A Dragon for Hanukkah

In this imaginative holiday adventure, bright-eyed Hannah details the magical gifts given by loved ones on successive nights of Hanukkah. After "my parents gave me a dragon" on Hanukkah's first night ("I named him Nerry and let him sleep on my pillow"), the presents include a rainbow, a spilling-over treasure chest, a merry-go-round, a time machine to meet the Maccabees, a passel of unicorns, and more. Landy's fanciful illustrations depict Hannah's adventures (and occasional wrangling: "The baby unicorn was not a good listener") with lively cartooning and plenty of swirls and sparkles. However powerful the gifts--which turn into less fanciful objects as Hannah tidies up--what makes the eighth night "the most magical" is gathering toys for donation and celebrating with guests. Back matter offers more about Hanukkah celebrations. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--It's Hanukkah, and that means a special gift every night for eight nights. Hannah, a young girl with tan skin and brown hair, gets gifts from her parents, Bubbie, brother, other family members, and friends. As Hannah opens her gifts each night, readers are taken on an extraordinary adventure down a rainbow path, onto a merry-go-round, and even through a time machine to meet the Maccabees from 10,000 years ago. When it is finally time for dinner on the eighth night, readers unwrap Hannah's mystical journey as she cleans up her bedroom where she has been playing. The last two pages provide information on Hanukkah through Hannah in conversation with the dragon. Mlynowski presents a story that will bring smiles to readers' faces as they feel the immense joy on every page with Hannah taking them through her magical world. VERDICT A heartwarming story celebrating Hanukkah that is both cheerful and informational.--Kelly Richards

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

An appealing and magical celebration of the Festival of Lights. 

Praise for A Dragon for Hanukkah:

"A smile on every page. This is the most joyful Hanukkah picture book I have ever read." — Emily Jenkins, author of the Sydney Taylor Award-winning All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah

"I love, loved this book! A Dragon for Hanukkah is a magical celebration of family, friends, and the gifts of imagination, with a lovely surprise twist." — Alan Silberberg, author of Meet the Latkes

"The joyful Jewish book we all need. A wonderful blend of Jewish celebration, values, fantasy, with a sprinkle of history on top!" — Liz Kleinrock, co-author of Eyes That Weave The World's Wonders

"This delightful, brightly colored celebration of Hanukkah will bring joy to kids during the holiday. There are so many fun elements like unicorns, a rainbow, and even a merry-go-round. And there's a lovable dragon named Nerry! Not your everyday fare found in any other picture books about Hanukkah. A great book for any child celebrating the eight days of this important Jewish holiday." — Laura Numeroff, #1 New York Times bestselling author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie