FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Childrens Literature

The probably record-winning subtitle tells it all--this softcover will be worn out in no time if an appreciative family uses all of its enticing pages to celebrate the holiday. The author disarms us on the very first page by explaining how someone "with a name like O'Hare could write a book about Hanukkah" and shares that his Catholic father converted to Judaism before marrying his Jewish mother and then was "so anxious to learn all the customs and traditions...that extra emphasis was placed on doing everything right." So he's entitled to pass all this on, and more. These brightly colored pages are filled with games, crafts, stories, maps, recipes, songs with music, mazes, puzzles, gifts to make and a light-hearted spirit that fits in perfectly with that ever-present symbol, the candles of Hanukkah. It even includes a 20-year calendar so you'll always know when your favorite holiday is coming. The only things I didn't care for were the unsmiling father in the full-page illustration of an otherwise-happy family lighting its menorah, and the prominently displayed challah on the same page. Challah for Hanukkah? Bring on those half-hidden latkes Mom is carrying instead and the picture will sparkle! 2000, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 4 to 8, $7.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak—Children's Literature

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