The Story of Hanukkah (Trophy Picture Books) [Paperback]

Norma Simon (Author), Leonid Gore (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Trophy Picture Books

Jewish children look forward to Hanukkah more than any other holiday, and The Story of Hanukkah explains why and how people observe this beloved occasion. You’ll learn that Hanukkah is the Jewish people’s way of remembering their ancestors’ revolt against a cruel king. Then you’ll understand why the holiday is eight days long, and even learn how to make latkes using the author’s own recipe!

Packed with fascinating facts, hands-on activities, and jewellike illustrations, Norma Simon and Leonid Gore’s book is a tribute to this joyous, deeply significant holiday.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5. A newly illustrated, attractive edition of a 1966 title. Simon presents the history and traditions of Hanukkah in an easy-to-read manner. There is a detailed recounting of the Jews' oppression by and rebellion against the Syrians, beginning with the story of Mattathias and continuing with Judah and the Maccabees, through the rededication of the temple. The story, or legend as Simon calls it, of the oil that lasted eight days when there was only enough for a single day is presented separately. The author also describes the menorah, the dreidel, the celebrations, gifts, and food associated with Hanukkah. The book concludes with an explanation of the dreidel game and the Jewish calendar and a recipe for potato latkes. The full-page, colorful, ink-and-acrylic illustrations that face each page of text have a soft, impressionist look. In recent years, few books that take this factual approach to the holiday have been published. Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith's Celebrating Hanukkah (Holiday, 1996) uses text and photographs of a specific Jewish-American family to introduce the celebration. Most of the other noteworthy Hanukkah books are fiction, making this one a worthy addition.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Norma Simon has written more than forty books for children, including The Story of Passover illustrated by Erika Weihs. Ms. Simon lives in South Wellfleet, MA.

Leonid Gore illustrated The Pomegranate Seeds by Laura Geringer and Jacob and the Stranger by Sally Derby. He is a recent immigrant from the former Soviet Union who now lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064435113
• ISBN-13: 978-0064435116
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 2.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,612,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #98 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Religions > Judaism

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