The Eight Nights of Chanukah

Author: Lesl+????a Newman,
Illustrated by: Elivia Savadier
Hardcover: 24 page(s)
Age Range: 9 - 12

Book Description:

Incorporating the popular music of 12 Days of Christmas into a Chanukah book, this is perfect for children of any religious orientation.

"On the first night of Chanukah .." begins the familiar tune in a book that sees the wondrous days of Chanukah through the eyes of young child. The child-???+-?-+s family grows bigger and bigger as the holiday gets closer and closer. Each night, one new item or person is added to the celebration - and there is always a present for every child in the room!

The accumulating text makes this book fun to read (and sing!) aloud while the bright and cheerful illustrations allow a young reader to count each object added. Educational and a joy for adults and children, The Eight Nights of Chanukah is a wonderful book for the whole family to share.

Booklist
A twist on a familiar carol finds a pink-cheeked, yellow-capped child on a visit to Grandma's, clapping hands as he (or she) sees not a partridge in a pear tree, but a Chanukah "present waiting for me." On each of the seven remaining holiday nights a new item is added to the celebratory countdown: "On third night of Chanukah / I clap my hands to see / Three challahs / Two Maccabees / And a present waiting for me." Adults may want to steer children to the glossary to understand unfamiliar terms such as gelt and Maccabees; their meanings aren't always evident from the art. In addition, children wanting to count the objects mentioned in the rhyme will need to look closely, as the pictures become increasingly busy as family and friends gather to celebrate. But the familiar rhythm of the words is contagious, and Savadier's freewheeling-art style--at once expressive, mischievous, and joyous--gives a palpable sense of the warm, loving togetherness the holiday inspires in everyone----young and old.