A Guest Post by Rebecca Gardyn Levington about her new picture book, I Wish That You Knew

August 13, 2026
goodreadswithronna
Ages 4-8, Bereavement, Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > New Experiences, Culture and Customs, Jewish American, Juvenile Fiction

I WISH THAT YOU KNEW
Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrated by Alyssa Russell
(Little Bee Books; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

I’m thrilled to share this moving and meaningful guest post
by author Rebecca Gardyn Levington.

DESCRIPTION:

A child reflects on all the fun things she used to do with her grandmother, like baking challah, growing tulips, walking on the beach, and sharing jokes. Told against the backdrop of a Jewish unveiling ceremony, which takes place around the first anniversary of a loved one’s passing, this is a story about the imprints that the people we love leave upon our hearts long after they are gone.

This heartfelt picture book is about honoring those we have lost by remembering the happiness, comfort, and wisdom they brought into our lives.

INTRO:

Thank you, Ronna, for allowing me to guest post today!
I’m very excited to share my latest picture book, which is easily the one that is closest to my heart. It is called I WISH THAT YOU KNEW, illustrated by the incredible Alyssa Russell, and will be published on Aug. 25th by Little Bee Books.

POST:

Here’s a little about the book:
I WISH THAT YOU KNEW is a picture book about a child reflecting upon a special relationship she cherished with her supportive and fun-loving grandmother, who recently passed away. The story takes place during the grandmother’s unveiling ceremony, on the first yahrzeit, or
anniversary, of her death, offering readers a glimpse into this Jewish tradition. It is here, after a year of mourning, that the child is finally able to let go of some of her sadness and celebrate the many moments of joy that they shared.

I WISH THAT YOU KNEW int1 girl looking at photo of late grandma. — Interior spread from I WISH THAT YOU KNEW, written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Alyssa Russell, Little Bee Books ©2026.

As I said, this book is pretty personal. My inspiration was Grandma Charlotte, my Gram, who had truly been my best friend. So much of what I love and who I am is a result of my relationship with her. Her unconditional support, positive energy, and wise tough-love advice over the years have, without question, shaped how I view the world and myself in it. Gram passed away in 2013, and around the 10-year anniversary of her death, I was missing her terribly and was thinking about how much had happened since she died. She never got to see my two sons grow up or see me reinvent myself as a children’s book author and poet. She never got to read any of my books. And so, I did what I do. I wrote a poem. For her. And for me. I never initially intended this poem to become anything other than a way for me to process my grief, but as I continued to write and revise, I felt like there was a more universal story coming through me that might help others cope with their own losses.

I WISH THAT YOU KNEW int2 girl and grandma humming along. — Interior spread from I WISH THAT YOU KNEW, written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Alyssa Russell, Little Bee Books ©2026.

When my editor, Jaime Gelman at Little Bee Books, initially reached out with interest, she said she thought it was beautifully written and she’d “always wanted an unveiling story” (who knew?!), but she said that, as written, it was a bit too sentimental. She thought that perhaps I was too close to the story (which I was, of course) and asked if I would be willing to revise in such a way as to create some distance between myself and the characters. Jaime also asked me this vital question: “How does participating in the unveiling ceremony specifically help this child process her grief?” Initially, I had used the unveiling purely as a backdrop, but pondering Jaime’s question led me down a rabbit hole of research and understanding about why the unveiling ritual exists in the Jewish tradition.

I WISH THAT YOU KNEW int3 girl grandma walking at the beach. — Interior spread from I WISH THAT YOU KNEW, written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Alyssa Russell, Little Bee Books ©2026.

For those who are not familiar, the unveiling ceremony is when, a year after one’s death, a permanent grave marker is placed at the gravesite. It is called an “unveiling” because as part of the ceremony, the grave marker is initially covered with a veil or cloth, and the person leading the ceremony (often a rabbi) “unveils” it to the loved one’s family and friends for the first time. In my research, I learned that one of the reasons we wait an entire year before erecting the grave marker is to give us time to get used to our grief, to “practice” living without our loved one, before we make it feel permanent with a marker. So, in the story, I revised it so that not only is the child reminiscing about all the things she loved doing with her grandmother and all the ways she now misses her, but she is also realizing that the passage of time has been a gift because it has given her time and distance from the shock of the loss and only now, a year later, is finally ready to start moving forward. She says: “It’s time to let go of some of the sad/and celebrate moments of joy that we had.” Notice that I used the word “some” because she likely will never, of course, lose the sadness of her loss, but the gift of time offers her the ability to let go of “some” of it, while still holding on to all of the joy.

I WISH THAT YOU KNEW int4 I keep you with me. — Interior spread from I WISH THAT YOU KNEW, written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Alyssa Russell, Little Bee Books ©2026.

Leaning more into the reasons for the unveiling also helped me create some distance from the characters because my own family, for various reasons, never actually held an unveiling ceremony for my Gram. By thinking about how my character’s participation in the ceremony helped her process her loss, I was able to more easily separate myself from the child’s emotions and could tell her story, rather than my own. Of course, there are still many moments in the book that still very much mirror my relationship with my Gram. And these lines, from the original poem I wrote her, never changed:
e

I want you to know
I keep you with me.
Your love has helped shape
who I am and will be.

I’m enormously grateful to my editor for pushing me and asking all the right questions so that this book could become exactly what it needed to be.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and thank you, Ronna, for having me on the blog.

Wishing you all a joyful summer.

CLICK HERE TO PREORDER A COPY TODAY

Rebecca_Gardyn_Levington_Headshot_PhotoCredit_Joy_Yagid — Author Rebecca Gardyn Levington Photo Credit: Joy Yagid

BIO:

Rebecca Gardyn Levington is an award-winning children’s book author, poet, and journalist with a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems – primarily in rhyme. She is the author of 18 books for children, including FINDING FORGIVENESS (a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable and PJ Library selection), WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (a SCBWI Crystal Kite Honor winner and Northern Lights Book Award winner, which has been translated into 11 languages), AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? (a PJ Library selection which was named one of the best holiday books of the year by both School Library Journal and the Association of Jewish Libraries), SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND (a 2026 Children’s Book Council Librarian Favorite and a 2026 Children’s Literature Assembly Notable), and BRAINSTORM! (a Pennsylvania Readers’ Choice Award winner). Rebecca’s poems and articles have appeared in numerous anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. She lives with her family in Summit, NJ, where she enjoys bouncing on a mini-trampoline, playing Mah Jongg, and eating chocolate-peanut butter ice cream (although not usually at the same time!). Find out more and sign up for Rebecca’s monthly newsletter at www.RebeccaGardynLevington.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccagardynlevington/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/WriterRebeccaGL

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rebeccaglevington.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterRebeccaGL/

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An Interview with Rebecca Gardyn Levington by Jan Epstein Schwaid

August 20, 2025
goodreadswithronna
Ages 4-8, Author Interview, Emotions & Feelings, Family - Siblings, Forgiveness, Guest Post, Holidays & Festivals - Jewish Holidays, Juvenile Fiction, Rosh Hashanah

AN INTERVIEW WITH

PICTURE BOOK AUTHOR

REBECCA GARDYN LEVINGTON

BY JAN EPSTEIN SCHWAID

Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington

Illustrated by Diana Mayo

(Farrar, Straus & Giroux; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A loving, heartwarming picture book about empathy, sisterhood, and finding the courage to ask for forgiveness—and having the grace to give it—to others and to ourselves.

