The Remembering Candle

In this quietly reverent tale by Goldberg, a candle lit to observe the anniversary of a loved one’s death gives a family the opportunity for reminiscence. As the young narrator notes, yahrzeit is a Yiddish word meaning “time of year.” In lighting the candle, Mom explains, “We’ll let it burn all night and then all day tomorrow until sunset, until it’s all gone.” As the protagonist wonders why the candle burns for so long, the family begins to recall Grandpa—his scratchy beard, his hat, his love of trivia and the night sky (“He said that light from stars travels to reach us from far away”). And more memories surface as the child checks on the candle’s progress. Alko’s multimedia illustrations have the feel of a carefully compiled scrapbook, layering visual grace notes throughout this bittersweet narrative about a treasured ritual. The Jewish characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Back matter includes creators’ notes. Ages 6–8. (Aug.)