The Littlest Candle: Teaching Kids That True Brightness Comes From a Warm Heart

by Kerry M. Olitzky, Jen Kostman (Illustrations)

Little Flicker is always cheering his friends on with words of encouragement and support. But as the smallest candle in the box, why should he be chosen to be the shamash in the Hanukkah menorah? Isn’t the job of lighting all the others candles too big for him? As it turns out, it’s the size of your heart that matters, and in that department, Little Flicker is huge! This book’s bright and quirky illustrations make it easy to imagine the possibility of a world where candles walk, talk, dance, and sing. Kids will love exploring the details of Little Flicker’s life inside his cozy drawer.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2020

About the author

Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky is a leader in the development of Jewish education, particularly for adults. He has shaped training programs for clergy of all faiths, especially in the area of pastoral care and counseling in the Jewish community. He is the author of over 75 books and hundreds of articles in a variety of fields. He is known for books that bring the insights of Jewish wisdom into everyday living. His opinion pieces are published in leading publications throughout North America and in Israel. Most of his recent publications are children's picture books, as well as the early reader The Adventures of Leila and Ilana

Reviews

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some may wonder why a Christian blogger reviews a book distinctively Jewish. I believe that our Christian heritage is rooted not just in Jesus, but in those who went before and are brought alive to us in the Old Testament which is also a history of the Jewish peoples.

Children need to know that others sometimes believe differently and have different holidays. Children won't be confused if taught correctly but will grown to understand and appreciate these differences.

In The Littlest Candle the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah approaches and the candles in the little drawer are in a dither as to who the honor of being the first to be lit and from which all the other candles will be lit. The story examines what value each candle has as individuals and why they think they should be the chosen one. While the story teaches a little about the holiday itself, it also teaches how each has his or her own value.

So children will learn about a Jewish holiday and also a societal value that they can put into place themselves in their own life.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the first time, this father and son have joined their talents to write a picture book about Hanukkah for younger readers. The story of Hanukkah is told through the candles in a drawer waiting and hoping to be the very first candle to be lit.

Little Flicker is the smallest candle. He is always willing to help the others whether it is making sure the other candles eat first or to help get all the dust out of the corner. As the message of Hanukkah is shared and the other candles try to convince each other why they should be the first candle lit, they slowly realize there is one of them that truly has the spirit of the Shamash and should be the first candle.

Throughout the story of the candles the authors find a way to work in the meaning of Hanukkah and how it is celebrated. Many lessons are shared throughout the story including a reminder that even if you are small, you can still be capable of miracles.

The illustrations show the candles and their various personalities. Their life in the drawer includes eating dinner, brushing teeth, and primping to prepare for their big Hanukkah debut. The end of the book shares a full-page spread of a family celebrating Hanukkah complete with a cat playing with a dreidel and lots of delicious food.

This would make a perfect gift for a new family looking to incorporate Hanukkah traditions in their home. This is a book that can be read again and again every year.

[Dori Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Littlest Candle, Flicker, the smallest candle in the box, stands back, observes, and listens to the wise older candle, Waxy, as he announces that it's time to pick the first candle to usher in the holiday of Hanukkah. While all the other candles are clamoring and competing for the honor, Flicker keeps to himself and remains humble and unselfish. He feels that someone who is the smallest cannot do big important things. Needless to say, as the Hanukkah story goes, tiny can indeed be mighty!

There are so many wonderful messages woven into this sweet picture book. Aside from lessons about the holiday of Hanukkah such as how and why we light candles, the larger messages of being kind, helpful, and treating others with respect shines through loud and clear. I highly recommend this book for the upcoming holiday!

[Lisa Bernstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Hanukkah story where the candles in the drawer all share their attributes for why they should be chosen for the first night of Hanukkah. While I liked that Shabbat candles and a havdalah candle were mentioned and their roles described, I thought it was a little confusing that they should be vying for the role of Hanukah candle. In the end, the littlest candle is chosen for his thoughtfulness and helpfulness to be not the first candle, but the shamash. I wondered at first if this story was a bit derivative of "The Singing Shammmos" by Ruth Samuels (1961). While both have the smallest candle being chosen for the honor of the first night, the rest of the story is quite different.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Flicker, the smallest candle in the box, is a kind and patient hero young readers will enjoy. With cute illustrations and gentle humor, this story celebrates helping others and bringing light into the world. A delightful read for Hanukkah and all year round.

[Erica Siegmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable story that not only tells the history of the holiday of Hannukah, and the significance of each candle on the menorah. It shares the true spirit of the holiday, that with selflessness and compassion even the smallest can contribute in BIG ways!

[Two BookWorms Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the holiday books I reviewed recently, this is the most inspirational.

For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Flicker :,)