INTERVIEW:

Jan Epstein Schwaid: Hi, Rebecca! Longtime fan, first-time interviewer. I loved this book and its sweet, relatable message. What was your inspiration?

Rebecca Gardyn Levington: Thank you so much for your kind words, Jan. Very excited to talk to you!

This story actually started with a call for poems by Ladybug magazine in the summer of 2021. They were looking for poems about “traditions and rituals” and, since I love a good writing prompt, I started brainstorming about various Jewish traditions and rituals that I find meaningful. I’ve always loved the Tashlich ceremony, which takes place on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. It is a ritual that is all about finding forgiveness – by making amends with those we’ve harmed and by giving ourselves grace for our missteps. The original poem was 5 stanzas long and had a little sidebar about the ceremony. I actually remember being happy when Ladybug decided not to publish the poem because I was excited about the idea of playing with it more and maybe turning it into a picture book.

When I was invited to attend the inaugural PJ Library Summer Camp at Highlights for emerging authors in 2022 (where I met YOU!), I knew it was the perfect time to work on this. The feedback I received during that summer helped enormously with the revisions of this book.

Finding Forgiveness int1 Rosh Hashanah service. — Interior spread from Finding Forgiveness, written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Diana Mayo, Farrar, Straus & Giroux ©2025.

JES: How and why did you decide to add the backdrop of Rosh Hashanah to this story of sisterly forgiveness? Did you consider telling it without the Jewish holiday element?

RGL: No, I never considered telling this story without the Jewish holiday element. As I mentioned, the story started with a poem about Tashlich, and grew from there into a more universal story.

JES: Taschlich was a ceremony I only really learned about in college, where we’d throw bread into the campus fountain. Now, we throw rice paper into a pool! Did you grow up with the tradition of Taschlich? Do you practice it now? If so, how?

RGL: It’s funny, I also never knew about Tashlich as a kid growing up in a Reform temple in the Bay Area of California. I’m not really sure why. My best guess is that after trying to keep two little girls quiet in temple all morning, my parents didn’t have the energy to take us to yet another service, at another location, but I should ask them!

I only learned about Tashlich as an adult because the temple I now belong to (here, in NJ) conducts the Tashlich service immediately after (and in the same location as) their “family service.” We’ve attended every year since my two boys were little. It has always been my and my family’s favorite parts of Rosh Hashanah because it is a short yet very meaningful service, it’s outdoors in a beautiful park setting, and it involves throwing bread into water (and what kid doesn’t like throwing things?)

Finding Forgiveness int2 Tashlich with breadcrumbs in hand. — Interior art from Finding Forgiveness, written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Diana Mayo, Farrar, Straus & Giroux ©2025.

JES: Your rhyming books flow so incredibly well and feel effortless. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing in rhyme? Do you have resources you’d recommend?

RGL: Thank you for that compliment! Honestly, the best advice I would give to anyone who wants to write in rhyme is to put in the time to learn the craft.

Some people think “cat” rhymes with “hat,” so what’s so hard about “that”? But in order to write a story in rhyme that FEELS easy and can be read flawlessly by ANYONE, it requires an understanding the mechanics of meter — how words have natural stressed and unstressed syllables and that by placing words in a particular order, you can create specific rhythms. Writing picture books (as opposed to poems) increases the difficulty because the story ALWAYS has to come first. You can have the most wonderful rhymes and perfect rhythms, but if the story doesn’t make sense or goes off on unnecessary tangents, it isn’t going to fly.

I’ve worked really, really, really hard over the last decade – taking classes, reading and studying thousands of rhyming picture books and poems, swapping manuscripts with other incredible rhyming authors, getting professional critiques, etc. — to truly master the ins and outs of rhyme, meter, and lyrical language. For those who want to put in the work, I will say that the absolute BEST thing I ever did for my career was to take Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab class. Renee also has a fabulous FREE YouTube channel. (And no, I don’t get any kickbacks from Renee. I’m happy to spread the word because I absolutely believe her class helped me take my writing to an entirely different level).

I would also say that if you don’t absolutely LOVE writing in rhyme, don’t. To me, a rhyming poem or picture book is one big puzzle. When, after hours of tinkering, I’m able to uncover the perfect word that exactly encapsulates the meaning and feeling I’m after AND perfectly slides into my meter, I get SUCH a high! But if you don’t feel this way, don’t make your life harder. It is more difficult to get an agent and more difficult to sell a rhyming picture book (for many reasons I don’t have time to go into here). So why put yourself at a disadvantage if it isn’t something you love?

Finding Forgiveness int3 embarrassed by my actions. — Interior spread from Finding Forgiveness, written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Diana Mayo, Farrar, Straus & Giroux ©2025.

JES: Do you ever write non-rhyming versions of your stories? Do editors ever ask for non-rhyming versions?

RGL: Because, as I said, story ALWAYS needs to come first, I know some people suggest writing out manuscripts in prose before “translating” it into rhyme, but that’s never really worked for me. These days I tend to write all my stories in rhyme from the beginning. Oftentimes that means I end up killing a lot of darlings along the way, as I realize that a certain stanza isn’t moving the story forward. It’s a bit torturous, but it’s just how I work.

That said, I definitely have written stories in prose that I intend to remain in prose. But doing so feels less comfortable than writing in rhyme, and none of those stories have ever sold. There’s something about the constraints of meter and rhyme that helps me focus. Having unlimited space and unlimited words to tell a story feels very overwhelming to me.

Actually, several people who critiqued early drafts of FINDING FORGIVENESS told me to take it out of rhyme. They felt like maybe the subject matter was a little too heavy for a rhyming story. So, I tried to change it into prose, but it never felt like “me.” So, I returned to the rhyme. It was definitely a challenge to get it right (I count 31 drafts) but I’m glad I stuck with it.

