A FLAME BURNS ON

The Jewish ritual of lighting a yahrzeit candle on the anniversary of a loved one’s death helps a child remember her late uncle.

Every year, the young protagonist and her mother recall joyful memories of special times spent together with the girl’s uncle, like a camping trip and a birthday party. As they tell each other stories about the child’s uncle, they laugh and cry. The youngster’s mother explains that the candle keeps his memory alive (“It connects him to our family, our community, and our nation”) while bringing his loved ones together to celebrate and heal. Though the girl misses her uncle, she realizes that his light still lives in their hearts. Images of bicycles—in the girl’s memories of her uncle, in the background of her daily life now, and finally riding off the page—subtly reinforce the idea that people remain part of our lives long after they are gone. Ben Ami’s visuals also depict the Jewish tradition of placing stones on a grave. In author’s and illustrator’s notes, Ho and Ben Ami further discuss the ritual and their own personal connections to the story. Readers will learn about yahrzeit traditions, but this poignant and lyrical reflection on loss offers much more than simple explanation; it’s also a gentle way to discuss the death of a loved one with a child of any background. The protagonists are tan-skinned and dark-haired.

A warmly welcome book that will shine for families in grief.