the stories and make tangible connections to the tales' lessons. An appended "Potpourri" section describes other earth-friendly Jewish traditions. Desert-set illustrations accompany each story.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau. Jacob's autistic brother Nathan sometimes embarrasses and exasperates him (like when Nathan blows out the Hanukkah candles). However, Jacob stands up for his brother when a neighbor makes fun of him. The story is message-y; an unfortunate typo ("you're brother") is included. Textured illustrations reflect the tale's holiday-themed warmth.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Vicki Wehrman. After giving some general information about the holiday, this book describes Hanukkah celebrations around the globe. Places highlighted include New York, Istanbul, Turin, Sydney, and Samarkand. Maps and short stories (some of which sound forced) introduce the cultures and customs. Sidebars offer additional information, followed by recipes. Warm-toned drawings illustrate the text. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ksenia Topaz. Two flies, Zvuvi and Zahava, zig-zag around Israel, from the Wailing Wall to the Bahai Shrine to the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. The busy pages are dotted with large and small illustrations of each place on the tour. Interesting facts are scattered throughout, though the text can be very hard to follow. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Craig Orback. When a Dutch rabbi is sent to a concentration camp, he helps a boy have a Bar Mitzvah and entrusts a tiny Torah scroll to him. The boy survives to tell the story--and to send the Torah into space with the first Israeli astronaut, who perished in the 2003 Columbia explosion. Muted color illustrations combine well with the somber text for a moving story of survival.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman