How It’s Made: Hanukkah Menorah

For the latest installment in their How It’s Made series, Ofanansky (The Patchwork Torah) and photographer Alpern visit a brass worker, a glass blower, and a woodworker who each create a nine-branched candelabra essential to the Festival of Lights. The artisans seem genial and dedicated, and offer distinctive interpretations of the menorah. Unfortunately, the book as a whole feels like a Hanukkah hodgepodge, heavily padded and visually disjointed, with many of the images borrowed from other sources. Along with brief stops covering the making of candles, dreidels, latkes, and olive oil, there is also a survey of traditions and prayers as well as a matching game and word search. Although readers are encouraged to get crafty themselves, the book’s design and text don’t offer a lot of inspiration or specific tips: readers making their own menorahs are told to “use natural or recycled materials” and “avoid materials that will melt or catch fire.” Ages 4–7. [em](Oct.) [/em]