The light from my menorah Celebrating holidays around the world

One snowy winter night, a child observes their family's fully lit menorah, pondering "A long-ago miracle,/ Of long-lasting light." Wondering, "Where is the miracle now?" the child imagines the menorah's luminosity traveling across the globe and into space ("North, South, East, West.// To cities, towns, shelters, and villages/ That I've never seen"), and frequently visiting children observing many light-based traditions. Named in an author's note as Hanukkah, Diwali, Christmas, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, and Loy Krathong, these celebrations are portrayed broadly in the work. A glimmering stream appears throughout Blinick's layered digital artwork, while Heald's musing text grounds the idea that "How far the light travels is a miracle./ How fast the light travels is a miracle./ Seeing your light is a miracle." Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4--7. (Sept.)

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. VERDICT Emphasizing hope, beauty, and unity, this quietly powerful story demonstrates that people honor traditions in unique ways, while all are recognizing comfort and love as symbolized by light.--Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst