The Light from My Menorah: Celebrating Holidays Around the World

One snowy winter night, a child observes their family’s fully lit menorah, pondering “A long-ago miracle,/ Of long-lasting light.” Wondering, “Where is the miracle now?” the child imagines the menorah’s luminosity traveling across the globe and into space (“North, South, East, West.// To cities, towns, shelters, and villages/ That I’ve never seen”), and frequently visiting children observing many light-based traditions. Named in an author’s note as Hanukkah, Diwali, Christmas, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, and Loy Krathong, these celebrations are portrayed broadly in the work. A glimmering stream appears throughout Blinick’s layered digital artwork, while Heald’s musing text grounds the idea that “How far the light travels is a miracle./ How fast the light travels is a miracle./ Seeing your light is a miracle.” Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–7. (Sept.)