MENORAH UNDER THE SEA

David Ginsburg, a marine biologist, gets ready to dive at McMurdo Station on the first night of Hanukkah and wonders how to celebrate at the height of the Antarctic summer: “Can you light a menorah when the sun is still shining?” In the undersea darkness, David has an idea and arranges a “menorah” of red, orange, white and pink sea urchins and sea stars on a flat shelf, photographing his creation. Back at the station, David and his research team light a traditional menorah to observe the holiday in their unique setting. Clear, colorful photographs accompany the direct narrative that incorporates research with David’s special way of remembering the significance of Hanukkah by paralleling the survival of the sea urchins with the Jewish people’s own strength and determination. (Informational picture book. 5-8)