The Light from My Menorah: Celebrating Holidays around the World

K-Gr 2–In a cozy opening scene, light glows not only from a menorah, but also from the fireplace, more candles, and a lamp. A family is gathered together, and a young boy references the long-ago miracle that they are remembering, then experiences something wondrous himself. The light from the menorah travels and carries him with it. He sees a quiet parade in a forest, as people follow a girl in white wearing a crown of candles. The light goes into space, and the boy and his cat, now with spacesuits, go along too; then they swirl back to Earth and a desert. Floating on water next, the boy sees fireworks and lanterns in the sky; then other families who are celebrating different holidays. How far, how fast, the light can go, circling so many people and places! The light may be shining for Diwali, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, Loy Krathong, Christmas, or Hanukkah, but the boy sees hope and happiness wherever that special light takes him. The digital illustrations are full of movement as the light swirls and illuminates new locations, over and around the whole planet, always with additional light shining from candles and windows. An author’s note includes more information about the holidays referenced.