Letter on the Wind - Hardcover

Sarah Marwil Lamstein

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1932425748 ISBN 13: 9781932425741

Publisher: Boyds Mills, 2007

Synopsis

A retelling of a Jewish folktale from Tunisia 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. That year the rain was a stranger.  The parched earth grew only dust, so the olives shrank and withered on the trees.  Without olives, the villagers could not make olive oil to light their menorahs. "What can we do?" the villagers sighed.  "Chanukah is fast approaching, and we have nothing.  No olives, no olive oil, no Chanukah....." A 2008 Sydney Taylor Honor Book awarded by the Association of Jewish Libraries.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

Once in a far-off village there nearly was a year without Chanukah...One man, Hayim, the poorest in the village, said to himself, "We cannot have a year without Chanukah.  We must light the menorahs and remember that long-ago miracle.  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.  Sarah Marwil Lamstein's retelling of this Jewish folktale reminds readers of the first Chanukah and off Mattathias's bravery in protecting his faith.  The elegant prose is complemented by Neil Waldman's lyrical ink and watercolor illustrations.

About the Author:

Sarah Lamstein has written six books for young readers. Her picture book Letter on the Wind received the Sydney Taylor Honor Book Award, was a CCBC Choice, and a Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Book.  She grew up in Michigan and lives in Massachusetts.

Neil Waldman has written and illustrated more than fifty books. He is the recipient of the Christopher Award and the National Jewish Book Award. He lives in White Plains, New York.

About this edition

• Publisher: Boyds Mills
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1932425748
• ISBN 13: 9781932425741
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Neil Waldman