Hanukkah

In this sweet introduction to the Jewish Festival of Lights, Nerlove provides readers with a brief history of the events which culminated in the miraculous burning of the oil for eight nights. This is framed by a warm evocation of how a contemporary family celebrates the holiday today. The text is simple and rhymed (if occasionally forced) and the pen-and-ink illustrations, washed with color, are childlike and well matched to the story. Helpfully included on the last page is a short glossary of terms. Ages 1-6. (June)