Eight nights, 10 reasons to celebrate.Hanukkah lasts eight days, but this bubbly young narrator needs 10 reasons to explain why the Festival of Lights is so wonderful-from lighting the menorah to singing the Dreidel Song to enjoying latkes and jelly doughnuts-and makes an excellent case for each. As the child takes part in meaningful rituals and has plenty of fun, it becomes clear that Hanukkah is a family-centered celebration. After all, as we learn from reason number four, it was the "brave Maccabee family" who vanquished the soldiers sent by "a mean king named Antiochus," who forbade Jewish people from practicing their religion and attacked their Temple. When the Maccabees returned to the Temple, the oil they found-enough to burn in their lamp for one night-miraculously lasted for eight days and nights. This delightful tale will charm readers, and its bright, cartoonish illustrations are ideal for a story about a festival that celebrates light illuminating the darkness. The family at the center of this tale has lightly tan skin, though their community is a diverse one. A neighborhood scene features twinkling Christmas trees in windows in addition to menorahs. A glossary with pronunciation guides closes out the book.An infectiously cheerful tribute to the Festival of Lights. (Picture book. 4-8)

PreS-Gr 1 —A young child explains why she loves the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. She makes and lights the menorah with her younger brother; attends synagogue with her family; hears the story of the Maccabees; sings holiday songs; plays dreidel; eats fried foods, like potato latkes and jelly doughnuts; exchanges gifts; spends time with her family. Bright, cheerful, cartoon illustrations depict a contemporary urban setting and complement the text. However, the letters on the dreidel are depicted incorrectly. Main characters are light-skinned; the supporting cast exhibits some diversity. The entire story seems to take place on the first night, de-emphasizing the eight nights of the celebration, and the overall narration is uninspiring and bland. A glossary is appended. VERDICT With nothing new presented, this an additional purchase unlikely to stand out on the overcrowded holiday bookshelf.—Rachel Kamin