Hannah’s Hanukkah Hiccups

Hannah Hope Hartman’s hiccups arrive just before the start of Hanukkah and show no sign of leaving before her big song solo in the play at Hebrew school on the eighth night. Her neighbors in the family’s Hester Street apartment building offer remedies that reflect their multicultural backgrounds: Señora Rivera recommends putting a wet red string on her forehead, while Amar brings cardamom cookies and ginger ale. Nothing helps. But just when Hannah is ready to give up, she has a flash of brilliance and adds tap dancing to her number: “No one heard Hannah’s hiccups over the sound of her tapping toes and heels.” Narration by Silva (Passover Scavenger Hunt) is serviceable, and images by McMahon (Apple Days: A Rosh Hashanah Story) offer some nice touches, such as the bright red “Hics!” (matching Hannah’s red outfits) that stand out in the predominantly grayscale compositions. Together, words and pictures keep the mood buoyant and breezy while emphasizing that Hannah is a creative problem solver and a beloved member of her community. Ages 4–8. [em](Oct.) [/em]