Booklist Review

Gr. K^-1. In a simple Step into Reading story, a child just can't wait for Hanukkah to start at sunset. She spends the day preparing with her mother, polishing the menorah, helping to make latkes. Very briefly, her mother tells her the story of the Hanukkah miracle. Grandma and Grandpa arrive with gelt and gifts. Then, finally, it gets dark, Daddy comes home, the men don yarmulkes, the women cover their heads, Mommy lights the candles, and they play dreidl games, exchange simple gifts, and enjoy the feast. And that's just the first night of eight. Even preschoolers may want to know more about what the ceremonies mean; but, with its very short, spacious text and the big, colorful illustrations of a traditional suburban family, this works well as an easy reader and also as a read-aloud to introduce the holiday. --Hazel Rochman