SAN DIEGO — Author Arthur A Levin and Illustrator Kevin Hawkes have come up with a delightful Hanukkah tale called The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol. With illustrations accurately depicting life as it was in the 1880s, this is the tale of Nate, a king-size, gentle spirit who loves helping people.
His magic can stretch a small lump of chocolate big enough for an entire family or a small jar of oil long enough to last eight days. He takes a special liking to the Glaser family as they journey from Europe in the late 1870s and follows them as they work side by side with their neighbors, the O’Malleys in their new American life.
Everything goes well until the winter of 1881 when both families are struggling to survive. Life becomes difficult for people all around the world. When Nate bumps into Santa Claus, he discovers even the magic in Santa’s sleigh is nearly gone. The two spirits work together in this heart-warming tale to bring happiness back to both Hanukkah and Christmas. A fun book for all children ages 5-8 to enjoy.
A book for all seasons!
Next is a book that introduces readers to many Jewish holidays celebrated throughout the year. Hillel Builds a House, written by Shoshana Lepon and illustrated by Angeles Ruiz, is the story of a young boy determined to build a house for a Jewish holiday. The story begins at Hanukkah.
Hillel builds a cardboard house in the living room, but his mom says he can’t light his menorah in it. He is determined to build a house for Purim and, indeed, crafts a house for his costume. Sadly, it rains and he has to wear his costume from last year. Each holiday winds up in disaster until it is Sukkot, the perfect holiday for building a house!
With colorful illustrations and text that highlights one or two traditions for each holiday, Hillel Builds a House is the perfect book to read, and reread, throughout the year. A glossary is included, to further define the holiday features, making this a book that will appeal to ages 4-8.
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Marcia Berneger is a retired elementary school teacher as well as a teacher at Torah school. She is the author of such children’s books as Buster the Little Garbage Truck, and A Dreidel in Time.