Hanukkah Lights [Hardcover]

Robie Rogge (Author), JoAnn Kitchel (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

On this night, let us light five little candle fires.
Dreidels spin, hope I win; five little candle fires.
With this beautifully illustrated book, even the youngest child can take part in the celebration of Hanukkah. Each night, children count the shiny holographic foil flames on the family menorah as they follow the engaging text, based on a traditional holiday song. Additional text included explains the story of the Maccabees and special Hanukkah customs, including latkes and the dreidel game. A perfect accompaniment to family celebrations.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

reS-Gr 2-The words of a traditional holiday song ("On this night let us light one little candle fire") lead readers through an explanation of the celebration of the holiday. The book opens with "The Story of Hanukkah," followed by descriptions of various customs and activities-lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, eating latkes and doughnuts, and exchanging gifts. The words to the song run across the bottom of each page; however, the music has been omitted, making it difficult for people who don't know the tune. The double-page watercolor illustrations with heavy black outlines have a stylized, 1970s feel. Children will find the shiny foil candle flames appealing. A serviceable addition, but not an essential purchase.-M. A.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Dian G. Smith teaches reading at an independent school in New York City. She is the author of several books for children and young adults, including My New Baby and Me published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art/Little Simon. Ms. Smith lives in New York City. JoAnn Kitchel is a professional illustrator. After graduating from college, she lived in West Indies where she taught art as a Peace Corps Volunteer for nearly four years. The West Indian culture and landscape played an invaluable role in the development of her artistic style. JoAnn lives in New Hampshire with her husband Chris and their two cats. Hanukkah Lights is Ms. Kitchel's seventh book for children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 16 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811832570
• ISBN-13: 978-0811832571
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,095,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Presentation of Hanukkah, December 24, 2003

By 

"the-popuplady" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hanukkah Lights (Hardcover)

The Hanukkah story is told in terms accessible to young children without the horror of hate being left out. This is an inclusive book, serving not only as a simple counting book (necessarily only to #8) but also covering the traditions of the holiday-family involvement, gift giving, tzedakah (charity)- and the rules of the dreidel game as well. The foil flames highlight the miracle of the oil and the illustrations make, even to the non-Jew, the holiday seem warm and familiar.
This book well-serves as a good introduction of a celebration of freedom for any young child.