And no, I’ve never had an editor ask me for a non-rhyming version of a story they’ve acquired. All the editors I’ve had the pleasure of working with have been super enthusiastic about my work (which is why I love working with them!). That said, I have had editors pass on submissions because they didn’t “connect with the rhyme.” That kind of feedback stings a bit, but I’ve grown a pretty tough skin.

JES: You’ve written books about Passover, Hanukkah, and now, Rosh Hashanah! Are there other holidays you’d like to explore?

RGL: Indeed, there are! In fact, I have a book about Shabbat, LOOKING FOR LIGHT, which is also illustrated by Diana Mayo (the same illustrator as FINDING FORGIVENESS) and comes out in early 2027, again with Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. And I have a book about Purim, BRAVE LIKE ESTHER: A Purim Story, illustrated by Asya Aizenstein, which comes out from Kalaniot Books in January 2027!

JES: Your moving books all evoke strong emotions. With what feelings do you hope young readers come away from this book?

RGL: Thank you again for the compliment. I really hope that readers will come away from this book with feelings of empathy and understanding for both characters in the story.

Like the main character in this book, I too have a younger sister and our relationship as children was filled with arguments like the one depicted. I also now have two boys of my own and see similar frustrations and miscommunications creep up between them as well. Sibling relationships are tough for anyone to navigate, and it is particularly hard for kids, who are still learning that the world doesn’t always revolve around their own experience and point of view. One of the reasons I often write in the first person is because I want my readers to walk in my character’s shoes and try on all the feelings they are feeling, and find understanding for others when they encounter similar situations in their own lives.

JES: Do you have any advice for new picture book writers?

RGL: Oh, I have a TON of advice! (Allow me to shamelessly plug my monthly newsletter, where I answer questions from subscribers and offer LOTS of advice every single month! You can sign up on my website and read all past archives on my “Resources for Writers” page here: https://rebeccagardynlevington.com/resources-for-writers/)

For now, I’ll offer these three nuggets:

Write the books YOU love to write. I love writing rhyming (often plotless) poem-picture books. But initially when I was starting out, I didn’t write these types of books because I thought I had to follow the “rules” — ex: “have a main character with a problem who tries 3 times to solve it,” “don’t write in rhyme,” etc. Not surprisingly, none of those drafts ever sold. It wasn’t until I listened to my heart (cute the 80s tune!) that my writing finally started feeling authentic and I began selling books.

Publishing is a BUSINESS. As I say in #1, first and foremost, write what you love! BUT, at the end of the day, you also need to think about how you will SELL that book to a publisher. So, what are your “hooks”? (Can it be sold during a particular holiday? Is it about a certain type of relationship? Is it SEL? STEM? Can you add sidebars or back matter?) Who will buy your book and WHY? (Can teacher’s use it in their classroom, for example.) After writing a first draft, I recommend writing your pitch and researching comp titles (other books with similar themes or styles). It will help you revise when you have a solid idea of what holes you feel your book fills in the marketplace.

Put yourself and your work out into the world as much as you can! You NEVER know where opportunity will arise. Enter ALL the contests, join ALL the groups, go to ALL the conferences and webinars you can, and enter ALL the mentorship programs. If I hadn’t applied for the (now defunct) #PB Chat Mentorship Program in 2019, I wouldn’t have connected with my mentor, author Lori Degman, and she wouldn’t have connected me with my editor at Sleeping Bear Press who ultimately bought and published my first book, BRAINSTORM!

JES: What’s coming up next for you?

RGL: Thank you so much for asking!

My next two books, both out on Sept. 9^th, are SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND (Barefoot Books), illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova, and DINOSAUR SURPRISE! (Highlights Press), illustrated by Teresa Bellon. Here are the blurbs:

SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND is a lyrical picture book that encourages kids to be true to who they are, even when “who they are” is constantly changing. Like the wind, which on some days is “whirling and wild” and on others “mellow and mild,” we cannot be described, defined, or labelled in any one way. Each day, our moods, feelings and reactions to the world inevitably shift and drift depending on our circumstance, but we are always, on all days, uniquely ourselves.

DINOSAUR SURPRISE! is an interactive board book about… dinosaurs, of course! Babies and toddlers will delight in joining real dinosaurs in a rhyming story, and then—surprise!—lift the felt flaps to reveal silly ones. The last page features a mirror under the flap where little “babysaurs” can practice their silliest faces. This is the perfect book to help little ones develop early humor and fine-motor skills while they laugh and play with caregivers.

BUY THE BOOK:

[Words] Bookstore in Maplewood, NJ (my local indie, where I’ll be doing a Storytime and signing event on Sept. 6th at 11am for anyone who wants to stop by!): https://wordsbookstore.com/item/rLqtcQ170gxe_gcaB_Y1pw

Bookshop: https://tinyurl.com/3wjd3c6y

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0374392021?tag=macmillan-20

B&N: https://tinyurl.com/2jxm89pc

Rebecca Gardyn Levington Photo Credit: Joy Yagid.

REBECCA’S BIO:

Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a children’s book author, poet, and journalist with a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems – primarily in rhyme. She is the author of WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (which has been translated into nine languages and is the winner of a Crystal Kite Honor and a Northern Lights Book Award), AFIKOMAN WHERE’D YOU GO? and FINDING FORGIVENESS (both PJ Library Selections), BRAINSTORM!, LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN, WRITE HERE WRITE NOW, SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND, DINOSAUR SURPRISE!, and I WILL ALWAYS BE… with many more books forthcoming. Rebecca blogs monthly for the Picture Book Builders and her award-winning poems and articles have appeared in numerous anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. She lives with her family in Summit, NJ, where she enjoys bouncing on a mini-trampoline, playing Mah Jongg, and eating chocolate-peanut butter ice cream (although not usually at the same time!). Find out more and sign up for Rebecca’s monthly newsletter at www.RebeccaGardynLevington.com.

Jan Epstein Schwaid Photo Credit: Just Maggie Photography.

JAN’S BIO:

A graduate of the University of Southern California’s screenwriting program, Jan Schwaid is an award-winning writer of short films, television, video games, podcasts, and children’s books. She currently writes for PJ Library’s scripted children’s podcast Beyond the Bookcase, now in its fifth season. Her debut picture book, The Shabbat Flood: A Texas-Sized Tall Tale, will be published in Fall 2026. She also teaches screenwriting at the Los Angeles branch of the New York Film Academy. Jan lives in Los Angeles with her husband, young daughter, a rescue pup Taco. Visit her online at janschwaid.com or on Instagram at @jan_schwaid_writing.

