The timeless Eastern European holiday song is illustrated with deep opaque strokes and features a stereotypical white American Jewish family.
Full-bodied, double-page spreads detail each activity as it is sung—lighting the menorah, having a party and dancing the hora, gathering around the table, playing dreidel and eating latkes. A shimmering, fully lit menorah complete with half-melted candles serves as the impetus for the family to reflect on the “days long ago,” with one final Biblical scene set within a thought bubble above the little boy’s cheerful face. Cherubic round faces with ecstatic expressions against blue/lavender and yellow backgrounds dominate the digitally finished acrylic paintings. The Ivanovs have paid attention to details, including yarmulkes for the male family members and the furry white Samoyed dog.
This nice, if unexceptional visual interpretation of the brief, classic song will have little ones singing along throughout the eight-day celebration. (historical note, sheet music) (Picture book. 2-5)
