Book Review: 'Hanukkah Moon' by Deborah da Costa

✰✰✰✰½ Isobel is excited to be invited to Aunt Luisa's for Hanukkah, but she's not sure what to expect. Aunt Luisa just moved to America from Mexico; will she know how to celebrate Hanukkah the right way? Isobel's father adds to the mystery by telling her that Aunt Luisa celebrates the Hanukkah Moon. Isobel wonders what that is, and when exactly to they celebrate it?

At Aunt Luisa's, Isobel learns about the birds and animal friends that visit. She also receives a camera to document the holiday. As the celebration continues, they light the hanukkiah and when the time is just right, Isobel learns how to celebrate the new moon that happens during Hanukkah. 

The Bottom Line: With themes of family and tradition, this picture book blends the traditions of Judaism and Mexico. Richly illustrated in watercolor and colored pencil, this is Mosz's first picture book for American readers. Highly recommended for seasonal story time for children ages 7 - 10. Includes a glossary and information about Hanukkah and Rosh Hodesh (the celebration of the new moon), which is popular among Sephardic Jews who settled in Latin America.

Details: Hanukkah Moon written by Deborah da Costa & illustrated by Gosia Mosz. Picture book published by Kar-Ben Publishing in 2007. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1580132442