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Eighteen New Hanukkah Books for Children – Roundup 2024

NEW HANUKKAH BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

∼A ROUNDUP∼

To date, 2024 has had the most new Hanukkah books than any previous year since I began blogging. While this is certainly something to celebrate, it also means that I cannot devote as much space to each review as I’d like. Several books below include Hanukkah although they do not focus solely on the holiday. Of note is that this roundup ended up featuring 18 books, and if you’re not aware, the number 18 in Judaism stands for the “chai” or “life.” A big shout out to author Marcia Berneger for her help reviewing several books this year. I hope you’ll make tracks to your local indie bookshop to purchase these books or order them from Bookshop.org and read for yourself just how wonderful they truly are. Enjoy!

BOARD BOOKS

HANUKKAH HIPPITY-HOP
Written by Barbara Kimmel
Illustrated by Ana Zurita
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $9.99, Ages 1-4)

This lively board book is just the thing to help toddlers and pre-schoolers get their” wiggles out” while the grownups make the Hanukkah preparations. The bouncy rhyme works wonderfully with the different movements that Kimmel’s created in Hanukkah Hippity-Hop. “We’ll move and we’ll groove and we’ll bippity-bop.” Set up the kids in a safe space away from the menorah so they can dance to their hearts’ content. They can stomp like a Maccabee or shake like a jelly donut. The connections to all these Hanukkah is clever and catchy. Pick up a copy today and let your little ones celebrate with a beat that’s an infectious treat for their hands and their feet! Zurita’s spirited art includes a kitty who also can’t keep still, and colorful clothing with holiday sayings and designs.

MY DREIDEL
Written and illustrated by Ann Koffsky
(Apples & Honey Press; $10.95, Ages 0-1)

In My Dreidel, author-illustrator Ann Koffsky has created the perfect combination for our youngest readers. With a dose of Hanukkah, a theme kids will relate to, and an adorable puppy main character, the stage is set for total enjoyment. The young puppy has a dreidel, but when she tries to spin it, down it goes. She tries again and again, but the dreidel just stops and plops. Daddy comes to the rescue, showing that working together is the way to go. Little ones will learn that trying is good, but accepting help is also okay. This simple, action-filled book for ages 0-1 is destined to be a family favorite.

Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

PICTURE BOOKS

A DRAGON FOR HANUKKAH
Written by Sarah Mlynowski
Illustrated by Ariel Landy
(Orchard Books; $18.99, Ages 3-8)

With over 50 books to her credit, best-selling author Sarah Mlynowski delivers her debut picture book and it’s delightful! A Dragon for Hanukkah unfolds over the eight nights of Hanukkah and is about the power of imagination. And, when coupled with whimsical art by Ariel Landy, the prose shines like the gold coins and gems in Hannah’s treasure chest. When the main character’s mom announces the guests will be arriving soon, Hannah must tidy up and stop her pretend play. That’s when the real gifts are revealed. To be honest, that was a sweet surprise for me. From a dragon stuffie and a time machine dreidel to a pair of celestial socks, Hannah’s imagination took her back in time and up to the stars. Two pages of backmatter feature Nerry the dragon stuffed animal and Hannah in a helpful and playful Q+A about the Festival of Lights for those less familiar with the holiday.

BEAM OF LIGHT:
The Story of the First White House Menorah
Written by Elisa Boxer
Illustrated by Sofia Moore
(Rocky Pond Books; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

This fascinating narrative informational picture book is told from the perspective of a reclaimed beam of wood in the White House occupied by Harry S. Truman. The year, 1948. Adding important context to Beam of Light, Boxer notes that just five years before this story takes place, rabbis appealed to FDR at this very same White House to help save Eastern European Jews by allowing them to emigrate to America. They were brushed aside. The results meant over six million Jews perished during the Holocaust.

As the book opens, we quickly learn that the White House was not in great shape. “I was a witness to the weakening-a wooden beam, struggling to support this structure that once stood strong …” Truman decided the first family had to leave so that a major renovation could be undertaken. He wanted to be sure the house would be stronger and safer for future generations. This would be no small task. And, so the history of this one salvaged beam that would become the menorah begins. However, the wooden beam with its powerful refrain, “I was supposed to be destroyed,” gets put in storage as 13 presidents come and go.

Then, after seven decades in a warehouse, the beam returns to the White House. “I had come home.” There’s no denying that Boxer’s personification of what is to become the White House’s first menorah gets me so emotional each time I read that moving line. With Moore’s thoughtful rendering of a craftsman at work, we see how the beam is transformed into a nine-branched menorah or Hanukkiah, symbolizing triumph over persecution. Thanks to President Joe Biden, the menorah’s first lighting is aptly in the presence of Holocaust survivors, their children, and their children’s children. He “introduced me as the first Jewish artifact ever added to the White House’s permanent collection.” Thanks to Boxer, this little-known story can now be shared with and appreciated by readers of all faiths. The meaning of this menorah’s permanent place in the White House is not lost on those of us who know that prior to 2001, when George W. Bush lit a menorah that was loaned to the White House, one had never before been lit by a president. Don’t miss the enlightening Author’s Note in the backmatter. The book’s title, Beam of Light, with its double meaning, could not be more perfect and is a testament to the enduring “resilience of the Jewish people.”

CHARLEY AND SEYMOUR’S HANUKKAH MIRACLE
Written by Melody Howard Ritt
Illustrated by Nia Gould
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

If you’re looking for a sweet animal-oriented story this Hanukkah, look no further than Charley and Seymour’s Hanukkah Miracle. The chipmunk and squirrel are best buddies and love spending together, so naturally, they plan to spend Hanukkah at Seymour’s. And while Charley is tasked with bringing the menorah and candles, when the time comes to gather up stuff for the celebration, Charley remembers the menorah. I can hear kids shouting, “Take the candles” when Charley’s searching his house because they are so invested in the story. He knows he’s supposed to bring something else beginning with the letter C but cannot recall exactly what. Maybe it’s cantaloupe, or maybe it’s carrots. Before long, he’s packing up lots of things that begin with the letter C, including candy (Hanukkah gelt), but not the candles. Children will be waiting to see how Seymour deals with this dilemma but when the time comes to light the menorah, it’s actually Charley who saves the day. How does he accomplish this? The same way the Maccabees did, with oil, only this time it’s oil from Seymour’s latkes.

DON’T INVITE A BEAR INSIDE FOR HANUKKAH – Marcia
Written by Karen Rostoker-Gruber
Illustrated by Carles Arbat
(Apples & Honey Press; $19.99, Ages 3-6)

With its delightful story and whimsical illustrations, Karen Rostoker-Gruber’s new picture book, Don’t Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah is a winner! What could go wrong if you invite a bear for Hanukkah? EVERYTHING! He’ll help you decorate your house and choose candles for the menorah. But a bear is big and somewhat clumsy. And once the food is on the table … watch out! Bears are terribly messy and somewhat greedy. If you send him away, he’ll be lonely and sad. Perhaps a compromise is in order? This is a fun story with lots of heart and a great message on being warm and friendly to your guests. A great Hanukkah tale, for sure!

Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

EIGHT SWEET NIGHTS, A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS:
A Hanukkah Story
Written by Charlotte Offsay
Illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt
(Doubleday BYR; $18.99, Ages 3-7)

Love and light take center stage in this lyrical picture book that’s a beautiful blend of Jewish joy mixed with interesting fact boxes. Author Offsay’s story is a warm and welcoming look at how this big family celebrates Hanukkah traditions, including cooking latkes, eating jelly donuts, and lighting candles on the menorah.

Hanukkah begins on the twenty-fifth of Kislev.
Kislev is a month on the Jewish calendar,
starting in either November or December.

These elements come together to convey the wider experience of Hanukkah in this multigenerational story. Yiddish and Hebrew words are introduced. Delicious treats such as Sticky marshmallows and melty kisses spin into sweet candy dreidels are enjoyed. And memories are being made. The family gathering reminded me of when I was a child and spent the holidays with my cousins at my aunt and uncle’s home. While this book would appeal to Jewish readers, its helpful info makes it accessible to all readers who want to learn more about the Hanukkah or Chanuka or Chanukkah experience. Backmatter shares the Hanukkah story and provides an explanation as to why the holiday has many different spellings.

HANUKKAH PAJAMAKKAHS
Written by Dara Henry
Illustrated by Oleg and Aleksey Ivanov
(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; $18.99, Ages 4-7)

Here’s a sweet Hanukkah story about something the majority of us wear and adore, pajamas! Ruthie is overjoyed to receive PAJAMAKKAHS on the first night of Hanukkah. Her dad says they’re for the Hanakkah Pajamakkah Party but Ruthie wants to wear them “all eight nights!” Ruthie’s mom tells her she needs to keep them spotless and Ruthie promises she will. Ha! We know what’s in store right? Henry takes readers for a rollicking ride as Ruthie finds a way to somehow do the very opposite of what she was told. Beginning with getting some latke oil on them the first night and candle wax the second, the pajamakkah’s stains mount despite Ruthie’s insistence they are spotless.

Kids will find Ruthie’s array of antics relatable and the messes unavoidable, which makes for an entertaining storytime. The sleepwear continues to display signs of what Ruthie’s been getting up to, splish after squelch after splash! Uh oh! Ruthie hasn’t kept her promise to keep the pajamakkahs spotless for the party. The fun is seeing what happens on the eighth night and whether Ruthie’s pajamakkahs can pass the spotless test and deliver a Hanukkah miracle. The Ivanov’s upbeat digital art literally propels the story forward. Created in a pencil and watercolor style, the illustrations are joyful, and full of emotion as readers see Ruthie immerse herself in the holiday festivities.
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LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN!
Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrated by Taryn Johnson
(Cartwheel Books; $7.99, Ages 3-5)

Prepare for plenty of laughs in this charming rhyming tale of a frustrated little dreidel eager to spin like her more experienced cousins. The author deftly weaves in Yiddish words that add another level of fun to this story of perseverance.

Little Dreidel tries again.

She flails and fumble-tumbles.

“I’m such a klutz! I stink at this!”

She mopes and mumble-grumbles.

While Bubbie reassures her little dreidel it takes time and practice, the top tries and tries to no avail in humorous scene after scene. Johnson’s cute and colorfully rendered dreidels take on a life of their own as they twirl away. Gardyn Levington gives a clever nod to the beloved Dreidel song when she mentions Little Dreidel is made of clay that’s dry and ready. And I loved the wordplay when the teetering top falls on her shin, too! Just when she’s ready to give up, she’s hit with a new round of determination to get spinning and a happy Hanukkah miracle occurs. The Hanukkah story is not included in the backmatter, but a Yiddish glossary and pronunciation guide are. A recommended new spin this holiday!

OY, SANTA!:
Or, There’s a Latke to Learn About Hanukkah
Written by Joyce Schriebman
Illustrated by Gila von Meissner
(Intergalactic Afikomen; $19.99, Ages 4-9)

A Jewish boy named Oliver Overstreet begins corresponding with Santa via email, a 21st-century epistolary approach I always like in picture books. He’s writing to let Santa know he doesn’t need to come down his chimney because he’s Jewish. While an occasional holiday story may focus on how some Jewish children at this age wish Santa would visit, Schriebman’s tale has a fresh take inspired by a note from her son when he was little.

And though it may be Chrismukkah this year with the two holidays overlapping, Oliver is proud to celebrate just Hanukkah. His overarching message is “… mostly I don’t want you to smush Hanukkah and Christmas together anymore.” Santa’s replies indicate he is aware of the different holidays, though he occasionally makes a mistake, such as telling Oliver to enjoy the matzah, which is actually for Passover, or being confused about when the Jewish New Year occurs.

There is humor woven throughout both the text and the art. Kids will want to explore every inch of von Meissner’s whimsical illustrations, packed with interesting things to pick out, including kitties, Santa’s toyshop activity, and both his and Oliver’s interior decor. Meanwhile, Oliver’s messages serve as an engaging way to explain the significance of Hanukkah to both young Jewish and non-Jewish readers. It’s when Oliver becomes a bit more impatient and emphatic with Santa to learn everything that he starts to worry he might land on Santa’s naughty list. Oliver is presented as a bi-racial child, demonstrating the diversity of the Jewish community to young readers, something I’ve seen in more and more Jewish picture books over the past few years and a welcome depiction. I can see parents and educators using a letter-writing exercise as a way for children to express their feelings about Hanukkah traditions. Four pages of colorful backmatter feature instructions for the dreidel game, more Oliver/Santa emails addressing holiday details, Schriebman’s son’s actual note, and author and illustrator info.

