Hanukkah Moon

A thin plot nevertheless affords an unusual and inviting glimpse of Mexican-flavored Hanukkah festivities as well as of Rosh Hodesh, or new moon, the first day of the month in the Jewish calendar. Isobel’s parents drop her off to spend Hanukkah with Aunt Luisa from Mexico. A banner reading “Feliz Januca” (Spanish for Happy Hanukkah) adorns the living room, and a dreidel piñata awaits in the dining room, although the stylized illustrations—heavy on the golds and purples, skewed in the angles and proportions—cancel out any traces of Mexican or Latin American design elements. The highlight is Rosh Hodesh, by Jewish tradition given to women as an occasion to celebrate; reading about Luisa’s party for Isobel and her female photography students from the university, girls may wish they could observe the intersection of Rosh Hodesh with Hanukkah, too. Ages 6-10. (Sept.)