A Dragon Called Spark: A Hanukkah Story

Having moved to a new town, young Eva believes that “Hanukkah’s going to be quiet this year,” and even her dragon companion Spark, whom not everyone can see, “shone a little dimmer.” But Mom notes that Hanukkah is “the season for miracles,” and when Eva’s family places their hanukkiah in the window, it creates an opportunity to connect with next-door neighbor Charlie. After promising to keep attempting to see the small dragon, Charlie introduces Eva to other children eager to hear about Spark, and shows them how to conjure dragons of their own. Beautyman blends a tender cartoon realism with gentle fantasy as the dragons, each a different hue, fly through the air in swirls of soft color. On the holiday’s last night, Eva’s new sense of belonging feels complete as her family hosts a party for the new friends where “Eight candles flickered and danced. Eight dragons raced the room, weaving trails of starlight”—a fanciful take on how Hanukkah’s message of light illuminates hope and new possibilities. The family is portrayed with pale skin and dark hair; background characters are shown with various skin tones. More about Hanukkah concludes. Ages 4–7. (Sept.)