URI AND THE KING OF DARKNESS:
A Hanukkah Story
Written by Nati Bait
Illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami
Translated by Ilana Kurshan
(Kalaniot Books; $19.99, Ages 4-9)

Written in rhyme, this atmospheric picture book takes place in what looks like Tel Aviv. It’s windy, rainy, and dark outside, causing Uri to worry as he awaits his father’s return. His concerns are mimicked in the drawings he’s making. Ben Ami’s loose sketch and watercolor style art depict Dad changing a tire so readers know what has held him up. No doubt the bad weather has added to the delay. Tension builds as Uri watches for his father. He imagines the King of Darkness leading his invading army, harkening back to when the Maccabees fought against King Antiochus for their religious freedom. Despite Uri’s mom’s assurances, Uri pretends to go to battle against the enemy. His sister, Shir, joins in the action. When Uri’s father comes home, a special treat comes with him. Now that the family is all together and the menorah is lit, Uri can return to his picture and draw away the King. Hanukkah’s light, along with help from brave Uri and Shir, has defeated the darkness. Two pages of backmatter share the Hanukkah story and prayers to recite when lighting the candles. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this holiday through Uri’s young eyes.

CHAPTER BOOKS

A DONUT IN TIME:
A Hanukkah Story
Written by Elana Rubinstein
Illustrated by Jennifer Naalchigar
(Apples & Honey Press; $16.95, Ages 8-10)

For those meeting Saralee Siegel for the first time, you’re in for a treat. Saralee has a remarkable,
and somewhat unusual, superpower—a nose that sniffs out foods down to their smallest
ingredients. After learning her great-grandmother Gigi’s famous Hanukkah donut recipe inspired
the opening of the Seigel House Restaurant, Saralee just has to whip up a batch for herself. But
the smells are so powerful as she bakes, a smell-cloud opens a portal back to Gigi’s time.

Unfortunately, everyone in Gigi’s family has convinced her to stop using her super smeller and
lead a “normal” life. She abandons her dreams of selling her donuts at the Hanukkah festival, a
decision that reaches far into the future. When Saralee returns to her own time, everything is terribly different. To put things right again, she must convince Gigi to be strong, to be herself, and to pursue her donut-selling dream. A Donut in Time is a great Hanukkah chapter book with an important theme—stand up for yourself and for what you believe in, just like the Maccabees did so long ago.

Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

RACHEL FRIEDMAN AND THE EIGHT
NOT-PERFECT NIGHTS OF HANUKKAH
Written by Sarah Kapit
Illustrated by Genevieve Kote
(Henry Holt and Co. BYR; $17.99, Ages 5-9)

I’m glad I got to spend time getting to know Rachel Friedman. This chapter book, the second in Kapit’s series, revolves around Rachel’s goal to complete the eight items she and her BFF Maya have created for a Hanukkah to-do list. School’s out and, at age 13, Rachel’s older brother Aaron doesn’t seem to find Hanukkah that cool anymore. Rachel is determined to change his mind. On top of that, she is still pretty peeved that her classmate, Mason, could not understand the big deal about Hanukkah after seeing a drawing Rachel had made. She was tired of people thinking Christmas was better and her list would prove it.

When Maya gets ill and cannot join Rachel to partake in all the planned activities, and Aaron has no desire to leave his laptop, Rachel has to go solo. However, building the annual Lego porch menorah is a struggle without help. So not fun! Plus the latkes Dad usually makes on the first night are not happening. He forgot to get potatoes and driving to a store in the snowy weather is not a good idea. Pizza will have to do. Things continue to go downhill despite a surprise Hanukkah present Rachel loves. Kapit makes sure to bring in positive experiences for Rachel so it’s not one disappointment after another. For example, when Aaron finally takes a break from video games to beat his sister at dreidel spinning, she sees the bright side. “Aaron did a Hanukkah thing with me! Even if he is annoying, I’m glad that he did.” It’s only when she causes Aaron to fall while ice skating at the park that, ironically, things slowly begin to improve. He admires a comic she made him and they have a meaningful heart-to-heart. Fifteen fast-flowing chapters include illustrations by Genevieve Kote that convey emotion and humor adding to the page-turnability of this story. The cover art is a perfect example of the sibling dynamic and Rachel’s personality. Kids new to chapter books will feel accomplished with this book’s accessibility, and eager to see what Rachel gets up to next.

MIDDLE-GRADE ANTHOLOGY

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS:
16 Hanukkah Stories
Compiled by Henry Herz
(Albert Whitman & Co.; $18.99, Ages 9-12)

Every single short story in this engrossing collection is superb and I can assure you there is something for everyone here. Whether you like poetry, magical realism, historical fiction, humor, mythology, or memoir, you’ll find something in and out of your go-to genre that just makes you feel good.

There’s a story about an enchanted spoon, a girl messenger in Bletchley, 1943, a Girl Scout troop member connecting with a Jewish resident at a senior home holiday party, several about characters with previously unknown Jewish ancestry, the moving meaning of wax buildup on a menorah and much more. Several stories mention how many Christmas and holiday songs in general were written by Jewish creators and others focus on how often Jewish children are asked to sing religious Christmas songs when Jewish songs are given short shrift. I’d be remiss not to share my delight when Alan Katz’s short story mentioned the iconic department store of my childhood in my husband’s hometown of Douglaston, NY – Korvettes. Katz’s recollection of family gift-giving talked about the toy department. I recall the record department where I bought my first single, “I Think I Love You” by David Cassidy! I’m a big anthology fan, so perhaps I’m partial, but I loved reading such a rich and varied amount of approaches to the Hanukkah celebration. How terrific that this talented group of authors accepted the challenge! Read it slowly to savor every special story. It’s a keeper!

INTERFAITH FAMILIES PLUS HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

GINGERBREAD DREIDELS
Written by Jane Breskin Zalben
Illustrated by Thai My Phuong
(Charlesbridge, $17.99. Ages 4-7)

It doesn’t happen often, but this year, the first night of Hanukkah falls on the same day as Christmas. When the two holidays coincide, some people refer to it as Chrismukkah. For families who celebrate both, it means double the excitement. Sophie and Max are waiting for their two sets of grandparents, the Golds and the Feathers, to arrive, but the snowy weather might be holding them up. To “make the time go faster,” the children’s mom suggests baking. A mess ensues, but the time indeed passes, and soon the grandparents show up. The kitchen is a flurry of cooking activity before everyone heads out to enjoy the snow. The combination of a Hanukkah song and Menorah lighting followed by “Silent Night” and Christmas tree lighting makes for a memorable evening. My Phuong’s illustrations add to the warmth of this diverse gathering which includes Grandma Gold, an Ethiopian Jew. This picture book accurately depicts the Hanukkah and Christmas story so kids in interfaith families can see themselves reflected on the pages. Best of all is the blending of sweet traditions in the form of gingerbread dreidels, opening presents from under the tree, and of course, the priceless gift of being together. I like how Breskin Zalbin’s prose flows effortlessly much like how the family respectfully and joyfully honors the two faiths shared in the story.

WE CELEBRATE THE LIGHT
Written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple
Illustrated by Jieting Chen
(Rise X Penguin Workshop; $18.99, Ages 3-6)

When Jane Yolen and daughter Heidi E. Y. Stemple write a story together, the results are bound to be spectacular, and their latest picture book, WE CELEBRATE THE LIGHT does not disappoint. This gentle book, illustrated by Jieting Chen’s whimsical art, whisks readers around the world to experience seven joyful winter holidays. As the title implies, these celebrations are all bound together by light. Lights adorn both Christmas trees and the bodhi, a Ficus tree decorated for the Buddist Bodhi Day. The Chanukah menorah and the Kwanza Kinara both hold multiple candles, while lanterns are lit for Diwali and for the Lunar New Year. The seventh holiday, the Solstice, celebrates the sun’s light. Each spread shows families enjoying songs, games, and tables filled with traditional foods. Chen’s warm, autumn palette weaves calmness and joy through every page. This is a holiday book you’ll want to take out every winter and read about each holiday as it arrives.

Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

THE LIGHT FROM MY MENORAH:
Celebrating Holidays Around the World
Written by Robin Heald
Illustrated by Andrea Blinick
(Pajama Press; $18.95, Ages 4-8)

The cover of The Light from my Menorah exudes warmth. The first spread simply doubles down on that ambiance. A fire is burning in the fireplace, a daughter is playing dreidel, Dad and Mom are reading and a son is watching the glow of all nine candles in the menorah. And I can’t forget the comfy-looking kitty asleep on the rug.

Enchanted by the light of the candles burning, the boy thinks of the Hanukkah miracle of “long-lasting light.” He wonders where the miracle of the light is now as a swirling strand of light leads the boy to Scandinavia where a group is celebrating St. Lucia Day when people dress as the saint and candles light up the headpiece of the leader. (Kids should look out for the owl and other creatures making appearances in Blinick’s charming illustrations.) Next, “the light from my menorah zigzags up mountains.” It travels fast, and it travels far, touching down in Thailand, where darkness takes on a magical quality during Loy Krathong. Here, people light candles and incense sticks and place them on decorated floating bases. They make wishes and set the “krathong” off in hopes any bad luck will go with it. Other light-filled holidays are covered including Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Diwali. More detailed explanations can be found in the backmatter.

LET’S GET FESTIVE!:
Celebrations Around the World
Written by Joanna Kończak
Illustrated by Ewa Poklewska-Kozietto
Translated by Kate Webster
(NorthSouth Books; $27.95, Ages 4 and up)

I learned about a host of holidays in Let’s Get Festive! that made me want to visit many of the countries covered at those times of year. Kończak chose to organize the book according to theme rather than in chronological order. The themes featured in 175 pages are “Welcoming the New Year,” “Celebrations of Nature,” “Religious Holidays,” “Carnivals,” “For the Dead,” “In Memory of People and Important Events,” and “Special Occasions.” Not only is Hanukkah thoughtfully covered but three other Jewish holidays are featured.

One holiday I particularly enjoyed reading about is called Vesak. It celebrates Buddha’s birthday and focuses on spreading joy and offering prayers for peace. It’s also been “designated an international holiday by UNESCO,” something I had no idea even existed. Another lovely and surprising holiday, this one from Japan, is called Hanami and means “flower viewing.” When the stunning pink blossoms of the beloved cherry trees are at their peak people gather for picnics to bask in their brief but undeniable beauty.

The art in this comprehensive compendium of international celebrations is cheerful and festive and would please even the youngest reader. However, the text may be better suited for ages 7 and up. With over 35 holidays and celebrations to read about, I recommend skipping the deep dive and, instead, picking one theme at a time. This extends the experience and helps what you’ve read sink in.

WE ALSO RECOMMEND:

The Day I Became a Potato Pancake
(Apples & Honey)

Let it Glow
(Feiwel & Friends)

ABOUT GUEST REVIEWER MARCIA BERNEGER:

Marcia Berneger is an educator, speaker, and writer. A retired teacher who taught elementary school children for over three decades, she has worked mainly with first and second-graders and children with special learning challenges. Marcia’s passionate about helping children navigate their world and many of her stories are taken from her teaching experiences working with fidgety students or those experiencing typical childhood fears.

Find her here.

Check out last year’s roundup here.

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Three New Children’s Passover Books for 2024

NEW CHILDREN’S PASSOVER BOOKS

AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO?:
A Passover Hide-and-Seek Adventure
Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrated by Noa Kelner
(Rocky Pond Books; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

There’s a mischievous personified piece of matzoh on the loose in the pages of Afikoman, Where’d You Go? and I got such a kick out of looking for him. Your kids will too! This picture book is not only written in well-crafted rhyme, it’s also relatable to anyone who’s ever attended a Seder, Jewish or not.
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At the Passover seder, youngsters are always eager to start the traditional search for the afikoman which happens halfway through the meal. The Glossary, helpfully included at the start of the story, defines the afikoman as “The piece of matzoh that is symbolically broken and then hidden, as part of a ritual during the seder.” Children hunt for him around the house or in a particular designated room. The process varies from house to house. In this tale, the kids check out every place indoors with no luck. The wily matzoh, like the Gingerbread Man, is one step ahead. Next up, the backyard.

Part of the fun is searching every single spread to see where Afikoman is hiding. I have to admit there was one spread where I could not locate the clever cracker! That’s the bathroom scene which I’ve checked multiple times. And when I did spot him, I laughed out loud a few times. The catchy refrain, “Is he hiding somewhere high? Is he hiding somewhere low? Afikoman? Afikoman? Afikoman? WHERE’D YOU GO?” adds to the read-aloudability.

When the afikoman is finally found, it’s time to return to the table and continue the seder. Here’s where the author and illustrator have included a satisfying surprise ending. The detailed artwork (created using pencil, ink, and Photoshop) includes a determined family dog who, along with a diverse group of kids, team up to track down Afikoman and enjoy themselves the entire time. One of my favorite illustrations is the children’s messy bedroom. It’s hard to know if the kids did that or if it was like that already! Sure to invite multiple readings for the holiday, Afikoman, Where’d You Go? easily gets a thumbs up from me.

EVERYBODY’S BOOK:
The Story of the Sarajevo Haggadah
Written by Linda Leopold Strauss
Illustrated by Tim Smart
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

A richly recounted nonfiction story as colorful as the history of the titular Sarajevo Haggadah, Everybody’s Book is an enlightening read. I had the good fortune to visit Sarajevo at the end of 1989 before the city was ravaged by war but hadn’t heard about the famous Haggadah. I’m happy to have had the chance to learn. If the topic is of further interest, parents can also learn more by reading Geraldine Brooks’ The People of The Book.

