FICTION

10 Things I Love About Hanukkah

by Natalie Barnes (text) & illus. by Aviel Basil
Tiger Tales. (10 Things I Love About). Aug. 2024. 24p. Tr $10.99. ISBN 9781680103021.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1–A young child explains why she loves the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. She makes and lights the menorah with her younger brother; attends synagogue with her family; hears the story of the Maccabees; sings holiday songs; plays dreidel; eats fried foods, like potato latkes and jelly doughnuts; exchanges gifts; spends time with her family. Bright, cheerful, cartoon illustrations depict a contemporary urban setting and complement the text. However, the letters on the dreidel are depicted incorrectly. Main characters are light-skinned; the supporting cast exhibits some diversity. The entire story seems to take place on the first night, de-emphasizing the eight nights of the celebration, and the overall narration is uninspiring and bland. A glossary is appended.
VERDICT With nothing new presented, this an additional purchase unlikely to stand out on the overcrowded holiday bookshelf.
Reviewed by Rachel Kamin , May 03, 2024

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