A Dragon Called Spark: A Hanukkah Story

A Dragon Called Spark: A Hanukkah Story mixes imagination and Hanukkah into a touching story about friendship. Eve feels lonely to celebrate Hanukkah in a new house away from her friends. However, her imaginary dragon helps shoulder her anxiety and becomes a topic of conversation with the new neighborhood kids who would also like their own dragons. The illustrations help us see Spark the dragon and to see the connection that he helps forge between her and her new friends, as she shares her family's traditions for Hanukkah. The backmatter gives more explanation and vocabulary about the traditions of Hanukkah. Overall, this is a beautifully illustrated story about friendship and the holiday season.

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.