The book opens with an introduction explaining how the storied Sarajevo Haggadah was first given to a bride and group circa 1350. Readers then learn that in “the late 1400s” the expulsion of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition was a scary time. In Spain, Jews were forced to convert to Christianity or leave. Lives were upended and never the same. Many families fled with nothing but the family that owned what became known as the Sarajevo Haggadah took it with them when they escaped. Over time the Haggadah changed hands multiple times eventually landing in Italy to a new generation of owners and ultimately to Bosnia where it continued to be used “during Passover Seders.”

“By 1894, the family that owned the Haggadah had fallen on hard times …” Alas the treasured family heirloom was sold. It was bought by the National History Museum of Sarajevo, a religiously diverse and mostly tolerant city where it was revered. The museum managed to keep the Sarajevo Haggadah safe until WWII broke out.

When the Nazis tried to get their hands on it, the fast-thinking museum director fabricated a web of lies but that didn’t stop the Nazis from searching the museum albeit to no avail. It is said that the curator then took the Haggadah to “a remote village, where an imam of a small mosque hid it among sacred Islamic texts.” When the war ended the Haggadah was returned to Sarajevo but peace there remained fragile.

After WWII, “Bosnians, Serbs, and Croats became part of unified Yugoslavia under one leader.” Following his death in 1980, tensions that had been simmering over the years reached a climax, and fighting among the three groups began. “In 1991, Serbs attacked Bosnia.” Another war threatened the safety of the Sarajevo Haggadah. When the museum was bombed the following year, a Muslim university professor helped rescue the book once again. This new war saw the destruction of the National and University Library of Sarajevo though citizens “formed a human chain to save whatever books they could. By this time, not just Bosnians knew about the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, and the world worried about this treasure.

One of my favorite spreads is the one that depicts a Passover Seder in 1995, in the midst of the war. “Christian, Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim leaders joined Jews at Sarajevo’s only remaining synagogue …” During the Seder, the Bosnian President, a Muslim, arrived with the Haggadah to assure all those in attendance that it was safe. When the war ended and the Bosnian National Museum was constructed, the Sarajevo Haggadah was restored and placed among other historic treasures for all to see. Everybody’s Book could now truly be enjoyed by everybody. Tim Smart’s watercolor art has a sketch-like, loose quality showing the flow of time and the ever-changing circumstances the Sarajevo Haggadah endured. This picture book is an important one that emphasizes how the power of people from all religions and walks of life can make a difference when they find common ground. How lucky we all are that this marvelous book from a marriage over 670 years ago has survived. Oh, the stories its pages could tell!

ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS:
A PASSOVER CELEBRATION IN 14 STORIES
Edited by Chris Baron, Joshua S. Levy, and Naomi Milliner
Illustrated by Shannon Hochman
(Amulet Books; $18.99, Ages 8-12)

While there could be a plethora of themes for a Passover anthology, selecting the 14 steps of the Seder as an entry point is perfect. It’s what drew me to this book in addition to the title. It did not hurt that a host of bestselling and award-winning authors and one author-illustrator embraced and wrote about one particular step. Their instructions were only to approach the topic in any way they desired. This made for a fascinating and engrossing read. If I had the time, upon finishing my first read-through, I could have started all over again. It’s just that good!

As I dove in, I never knew what type of story would greet me, and that’s only one part of the magic of this holiday collection. Whatever way you choose to read On All Other Nights, you will be treated to a variety of top-notch middle-grade voices, approaches, plots, and characters. You can read it all in one sitting, devouring every delicious and meaningful step, or take it one short story at a time, savoring each one slowly like the Seder meal itself. At the start of each story, there is a brief, helpful description of the step. I was impressed at how creative the stories tackled each subject. Apropos of the title are also four thoughtful questions (the Four Questions being an important element of the Seder which generally the youngest asks) tweens can contemplate or parents and teachers can use for discussions.

Just like there are many kinds of Jewish ethnicities around the world (e.g. Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, and more) and different branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and more), there are many different stories in this collection. Each story has a unique style and appeal. I loved the story featuring an Autistic character, Myra, who could not stand the smell of gefilte fish. It especially resonated with me having a son with sensory processing disorder for whom certain smells can drive him out of a room as it did for the girl in this story. Another story that’s stayed with me is the one about a family of Romanian immigrants on New York’s Lower East Side. In it, the brother and sister are tasked with getting the maror (bitter herb) for the Seder from their father’s pushcart. At his sister’s behest, the brother retells a fairy tale about a witch and a memory spell. This relates to the brother’s annoyance that his sister does not seem to remember much of their life in Romania before emigrating. Later on, the younger sister cleverly and courageously helps her brother rescue a new Polish immigrant being beaten up, revealing some surprising truths.

The fourteen On All Other Nights contributors include: Chris Baron, Ruth Behar, Adam Gidwitz, Veera Hiranandani, Amy Ignatow Sarah Kapit, Joshua S. Levy, Mari Lowe, Naomi Milliner, Soifya Pasternack, R. M. Romero, A. J. Sass, Laura Shovan, and Laurel Snyder.

Black and white art accompanies every chapter and the captivating cover invites children to think about their own role in the Seder. Readers are treated to tempting recipes in the backmatter from celebrated chefs and professionals. Contributor bios and acknowledgments can also be found there. At a recent signing event, editor Joshua S. Levy explained that the anthology is a mirror and window book. It communicates core human values to a wide audience with universal appeal. And that same evening, Chris Baron said the challenge with the anthology was “How do you breathe life into these steps?” To which I say “Exactly like On All Other Nights did. Brilliantly!”

Click here to read last year’s roundup.

Also Recommended:

WHY ON THIS NIGHT?:
A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration
Written by Rahel Musleah
Illustrated by Louise August
(Kalaniot Books; $19.99, Ages 7-11)

Publisher Description:

The rich traditions of Passover come alive in this contemporary family haggadah. Updated from the original 2000 edition, this holiday favorite is available again for families to treasure. As children and adults gather at the seder dinner to remember the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom, this creative, yet authentic haggadah will guide and engage them. Lushly illustrated, with blessings and text of every major section of the haggadah in Hebrew, English translation, and transliteration, the welcoming and accessible style of Why On This Night? will make it a treasured seder companion year after year.

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Rebecca Gardyn Levington

An Interview with Rebecca Gardyn Levington by Jan Epstein Schwaid

AN INTERVIEW WITH

PICTURE BOOK AUTHOR

REBECCA GARDYN LEVINGTON

BY JAN EPSTEIN SCHWAID

Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington

Illustrated by Diana Mayo