Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Though a tropical vacation seems to suit Daddy and Papa, Wind's young narrator feels overwhelmed by being so far from everything "tried and true" during Hanukkah, especially when it turns out that a menorah has been left behind. Necessity becomes invention as, over the next few nights, the protagonist transforms first a banana, then other items into makeshift menorahs, becoming a full, problem-solving participant of the holiday. And when the family returns home, the narrator's newly awakened creative confidence inspires additional menorahs made from latkes, cookies, and even snow. On the eighth night, West's openhearted cartooning shows a party in sweetly goofy swing, as multiple generations dance around a table filled with menorahs of all kinds, suggesting that traditions can be flexible and inventive. Or, as the narrator puts it: there's room for "everything I was used to... and new too." The family is shown with pale skin; background characters have various skin tones. Back matter includes an author's note. Ages 3--5. (Nov.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Skylar and her two dads have gone on a beach vacation over winter break. Unfortunately, the Jewish family brought only their Hanukkah candles, not the menorah. Inspired by a real event, Wind tells a story of finding a creative replacement for the candle holder in the form of a banana! Skylar first worries that the holiday will not feel "comfy. And cozy. Tried and true and everything I was used to." But as she chooses a different item on which to place the candles each night, like a bag of granola or sculpted tinfoil, she creates a new tradition for their family, even after they return home. Contained within is a subtle reference to the Hanukkah miracle of the candles sustaining despite a lack of resources. Digital cartoonlike images depict a family that presents white, colorful beach scenes, and page spreads of the nontraditional candle lighting rituals. Readers will find visual hints as to what item Skylar will choose next. Through language and onomatopoeia, this makes for a delightful read. VERDICT An engaging book depicting a family's fun and unique spin on their Hanukkah celebrations.--Clara Hendricks
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
When a family forgets their menorah at home, a child's alternatives inspire a new family tradition. Daddy, Papa, and their child take a beach vacation over Hanukkah. Narrating in the first person, the little one describes feeling far from the comforting familiarity of home. Just before sunset, the parents realize that they've packed the candles but not the menorah. That's when the child has an idea: to stick the candles into a banana. Voilà--banana menorah! By the next night, the banana has started to rot and needs to be replaced with something else (a bowl of granola). The pattern continues until the family goes home midway through the holiday. Returning to familiar routines feels good, but the child soon misses the fun of inventing new menorahs. The family decides to embrace both tradition and creativity, keeping their well-loved menorahs while also making new ones. The exposition in the initial pages is a bit heavy-handed, but the book hits its stride when the new menorah ideas begin to flow. Each new menorah is unveiled on its own full spread, creating strong comedic timing that builds anticipation for the next wacky idea. In case kids aren't already bursting with a desire to try out their own ideas, backmatter provides prompts and safety tips. A concluding note briefly explains the holiday and reveals that the story was inspired by the author's real-life experience. Daddy and the child are tan-skinned; Papa is pale-skinned. A Hanukkah tale sure to ignite kids' creativity.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
