THE HANUKKAH HUNT

One girl’s holiday gets off to a less than twinkling start.

Avital is despondent because her mom’s away this Hanukkah. Kindhearted cousin Ruby is determined to boost Avital’s spirits and devises a “huge eight-night Hanukkah treasure hunt,” at the end of which the family will give Avital a “big, exciting gift.” On the first night of Hanukkah and on every night of the holiday thereafter, Ruby gives Avital a rhyming clue to a gift she’ll receive. The mostly small items cheer Avital somewhat, but Ruby still isn’t sure about the special surprise. A phone call on the seventh night provides just the inspiration she needs. On the final night of Hanukkah, Ruby surprises Avital with the best possible present and receives a terrific, cuddly gift herself. While the ending is satisfying, though a little sappy, some may wonder why no one communicated with Avital’s mom via phone or videoconferencing earlier. Hanukkah traditions are mentioned, but some adults may note that Ruby’s gesture, while very thoughtful, seems to focus primarily on the holiday’s gift-giving aspects. The colorful, cheery illustrations are laden with holiday symbols but are otherwise bland, and characters’ faces aren’t individualized. Avital, with dark, curly hair and tan skin, appears biracial; her mom is depicted as pale-skinned with red hair, while her dad and infant sister have light-brown skin and dark curls. Ruby and other family members are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A just so-so, treacly Hanukkah story.