Customer Reviews

A Box of Candles

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This book provides a sensitive introduction to a year of Jewish religious holidays, so well woven into the text, that they clearly become a part of the main character's life and much more than a backdrop for the changes that occur. The device of marking the passing of time and the growth in a child's understanding by the lighted candles, works both gently and well. The writing is lyrical, and the action engrossing. This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in knowing more about Jewish observances. In the process, he or she will discover a compelling intergenerational story. The illustrations are somewhat sylized and static, but many have an endearing quality that will appeal to children.

The box of candles is a device to mark time. While the candles give light from Shabbat to Shabbat and Jewish holiday to holiday, a romantic story unfolds. The romance is a bit far from the purview of most picture book readers because it involves the remarriage of a living-with grandmother, an experience most readers will not face. However, it includes a range of emotions from dislike and jealousy (the new man means less attention from grandma) to acceptance (he does special things for the granddaughter) to love (she grows to love him for herself and because he makes her beloved grandmother happy). Ruthie receives the candles from Grandma Gussie on her seventh birthday. She accepts the gift with thanks and the clear, foreshadowing comment she does not like change. The plot unfolds during the year until her next birthday, marked by traditional Jewish days. The boy friend, Mr. Adler, appears at the very start of the book, thus, readers first meet Ruthie as a petulant and sad little girl. Her moods change as the book, divided into chapters, moves chronologically. By summer Ruthie's emotional chill thaws. By fall she throws away her bad thoughts of him at Tashlich. By winter she misses Mr. Adler when he is gone and by spring she wants her grandmother to marry him. Ruthie proposes a proposal to both of them. Each period of time naturally incorporates information about Jewish celebrations and customs at an age appropriate level. Large, full page illustrations support the plot line by clearly delivering Ruthie's emotional response to the action. Most of the pictures reference Jewish holidays with artifacts, symbols and family participation in rituals. The muted pastels echo the softness of the plot. The book ends with a long glossary in case readers wish as explanation of the Jewish terms in the book. Adults will have to handle this for their young readers. This sweet, slowly paced story will appeal to little girls aged five and six. Meant to be realistic, it will read as a charming fairy story to those whose grandmothers do not live with them and who do not have beaus.
Reviewed by Ellen G. Cole