The Eight Nights of Chanukah
K-Gr. 2. 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 asgeltandMaccabees; 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.Stephanie ZvirinCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved