A mother's advice saves the day.The five Maccabee brothers and their parents (all brown-skinned) live in Modi'in. Several times a year the men travel to Jerusalem's Holy Temple. Before departing, the brothers ask Mom for help finding items like a cloak or a scroll. Mom always knows where the article is but prefaces her reveal with a maxim: "Cloaks" (or scrolls) "don't grow legs and walk away. Where you leave them is where they stay." When the Maccabee men aren't in the Temple, they're studying and teaching Torah, expressly forbidden after Greek King Antiochus conquers Israel. The Jews fight their oppressors and, miraculously, defeat them. After the final battle, the Maccabees enter the ruined Temple, seeking a jug of oil to light the great menorah. Unsurprisingly, they can't find it-but, recalling their mother's pithy advice, they finally locate it. There's enough oil for one day, but the flames burn for eight. Thereafter, whenever Mrs. Maccabee recounts the events, she mentions the Maccabees found the oil-without her help. This is a humorous, very simple approach to the traditional Hanukkah story. Not only is the Maccabees' bravery on display, but the book also offers a homey reminder that the holiday is about family, too. The colorful illustrations are warm and bright, and readers will easily spot the items Mrs. Maccabee uncovers for her sons. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A welcome and cozy take on the Hanukkah story. (more information on the story of Hanukkah) (Picture book. 4-8)

PreS-K —The famous five sons of Matthias Maccabee are constantly losing things. From cloaks, to scrolls, to spears; they ask, "Mom, have you seen my&30;?" The response is always that the item does not, "grow legs and walk away. Where you leave them is where they stay." But each time, Mom relents and tells them where to find it. Interspersed with this doggerel is the Hanukkah story, culminating with the Maccabee sons finding the last of the oil—without help from Mom, who ends the story by saying of their finding it: "A great miracle happened here." The full-bleed, slightly na&9;ve-style illustrations depict the Maccabees with tan skin and dark hair, while the Greeks have pale skin. Likely digital art has the look of colored pencils and watercolor done in somewhat muted tones. The story includes the apocryphal tale of the history of the dreidel. An extensive endnote covers a more detailed, complete story of Hanukkah, including two different interpretations of the reason for the eight-day celebration. VERDICT In an attempt to be child-centric, this Hanukkah book fails in historical accuracy and a plausible storyline, while adding anachronistic, simplified language to the mix. Better Hanukkah books abound. Pass on this subpar effort.—Amy Lilien-Harper