Prolific picture-book author Eric A. Kimmel presents an engaging collection of stories, poems, songs, crafts and recipes for Hanukkah in this anthology. Many of the selections are written by Kimmel himself, from the story of the Maccabees and their revolt against the Greeks, with the subsequent miracle that inspired the celebration of Hanukkah, to the discussion of the first menorah in the White House, and the rules for lighting the Hanukkah lights. Other contributions include a number of Hanukkah songs, with music by Debbie Friedman; a Hanukkah Haiku by Erica Silverman, author of such picture-book classics as Big Pumpkin; two holiday poems by J. Patrick Lewis; and short stories by Howard Schwartz, Penninah Schram and Barbara Diamond Goldin. Also included are a poem by the prolific Jane Yolen, Barbara Brown's Hanukkah in Alaska (also available as a picture-book), and recipes from Judi Lutsky...

I enjoyed A Hanukkah Treasury quite a bit, and think it would make a wonderfully interactive title to use in a child's celebration of the Festival of Lights. The history and significance of the holiday are explored, as are various celebrations of it in different times and places, and a number of activities, from crafts to cooking recipes, are included. I myself learned some new things here, from the fact that the candelabra used at Hanukkah is not, technically speaking, a menorah, but a Hanukkiah - a menorah has seven candleholders, whereas a Hanukkiah has nine - to the existence of Zachary Oxman's gorgeous sculpted bronze menorah, included in a White House exhibit of fine American craftsmanship. All in all, this was an engaging, informative collection. The accompanying artwork from Emily Lisker, whose acrylic illustrations I have encountered before, in such titles as Please, Malese!: A Trickster Tale from Haiti, was colorful and fun, in a folksy style, and added to the reading enjoyment. Recommend to any readers looking for an entertaining Hanukkah companion for children. ( )

Lots of fun stories, games etc. mixed in with the history stories. Most bits are joyful and easy to enjoy - not solemn lessons to be learned... but at the same time Kimmel is careful not to misinform or mislead. Recommended to all who are curious, certainly not just Jewish children. ( )