I was inspired to write Eight Candles and a Tree after I couldn’t find a picture book about a child who celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah to read to my granddaughter. I had extensive professional experience as a writer and children’s television producer, and I decided to write a book that would resonate with children who celebrate both holidays. I have been pleasantly surprised by the book's consistent sales over the past eight years, and am happy to see that there are now more books on this issue.
Anna sends an email to Santa explaining that while her stepbrother celebrates Christmas, she will have a surprise treat for Santa instead of cookies. Anna considers many options before deciding on latkes to accompany Michael’s plate of cookies.
The book shows how Anna chooses to put her own spin on her new blended family’s traditions. Includes recipes for latkes and sugar cookies.
To: Santa
From: Anna My new dad and stepbrother celebrate Christmas, so you're coming to my house for the very first time. And I think you must be REALLY tired of cookies. I'm going to leave you the best Santa treat ever.
Anna is excited that Santa will be visiting her house for the first time, and she wants to leave Santa a treat that blend
At school Sam feels different from his classmates because he celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, but after talking it through with his mom, he realizes that he’s excited to be able to observe two holidays instead of one.
The book addresses a child’s feeling of being different because his parents have different religious backgrounds.
When Sam's classmates take turns talking about which holiday they celebrate, Sam becomes very nervous. Some people celebrate Christmas and some people celebrate Hanukkah. But Sam celebrates both! Written by a clinical psychologist, MY TWO HOLIDAYS offers comforting explanations that shine a light on how special it can be to celebrate two treasured holidays instead of one!
When Rachel visits her father’s family who celebrates Christmas, she brings along her menorah to share Hanukkah with them too. But when she realizes she forgot the menorah on the plane, her Nonna makes her a very special menorah.
The book shows how a loving grandmother and extended family welcome and encourage two holiday traditions.
Rachel loves visiting her Italian grandmother, even though Nonna celebrates Christmas and Rachel and her parents celebrate Hanukkah. Rachel plans to share Hanukkah with her whole family, so when Rachel's special hanukkiah goes missing, Nonna steps in to save the day.
Vibrantly illustrated
descriptions of how Sadie and her family celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.
They sing "Silent Night" and “I have a little dreidel,” and the
father shows how to make latkes and a special kugel dressing for the turkey.
The family’s two holiday traditions are highlighted with eye-catching
illustrations.
The
illustrations are bright and cheery and the family’s traditions are succinctly
described. Includes a recipe for
cranberry kugel.
A perfect gift for the holiday season, no matter what you celebrate!
I am a mix of two traditions. From Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama. How lucky am I?
Holiday time at Sadie's house means golden gelt sparkling under the Christmas tree, candy canes hanging on eight menorah branches, voices uniting to sing carols about Macabees and the manger, and latkes on the mantel awaiting Santa's arrival.
Selina Alko's joyous celebration of blended families will make the perfect holiday gift for the many Americans who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.
Set in New York City, Emma’s
family celebrates Hanukkah and Christmas, and the book describes their
distinctive family traditions. For Hanukkah, they spin the dreidels, light the
menorah and make crisp latkes, and at Christmas time they light the lights on
the Christmas tree and enjoy making sugar cookies.
It gives
specific details of the ways in which this family celebrates their December
holidays.
Emma's parents come from different cultural backgrounds, so every year they celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. During Hanukkah, the family enjoys playing dreidel games, making crispy latkes to eat, and lighting the candles of a menorah each night of the holiday. Then Christmas comes. With her parents and friends, Emma has a joy-filled time making sugar cookies, singing Christmas carols, and lighting the lights on the beautiful tree. This delightful story shows how one family keeps the traditions of both holidays, as they light the lights for Hanukkah and Christmas.
I wrote Eight Candles and a Tree, a children’s picture book about Sophie, who introduces her blend of Hanukkah and Christmas traditions to her friend Tommy. The book highlights what the holidays have in common—family, food, lights, songs, and presents.
