Light the Menorah!: A Hanukkah Handbook

This makes a good resource for young families observing this holiday, particularly those who would like to move beyond the emphasis on presents that results from Hanukkah's proximity to Christmas. Ideal for religious collections, this will also be welcomed in public libraries with Judaica sections.

Copyright 2018 Booklist, LLC Used with permission

Caregivers and teachers looking for a general introduction to a plane of higher principles may find this helpful. A thoughtful exhortation to have “the light of freedom always burn brightly in our homes and in our hearts.” (Picture book/religion. 5-7)

Copyright 2018 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

After so many years of celebrating Hanukkah, I thought there was nothing more to learn about the holiday but I was wrong. Jacqueline Jules has written an engaging picture book that I could easily see using with my grown-up family every year.

There's an introduction, blessings, thoughtful verse to accompany each of the eight nights candle lighting along with a moving reflection to read silently, aloud or discuss together as a family. The second half of Light The Menorah! features four pages devoted to the Hanukkah story for which there are two versions, something I had never known. There's the historical version and the rabbinic tradition which is the one I've always told about the oil from the damaged Temple lasting eight nights. The historic version says that since the Maccabees 'couldn't take a week to observe Sukkot properly, ... they celebrated for eight days during the rededication of the Temple.'

The remaining pages answer common questions such as when does Hanukkah occur, where is it celebrated and more. I was delighted to read the section where Jules explains the role women played in the Hanukkah story. No one will be disappointed to see instructions for playing the dreidel game, latkes and jelly donut recipes in addition to easy crafts.

Swarner's lovely watercolor illustrations dress up the text and are well paired on every page or spread. I was drawn to the book by the title and cover art and am glad I didn't miss a single thing both Jules and Swarner had to share. This one's a keeper and would make a wonderful gift to families just beginning to celebrate the Festival of Lights.―Good Reads with Ronna