The Hanukkah Mice [School & Library Binding]

Steven Kroll (Author), Michelle Shapiro (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

It's the first night of Hanukkah, and the mouse family secretly looks on as Mr. Silman lights the first Hanukkah candle. Then they watch Rachel Silman open a gift from her family, a beautiful dollhouse with a wraparound porch and tiny lace curtains. Just the right size for us, whispers Mindy Mouse.

While the Silmans are asleep, the mouse family explores the dollhouse. On each night of the holiday, they enjoy the small pieces of furniture and dishes of food that magically appear. Finally, on the eighth night of Hanukkah, a small miracle occurs, showcased nicely in Michelle Shapiro's colorful gouache illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–While a family of Big People enjoys a Hanukkah celebration with candle lighting and presents, a friendly mouse family shares in the fun by exploring the little girl's first gift, a dollhouse. On each subsequent night, something new is added to the little house by its owner, whose smiling, moon-shaped face can be seen peering through the windows at her houseguests. Tiny dishes are laden with latkes and applesauce, Hanukkah gelt is piled on the petite dresser, and on the eighth night a miniature menorah appears on the mouse family's table. The highlights of this book are the cheerful gouache illustrations featuring bold flat saturated colors and lots of open space, creating plenty of room for both families to celebrate the holiday. A pleasant choice for all collections.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library
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From Booklist

As the Silman family prepares to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah, the Mouse family that lives in the Silmans’ basement carefully observe from the sidelines. Daughter Rachel Silman receives an elaborate dollhouse on the first night, and on subsequent evenings she is given furnishings to fill it. The mice move in, and, with help from Rachel, get everything they need to celebrate their own Festival of Lights. Shapiro’s brightly colored, gouache illustrations feature bold, solid-color backgrounds, uncluttered compositions, and plenty of dollhouse details. Kroll’s simple story omits the history and religious significance of the holiday, focusing instead on the cultural details—candles, latkes, gifts, and Hanukkah gelt—that most impress very young children. A good choice for story hours or family sharing during the holiday. Preschool-Grade 2. --Kay Weisman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Childrens Books (October 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761454284
• ISBN-13: 978-0761454281
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 9.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,400,405 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Steven Kroll is the author of many beloved picture books for children, including "Pooch on the Loose: A Christmas Adventure", illustrated by Michael Garland; "The Biggest Pumpkin Ever", illustrated by Jeni Bassett; and "A Tale of Two Dogs", illustrated by Mike Reed. He lives with his wife in New York City and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.