Hoppy Hanukkah!

This darling picture book by Author Linda Glaser is what I call "warm and fuzzy". The simplicity of the text, the warmth of the storyline, and the awesome illustrations by Daniel Howarth, along with the top-notch quality of an Albert Whitman & Company book, combine to make this book a keeper. Violet and Simon are excited about Hanukkah. They don't remember lighting the family Menorah last year, but they are very excited about lighting it for tonight's celebration. They each pick their favorite color candle and are eager to light them. Papa tells them they can't light the candle until the sun sets. They want to light their candle immediately, but Mama and Papa explain that they have to wait until nighttime and... they light one candle each night for eight nights. Then the entire Menorah will be lit. Violet and Simon want to blow out all the candles at once. Papa explains that the Menorah is placed in the window, with all its candles lit, for everyone to see. Grandma and Grandpa are visiting. Grandma is cooking potato latkes for the Hanukkah meal. Suddenly, it is sundown. Papa says the blessing, and the Menorah candles are lit. Then Grandpa brings out a dreidel. What do you suppose a dreidel is? You will just have to read this charming book to find out about this and the rest of Violet and Simon's Hanukkah! This book is a terrific vehicle for parents who want to teach their children about the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, and for Jewish children to learn about their very special holiday. Linda's poignant text and Daniel's warm and inviting illustrations make this book a winner!

This book would serve as a charming introduction to Hanukkah for the very youngest celebrators and as a cheerful reminder of the tradition to those who know enough to look forward to it. All the elements are here - candle lighting, latkes, a dreidel, presents - things that make it "feel like Hanukkah," a recurrent phrase. Howarth's illustrations complement the text and bring it to life, with dynamic renderings of the young bunnies' excited hopping (with Grandpa joining in) and colorful depictions of their surroundings. It all comes together in a sweet and satisfying final scene. I can imagine that this will become a favorite holiday book for teachers and parents of pre-schoolers and kindergarteners.