Is It Hanukkah Yet?

PreS-Gr 2—A simple rhyming holiday book that celebrates the coming of Hanukkah. While the opening scenes, which focus on a snowy clime, may not ring true for all young readers, once the action moves indoors there are plenty of predictable preparatory activities included such as making decorations, getting out the menorahs, cooking traditional foods, and counting the number of candles needed for that evening's lighting. The text actually says very little about Hanukkah: "When glitter and paper are spread on the floors/And we hang decorations on windows and doors/Hanukkah is on its way." Nor is there any explanation of Hanukkah's historical origin or the reason it is celebrated with lights. Still, the cheerful illustrations provide some context, featuring a multigenerational family hanging up Jewish stars, making latkes, lighting the menorah, and playing dreidel, culminating with the statement "Hanukkah is here!"