Recommended by: Ann Carlson

As we move into the holiday season, don’t forget that MIP’s Interfaith Bookshelf has a section of books for young readers, any of which would make great holiday gifts.
Our two newest additions to this section are both books by Jewish authors. I recommend them not just for those who observe Hanukkah; but also for those who celebrate Christmas, Bodhi Day, the winter solstice, Kwanzaa or any of the other myriad gift giving opportunities that come at this time of year, these books would be a great way to expose your children to another faith’s culture and symbols.

Nina Nechama’s book, What if Famous Artists Lit the Hanukkah Candles? invites children and families to imagine how painters like Van Gogh, Basquiat, and O’Keeffe might have approached the ritual of lighting Hanukkah candles—through color, rhythm, and emotion.
The idea of artists—from any faith or background—“lighting” candles metaphorically or literally taps into universal themes: creativity overcoming darkness, the human impulse to shine, and collective renewal.
A short timeline of the artists and their background is included in an appendix, should you wish to teach your child a little about art history while enjoying the sure-to-please illustrations.

Elijah’s Tears: Stories for the Jewish Holidays, by Sydelle Pearl, is a charming collection of five original stories where, in the tradition of Jewish folklore.
The prophet Elijah appears to good and faithful children and leaves miracles in his wake.
Each of these simple, relatable and compelling stories clearly shines with the beauty of faith and the blessings of caring for others. This little book stole my heart. My only complaint… it has only five stories. Like a little child at bedtime, I wanted to beg for “just one more!” Stories like this need to be told over and over, to people of all ages.