Banana Menorah

Though a tropical vacation seems to suit Daddy and Papa, Wind’s young narrator feels overwhelmed by being so far from everything “tried and true” during Hanukkah, especially when it turns out that a menorah has been left behind. Necessity becomes invention as, over the next few nights, the protagonist transforms first a banana, then other items into makeshift menorahs, becoming a full, problem-solving participant of the holiday. And when the family returns home, the narrator’s newly awakened creative confidence inspires additional menorahs made from latkes, cookies, and even snow. On the eighth night, West’s openhearted cartooning shows a party in sweetly goofy swing, as multiple generations dance around a table filled with menorahs of all kinds, suggesting that traditions can be flexible and inventive. Or, as the narrator puts it: there’s room for “everything I was used to... and new too.” The family is shown with pale skin; background characters have various skin tones. Back matter includes an author’s note. Ages 3–5. (Nov.)