About This Book:
Get ready for the most magical holiday ever, with this dazzling picture book debut from New York Times bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski that Laura Numeroff, #1 bestselling author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, called a “delightful, brightly colored celebration of Hanukkah.” Destined to be a new holiday classic!
On the first night of Hanukkah, my parents gave me a dragon…
So begins Hannah’s holiday adventure, as she receives eight magical presents — one for each night. There’s a playful dragon, a gleaming treasure chest, a time travel machine, some rowdy unicorns… and much more. But are the gifts what they seem to be? When Hannah gathers with family and friends to light the menorah, play dreidel, and eat delicious latkes, she’ll discover the true magic of the Festival of Lights.
Written with sparkling wit and wisdom by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski (Whatever After; Upside-Down Magic), and illustrated with vivid, enchanting art by Ariel Landy, this inventive story celebrates both Hanukkah and the power of a child’s imagination.
Includes fun, accessible backmatter that defines key Hanukkah terms!
*Review Contributed By Beth Rodgers, Staff Reviewer*
Beauty of Hanukkah
“A Dragon for Hanukkah” by Sarah Mlynowski, illustrated by Ariel Landy, is wonderfully imaginative, with an adorable use of back matter to explain the story of Hanukkah in conversational form with the dragon asking questions about the holiday, including how he got his name (“ner” in Hebrew means candle, lamp, or light).
From the dragon that provides fire to light the candles to a merry-go-round that has the letters that adorn a dreidel (nun, gimel, hey, shin), to the gold coins found in a treasure chest that are reminders of Hanukkah gelt, to learning the story of the Maccabees who were the original people in the story of this wonderful holiday, there is something special about each of the eight nights.
The family in the story celebrates Hanukkah by singing songs, playing dreidel, eating latkes, and even giving tzedakah (charity) of old toys that other children may enjoy. The beauty of the holiday is on display in this colorful, enjoyable romp through the head of a child who is only excited about Hanukkah and all it has to offer.
Good Points
The beauty of the holiday is on display in this colorful, enjoyable romp through the head of a child who is only excited about Hanukkah and all it has to offer.
