Mrs. Maccabee's Miracle

by Elka Weber, Amélie Videlo (Illustrator)

Overview

The Maccabee brothers are always losing their things—cloaks, scrolls and spinning tops. It’s a good thing their mom is around to help find the missing items.

But, uh-oh. When the Maccabees defeat the Greek army and take back the Temple, the brothers can’t remember where they last saw the jug of oil to light the menorah.

What will their mom say?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728477916
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/03/2023
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 11.25(h) x 0.31(d)
Age Range:	7 - 8 Years

About the Author

When Elka Weber is not busy serving as her family's finder-of-lost-items-in-chief, she writes for children and adults. Her books include The Yankee at the Seder, One Little Chicken, and Shimri's Big Idea.

Amélie Videlo was born in Paris. A graduate of the Penninghen School of Art Direction, she lives in the British countryside, close to the Welsh mountains, with her partner and her cat Chichi. Her preferred illustration media are paints, crayons, inks, and digital applications.

Editorial Reviews

"[A] wonderful book that offers several lessons, including to learn about the Jewish miracle at the heart of Hanukkah and to take care of your belongings. There is a subtle, important message as well: stand for something, take action, and even a few people can make a difference. Reviewer Rating: 5" —Children's Literature

From the Publisher

2023-08-12
A mother’s advice saves the day.

The five Maccabee brothers and their parents (all brown-skinned) live in Modi’in. Several times a year the men travel to Jerusalem’s Holy Temple. Before departing, the brothers ask Mom for help finding items like a cloak or a scroll. Mom always knows where the article is but prefaces her reveal with a maxim: “Cloaks” (or scrolls) “don’t grow legs and walk away. Where you leave them is where they stay.” When the Maccabee men aren’t in the Temple, they’re studying and teaching Torah, expressly forbidden after Greek King Antiochus conquers Israel. The Jews fight their oppressors and, miraculously, defeat them. After the final battle, the Maccabees enter the ruined Temple, seeking a jug of oil to light the great menorah. Unsurprisingly, they can’t find it—but, recalling their mother’s pithy advice, they finally locate it. There’s enough oil for one day, but the flames burn for eight. Thereafter, whenever Mrs. Maccabee recounts the events, she mentions the Maccabees found the oil—without her help. This is a humorous, very simple approach to the traditional Hanukkah story. Not only is the Maccabees’ bravery on display, but the book also offers a homey reminder that the holiday is about family, too. The colorful illustrations are warm and bright, and readers will easily spot the items Mrs. Maccabee uncovers for her sons. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A welcome and cozy take on the Hanukkah story. (more information on the story of Hanukkah) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews