This is a bright, cheery ABC book with a Hanukkah theme. The clever rhymes have rhythm and meter and touch on all aspects of the holiday. What distinguishes this book from a crowded field, though, is that the reading is an active experience rather than simply a passive pleasure. Each page contains some activity which engages young minds and exercises young brains — something to find, something to mull over, something to choose, something to learn. The illustrations are bursting with color and filled with smiling faces; even the puppy boasts a happy Hanukkah smile!
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.