About This Book:
Lonely in a new town during Hanukkah, Eva finds comfort in her imaginary dragon, Spark. As candles glow and friendships grow, miracles—big and small—bring light to the darkness in this heartwarming tale of courage, imagination, and connection.
Eva has moved to a new street in a new town, and everything feels strange and different. Eva doesn’t mind being alone because she already has a very special friend- Spark, her dragon. But perhaps Spark would like a dragon friend to play with? So Eva makes a special wish for a Hanukkah miracle. After the first night of Hanukkah, Eva meets Charlie, the boy from next door who has seen the Hanukkiah in Eva’s window. Their friendship grows and Eva shares her Hanukkah traditions with him. Eva builds up the courage to tell Charlie about Spark. Charlie can’t see the dragon at first, but soon Eva’s Hanukkah wish begins to work its magic, in this celebration of the power of imagination.
Perfect for fans of The Invisible String and Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, A Dragon Called Spark blends Jewish tradition with heartfelt storytelling and whimsical illustrations. This is a warm, wonder-filled read-aloud for ages 4–8—ideal for Hanukkah celebrations, gift-giving, and families looking to explore themes of belonging, hope, and Jewish identity.
*Review Contributed By Adrien Carter, Staff Reviewer*
Heartfelt Hanukkah Story
Eva loves her imaginary dragon, Spark. He keeps her company when she’s lonely during Hanukkah, as she is new to town and nothing feels the same. Eva wonders if Spark would enjoy having a friend to play with, so she wishes for a friend for Spark as a Hanukkah miracle. After the first night of Hanukkah, Eva meets Charlie, who lives next door and was intrigued by the Hanukkah lights in Eva’s window. Eva shares her Hanukkah traditions with Charlie and tells him about Spark, which at first Charlie can’t see, but soon he can. Charlie then invites the other kids to join him and Eva and share the Hanukkah traditions, and also Spark.
What I Liked: This book opens by introducing you to Eva, who is too shy to venture outside and make friends with the neighborhood kids. This is okay, though, since she has Spark to keep her company, though she starts wondering if maybe Spark needs a friend. This inquiry gives her the courage to make friends with another kid and introduce them to Spark. It isn’t long before Eva has made additional friends with the other neighborhood kids, who now want dragons of their own. It looks like Spark is going to have a lot of friends to keep him company, and Eva also won’t be so lonely.
The illustrations throughout this book are full of wonder and help immerse you in Eva’s imagination, and bring Spark to life. The introduction of Spark is a fun touch as he comes about when Eva needs him, and slowly appears to the other children as they embrace his existence. There is a heartwarming moment at the close of the book in which all the dragons are playing amongst each other above Eva, sharing her Hanukkah traditions with her new friends.
Final Verdict: A Dragon Called Spark is a heartfelt Hanukkah story that has whimsical illustrations that transport you into Eva’s imagination. This book is perfect for introducing Hanukkah to children and teaching them about gift-giving, belonging, and hope. This is perfect for those of you who enjoyed A Dragon for Hannukkah.
