A retelling of a Jewish folkale reminds readers of the first Chanukah and of Mattathias's bravery in protecting his faith. Once in a far-off village there nearly was a year without Chanukah. The withering olive trees produced to olives for oil, and without oil there would be no lights for the menorahs. Hayim, the poorest man in the village, said to himself, "We cannot have a year without Chanukah. I will ask the Almighty for help." Despite mockery and laughter from the villagers, Hayim asks the local scribe to write a letter to the Almighty. In it, Hayim prays for oil to light the town's menorahs. The poor man takes his letter to the highest hill and sends it off on the strongest breeze. Hayim's prayers are answered, and the villagers can celebrate Chanukah but many in the town are convinced that Hayim is a thief. Neil Waldman's lyrical illustrations complement Sarah Marwil Lamstein's elegant text in this Sydney Taylor Honor Book."

 

This book was recognised in the Younger Readers category by the Sydney Taylor Book Award.

There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published 2007 by Front Street Inc .

Sarah Marwil Lamstein has written or co-written five books for young readers. Her picture book Letter on the Wind received the Sydney Taylor Honor Book Award. Others were listed by the Cooperative Children's Book Council and Booklist's Top Ten Religion Books for Youth. She lives in Newton, Massachusetts. Neil Waldman 's art has appeared in many books, including Masada, which he wrote. He lives in White Plains, New York.