  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 10/01/2013 PreS-Gr 1—When Sam's Hebrew school teacher announces that the students will make menorahs to give to their parents for Hanukkah, Sam is worried. Though his creation, shaped like a hill and decorated with twigs, pebbles, and a special silvery rock, looks fine, he knows that his family already has seven special menorahs and doesn't need another. Luckily, his Grammy provides the solution-and her building receives a new menorah for its community room. A brief mention of the holiday's origins is woven into the text, and directions on how to play dreidel are appended. The cheerful cartoon illustrations complement the easygoing story; the only quibble is that most drawings of Sam's menorah don't show the silvery rock, twigs, or pebbles mentioned in the text.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 09/15/2013 Sam is worried about making a menorah in his Sunday school class; after all, his parents already have seven of them at home. How could they possibly need another? His teacher assures him that they’ll love his homemade clay menorah, which he decorates with a shiny, silvery piece of rock. On the phone, Sam tells his grandma, newly moved into a condo, that he’s got a secret Hanukkah present for his parents. As the first night of Hanukkah approaches, however, Sam, still skeptical about adding another menorah to the masses, has a brilliant idea: give the menorah to Grandma. In the community room of the condo, along with neighbors, Sam’s family celebrates the holiday—and his special creation. This heartwarming story features an anxious little boy that kids will easily relate to, along with a loving family. British illustrator Hughes’ wide-eyed characters (the kids are particularly cute with their pencil-like legs) will appeal to the youngest child, and the soft but bright palette creates an inviting atmosphere. Great to share at the holiday, especially when another handmade you-know-what is on its way home. - Copyright 2013 Booklist. Loading...
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