The Story of Hanukkah

The events commemorated in the holiday of Hanukkah are retold simply for young ears by prolific children's author Adler (Cam Jansen books) in a religious and historical lesson. Weber's full-spread color illustrations, with an emphasis on traditional holiday blue, convey the epic scope of the story: the victorious rebellion of the Maccabees against the forces of the occupying Seleucid Empire, the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem, and the miracle of oil that burned for eight days. The narration ends with an explanation of the contemporary celebration of the holiday by families, accompanied by framed, family photo%E2%80%93like illustrations. A recipe from Weber for latkes that children can make and instructions for playing dreidel, the traditional holiday game, are bonuses in this family-oriented book designed to impart traditions. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)