‘Chanukah Guest’ offers timeless tale for any season
Published 11:38 am Friday, November 30, 2007
I believe that the readers of this column have much to offer when it comes to recommending excellent books for children. Last week I put out the call to readers to help in this endeavor, and in case you missed it, I’m asking for your input.
I’d like to know what is your favorite children’s book that provides a great message. I’m interested in books that provide one or more of the following messages: Compassion, empathy, kindness; love; family; imagination; friendship; humor (but not humor at someone else’s expense).
Share your opinion and I’ll report back through this column in January, highlighting those books that had the most votes.
Please e-mail me (kendal@sunlink.net) or mail your recommendation to me at 29 Market St., Lewisburg, PA 17837. Include the title and author of the book, the newspaper where you read this column, and the category under which your book recommendation falls.
Books to borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
“The Chanukah Guest” by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Giora Carmi, Holiday House, 32 pages
Read aloud: age 2-6
Read yourself: age 7-8
Bubba Brayne was 97 years old. Every year at Chanukah, all her friends would come to her house to eat her delicious latkes. This year she made twice as many latkes as usual, for this year was special — the rabbi was coming!
While Bubba Brayne cooked, the delicious smells of her latkes wafted through the forest. Old Bear, in the midst of his winter sleep, was awakened by the smells and followed the scent to Bubba Brayne’s house. Bubba Brayne didn’t see or hear very well at her age, and thinking the knock at her door was the rabbi, welcomed Old Bear into her home.
After lighting the menorah and playing a game of dreidel, the two feasted on latkes until they were all gone. Old Bear left, and Bubba Brayne heard another knock at the door. It was the rabbi — the real rabbi — along with everyone from the village!
A wonderfully entertaining story with delightful illustrations, this book is a great choice for Chanukah, the holidays or anytime.
Librarian’s choice
Library: Sno-Isle Libraries, Oak Harbor Library, 1000 SE Regatta Drive, Oak Harbor
Library director: Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory
Branch manager: Mary Campbell
Children’s staff: Debbie LaGasse, Carol Rice, Tomi Whalen
Choices this week: “Freight Train” by Donald Crews; “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” by Linda Williams; “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnet
Books to buy
“Christmas at Stony Creek” by Stephanie Greene, illustrated by Chris Sheban, Greenwillow, 2007, 85 pages, $14.99 hardcover
Read aloud: all ages
Read yourself: age 8 and older
The little mouse, Pipsqueak, has enjoyed a good life. But this year is different. Food is in short supply, and Pipsqueak’s papa has traveled far from home to find food, leaving Pipsqueak in charge of scavenging in the usual spots to feed the family. Papa promised to be back for Christmas, but the holiday fast approaches and he still hasn’t returned.
The family food supply is almost gone, and Pipsqueak knows there is plenty of food in the huge house on the hill, but she has been forbidden to go there. There are dangers in that house that threaten to injure her or worse. Will Pipsqueak be able to save her family?
Suspenseful, poignant and beautifully illustrated, “Christmas at Stony Creek” is a magical tale for the whole family.
“Little Rabbit’s Christmas” written and illustrated by Harry Horse, Peachtree, 2007, 32 pages, $15.95 hardcover
Read aloud: age 3 and older
Read yourself: age 7-8
Little Rabbit’s wish comes true at Christmas when he receives a beautiful red sled! All the children admire Little Rabbit’s sled and want to try it, but Little Rabbit is selfish and won’t share. But when Little Rabbit crashes his sled, will anyone come to help him?
A perfect story of friendship, this selection resounds with a solid message.
Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.
