 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
On the First Night of Chanukah
- By Cecily Kaiser
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
Chanukah tale borrows Christmas melody -- oy.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Chanukah book is based on the Christmas song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," which Jewish families may not like.
What's the story?
A family celebrates Chanukah to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
Is it any good?
This slim book doesn't have much to offer by way of story or illustrations. Written clumsily to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," there is little besides Chanukah clichés here. There is, of course, mention of dreidels, latkes, gelt, and the menorah, but other than a list of Chanukah-ish things, nothing happens. The pictures are merry cartoons, with every man wearing a hat or yarmulke and every kid wearing a grin. A look at the puppets (on the sixth night) shows a Maccabbee playhouse, but that's the closest we get to any discussion about Chanukah's origins.
Except for relying on a Christmas carol for its schtick, there's nothing particularly wrong with this book, but there's nothing particularly right either. It's a quick, inexpensive gift to grab on the way to a kids' holiday party, and that's about it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about their own Chanukah celebrations. How are they the same as the ones illustrated in this book? How are they different?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Hey, I'm alright with a Christmas Melody, but where are the Maccabees?
I have taken a look at several of the Chanukah books for kids, and while it was a very bloody battle, the Maccabees are left out of every one! All I'm saying is, Matisyahu didn't die just for Judah Maccabee to sit there! He fought! Still, I suppose this and all the other books on the holiday are family friendly. Just not accurate or descriptive.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Cecily Kaiser |
| Illustrator: | Brian Schatell |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Scholastic Inc. |
| Publication date: | October 25, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 24 |
| Paperback price: | $3.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
| Read aloud: | 4 |
| Read alone: | 8 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
