The Story of Hanukkah

by Norma Simon, Leonid Gore (Illustrations)

Jewish children look forward to Hanukkah more than any other holiday, and The Story of Hanukkah explains why and how people observe this beloved occasion. You’ll learn that Hanukkah is the Jewish people’s way of remembering their ancestors’ revolt against a cruel king. Then you’ll understand why the holiday is eight days long, and even learn how to make latkes using the author’s own recipe!

Packed with fascinating facts, hands-on activities, and jewellike illustrations, Norma Simon and Leonid Gore’s book is a tribute to this joyous, deeply significant holiday.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

Norma Simon has published more than fifty books for children. Her books
have the special quality of engaging children because they deal with experiences which have rich emotional meaning for them. Her books explore a
wide spectrum of topics ranging from playful accounts of children and pets,
from the pleasures of a rainy day (WET WORLD is her most recent book for
Candlewick) to books which help children deal with death and separation.

Ms. Simon has had a lifetime of experience working with children as a
teacher, parent, and, for more than twenty-eight years, working as a
volunteer with the children in her local elementary school.

Her formal education includes a B.A. from Brooklyn College and,
significantly for her career, an M.S. from Bank Street College of Education.
As a pioneer in "progressive" education for children, the Bank Street
College philosophy of early childhood education continues to influence her
work.


On a personal note, Norma Simon grew up in New York City. Her parents came
from Europe as adults. Her extended family all shared a big brownstone
house in Brooklyn, New York, where she lived until she was six with her
parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.


For the past thirty years, Norma and her husband have lived on Cape Cod,
Massachusetts. She enjoys fishing on Cape Cod Bay, clam digging, hunting
for wild mushrooms, gardening, cooking and--when she has time--reading.

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written story and history of Hanukkah, a Jewish winter celebration. Softly colored full-page illustrations. Though it takes place near Christmas it is not a Christmas-like holiday but more like Independence day as a reminder of the Jewish fight for independence from invaders from Syria.

Though I’m a Christian and read the Bible every day, I was unfamiliar with the history behind this holiday, so decided to find out more. Very informative book.

[Audra J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells about the history of Hanukkah starting with the Jews and their battle with the Syrians for their homeland. It gives a brief overview of Judah Maccabee and his army and how they recaptured Jerusalem. It goes on to add the history behind the festival of lights which has become part of the Hannukkah tradition. The final parts of the book share about the different traditions that people have today that are part of the Hannukkah celebration.

This book was ok. The pictures although lovely as artwork, were soft with low details and almost grainy which I felt took away from the details of the book rather than enhancing. The history was also presented in a very cut and dry manner, which does not bring a lot of interest to a young reader.

[Krysta McFarland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This informational book, good for grades 2-5, presented me with fact about Hanukkah in a fun and interesting way. I loved the fact that they incorporated facts about how to play with a dreidel on each page. This book taught me facts about Hanukkah that I would not have learned if I had not read this book. I think this would be a good book to have in your classroom to teach diversity and encourage your students to step away from what they know and learn about fellow classmates.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good overview of the holiday and I like how it highlighted that parts are history and other parts legend.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author considers the miracle of the oil to be a legend. The illustrations are lovely, using ink, acrylic and mixed media to create paintings with a hazy, dreamy, textured look.