Lior is excited about celebrating Hanukkah, and takes readers with him as he and his extended family and neighbors prepare the foods, presents, dreidel, and of course the menorah as they get ready for their first-night gathering! Along the way, we learn the story of Hanukkah, how to play the dreidel game, how to light the candles and say the blessings, and more. Although there’s a pedagogical intent, author Lesléa Newman (Heather Has Two Mommies) conveys it with engaging narration, aided by Rotem Teplow’s cheery illustrations.
Lior has a mom and a dad, but also has two aunts who are a couple. They and their baby are part of the family’s holiday festivities. While we can hope to someday have a picture book that centers a same-sex parented family, it’s great to see such families included as part of wider family celebrations.
Lior and his father have tan skin and brown hair. His mother has white skin and light brown hair. Other relatives and neighbors reflect various skin tones.
