HANUKKAH AT VALLEY FORGE

Taking a small segment of American Revolutionary history noted in Jacob Rader Marcus’s United States Jewry 1776-1985, Krensky constructs a story around an American soldier’s Hanukkah observance one cold December night at Valley Forge. When the weary and troubled George Washington comes upon a soldier’s private lighting of the menorah in his cabin, the Polish-born Jewish warrior offers an explanation of the holiday and ritual. Patiently listening, Washington wisely parallels the struggle for freedom in which they are both engaged with that of the Maccabees’ battle. Both are able to gain a bit of hope and resolve through the idea that belief in miracles is much needed in the effort to create a better world. Watercolors in deep purple hues show wintry Valley Forge scenes paralleled by the golden glows of the ancient Temple confrontation and combine to portray, through life-like portrait-style illustrations, the emotional significance of the verbal exchange between Washington and his unnamed soldier. A beautiful and excellent bit of historical drama and fiction based on two analogous events in history. (Picture book. 7-12)