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Thursday November 29, 2007

Stories and songs to light up each night

It’s time to pull out your recipes for those special Chanukah traditions — heaping tablespoons of family and friends, a pinch of shopping for the kids and plenty of candles, latkes and dreidels.

Amid the whirlwind of the celebration, how do you make Chanukah meaningful to children during the “season of consumerism”?

Harold Grinspoon, philanthropist and founder of the PJ Library, the nonprofit national Jewish children’s book gifting program, offers a simple answer: Chanukah-themed books.

“Read the books together with your kids. You’ll be putting more quality family time into Chanukah,” Grinspoon said. “You may be surprised — it could create a whole new family tradition, gathering around to hear Chanukah stories read aloud while the candles glow.”

Grinspoon asked the PJ Library book selection committee to find the children’s books that best convey the messages and spirit of the holiday. Here are their picks (including one music CD):

“The Only One Club” by Jane Naliboff (Flashlight Press)

This book helps Jewish children who are a minority in their surroundings understand that everyone is “only one” of something. In a public school during the December holidays, 6-year old Jennifer rejoices in her heritage while her class comes together to celebrate each person’s uniqueness.

“When Mindy Saved Hanukkah” by Eric Kimmel (Scholastic)

Living in New York City’s historic Eldridge Street shul is a family of little people, akin to the Borrowers. When the synagogue’s ferocious cat, Antiochus, threatens to ruin the family’s Chanukah, Mindy and Grandpa re-enact the story of the Maccabees to save the holiday. Humorous characters and an engaging story are illustrated with Victorian charm.

“Shirlala Chanukah” music CD by Shira Kline

Shira Kline’s boundless energy is contagious in this wonderful Chanukah music CD, certain to be a family favorite long after the eighth candle has gone out.

“Runaway Latkes” by Leslie Kimmelman (Albert Whitman & Company)

In a takeoff on “The Gingerbread Man,” three crisp, brown latkes roll out of Rebecca Bloom’s frying pan. Off they go, through the town, causing everyone to join in the chase, including the rabbi, the cantor and the mayor. There is no serious message here, just a joyful celebration of Chanukah for young children to applaud.

“It’s Hanukkah” by Santiago Cohen (Blue Apple Books)

The sparkly candles and catchy rhymes make this board book a treat for young readers.

“It’s a Miracle!” by Stephanie Spinner (Simon & Schuster)

On each night of Chanukah, Grandma Karen tells Owen a bedtime story, all of which remind Owen of people in his family. The characters come alive and strong Jewish values are expressed through a felicitous blend of dialogue and charming illustration.

“Latkes, Latkes Good To Eat” by Naomi Howland (Clarion Books)

A Chanukah tale of a poor girl in an Eastern European village who is rewarded for her generosity with the gift of a magic frying pan. The illustrations are striking.

“I Have a Little Dreidel” by Maxie Baum (Scholastic)

This illustrated version of the familiar dreidel song cleverly adds new verses detailing a contemporary family’s celebration of Chanukah.

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