HANUKKAH IN ALASKA

In Alaska, Hanukkah can have its own special festival of lights when conditions are just right to witness the aurora borealis, or northern lights.

Living so far north presents challenges as well as the wonder of a wintry natural landscape. In a little girl’s backyard, a moose has taken up residence, nibbling on the branches of the tree where the girl’s swing hangs. While beautiful, the moose can also be dangerous. Luring him away with apples and carrots does not work, but when the girl and her family cautiously come out on the last clear night of Hanukkah to watch the colorful display in the darkened sky, a trail of latkes on the snow tempts the moose away from the swing, to the relief of this clever little girl. This story was first published in the anthology A Hanukkah Treasury, edited by Eric A. Kimmel (1998). In this picture-book rendition, Schuett illuminates the uniquely glacial atmosphere with realistic acrylic and gouache paintings that visually climax with a sash of skylight colors that emulates the melding of Hanukkah candle wax. The symbolism of the holiday is articulated in the little girl’s final reflection: “Hanukkah can be pretty funny in Alaska, and miracles can happen in a lot of different ways.”

This refreshingly particular Hanukkah celebration effectively encourages readers to gain a new understanding of “miracle.” (author’s note) (Picture book. 5-7)