Hanukkah Notes
by Staff -- Publishers Weekly, 9/26/2005
With its history of Hanukkah, an explanation of the dreidel's four letters (one on each side) plus rules for play and a song for accompaniment, Four Sides, Eight Nights: A New Spin on Hanukkah by Rebecca Tova Ben-Zvi, illus. by Susanna Natti, suggests everything needed for a fun-filled holiday. The b&w drawings alternate between the past (e.g., with the tale of the Maccabeans) and contemporary drawings of a family's celebration. (Roaring Brook/Brodie, $16.95 48p ages 8-12 ISBN 1-59643-059-1; Sept.)
The golden pup helps his owner to make a menorah as a gift in Biscuit's Hanukkah by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illus. by Pat Schories. The dialogue emphasizes the number of candles needed and the tradition of telling stories. (HarperCollins, $4.99 16p ages 2-6 ISBN 0-06-009469-9; Oct.)
