The Miracle Jar
A Hanukkah Story
by Audrey Penn
Illustrated by Lea Lyon
Audrey Penn’s story and Lea Lyon’s illustrations make The Miracle Jar an excellent way to introduce both Jewish
and non-Jewish children to the story behind the story of Hanukkah. This tale of Sophie and her brother Ruben helping
with the preparation is somewhat tense as the mother reports there might not be enough oil to finish all the baked
goods that go with the holiday celebration. The father tells the story behind the story, and the events of long ago
are acted out in a one-family setting. Of course, the amount of oil is barely enough to get the job done, but it is
enough—just as it was a long time ago when the background was laid for this Jewish holiday. Each page of the
book is filled with a beautiful illustration that practically tells the story, and the reading is easy enough for a
very young reader. However, the content will hold the interest of children up to eight years of age or even older.
Other than showing children how they can help with holiday chores, the book also gives an example of how children can
be helpful to their parents at all times and not just for holidays. This book should become a favorite at holiday
time as it is used to show the diversity in religious observation. |
The Book |
Tanglewood Press |
October 25, 2008 |
ARC for Hardback |
1933718161 |
Children, ages 4-8 |
More at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: Holiday read: Hanukkah |
The Reviewer |
Willie Elliott |
Reviewed 2008 |
NOTE: |
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