Mrs. Maccabee's Miracle

by Elka Weber Narrated by Book Buddy Digital Media

Overview

The Maccabee home was a happy one, but Mrs. Maccabee's five sons were often losing things. “Mom, have you seen my spear?” one would say. “Your things don't grow legs and walk away,” Mrs. Maccabee would sigh, pointing to the missing items. “Where you leave them is where they stay.” When her five sons go to war against the Greeks, Mrs. Maccabee's lessons stay with them. Recalling their mom's words, the brothers remember where they'd last seen the oil for the Temple menorah. A miracle indeed.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"[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

Kirkus Reviews

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)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159997555
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/03/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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