Thanksgiving and Hannukkah Converge

This year Thanksgiving and Hannukkah together to make Thanksgivukkah. Rarely does Thanksgiving fall this late on the calendar, nor does Hannukkah come as early. In this case, though, as rare as it is, digital communication has landed this new word in Wikipedia, on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube,  and it even has a hashtag on Twitter (#Thanksgivakkah). 

What I couldn't find, even in these times of instantaneous publishing, was a picture book about it. You'd think that when two such important celebrations converge every 150 years it would merit a picture book of its own, wouldn't you?

Instead, I'll feature a few titles about the more conventional annual event, spelled in a variety of ways:
Chanukah, Hanukkah, Hanukah, Hannukah, Channukah, and at least ten others.

Blue Apple Books, 2008

HANUKKAH HAIKU, written by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated by Karla Gudeon provides an ideal starting point. It's vibrant colors and traditional images in figures, symbols, and border trims combine with simple and descriptive haikus to describe and celebrate the story of Hanukkah. The successively cut-page design is dramatic and gorgeous, concluding with a look resembling an heirloom quilt or tapestry. Back matter offers the explanation of the blessing said at the lighting of the candles each day. This book offers something for everyone, regardless of ethnicity or age.

Harper Collins, 2004

A more sober but uplifting title is by the prolific and incomparable Eve Bunting: ONE CANDLE, illustrated by K. Wendy Popp. The muted, sepia-toned illustrations are as powerful as the text in revealing one family's tradition of using the first night to retell the story of Great-Aunt Rose's Hanukkah as a thirteen-year-old girl in a concentration camp. "It has to do with being strong in the bad time and remembering it in the good time. And for the women in Grandma's barracks and others who didn't live to come out." This, too, captures the true meaning of Hanukkah.

Harper Collins, 1995

Then there's THE TIE MAN'S MIRACLE: A CHANUKAH TALE, written by Steven Schnur and illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson. It's out of print now but available in libraries and online. This is actually a somber story, perhaps for older readers. It, too, sees the candles through the eyes of a holocaust survivor. Despite having a more vague description than ONE CANDLE, its tone is darker and conveys more fully the horror of those events. The miracle, though, is the ability of the survivor to hold out hopes that wishes can come true, that young children can believe in better things.

For even more suggestions check this November 16 Nerdy Bookclub blog post by Stacey Shubitz : Top Ten Chanukah Books.

Chronicle Books, 2013

Then, whether yours will be a traditional Thanksgiving or a blended Thanksgivakkah, you'd do well to have on hand GIVING THANKS: POEMS, PRAYERS, and PRAISE SONGS OF THANKSGIVING.  Edited with reflections by Katherine Paterson and illustrations by Pamela Dalton, this collection draws on sources from ancient to current, from cultures as diverse as native American, Celtic, Vietnamese, and the prolific "anonymous". The poems and thoughts reflect on shared meals, family, inner spirits, and community. The paper cut art is as complex and direct as the text, inviting careful examination and providing ample reasons to return again and again. (If you're a fan of papercut art/ illustrations, Pamela Dalton's name above for more incredible cut-paper art that you can imagine!)

Whether these titles, or holidays, or thoughts of mine matter to you or not, I thank you for reading them, and wish you and those you care for an opportunity to share your blessings and memories together in peace throughout the holiday season.

Thanksgiving- from Many Points of View

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebration observed at different times and with various traditions around the world. Even in this country it had a mixed history until it was first formalized as a national day of thanks by President Lincoln, as noted in a last week's post.

Long before that, long before the Pilgrims ever landed at Plymouth Rock, Native Americans honored Mother Earth and her bounty with harvest ceremonies and celebrations. It is foolish to suggest that any one person, blog, or group speaks for all Native Americans, but it is safe to say that attitudes about traditional American Thanksgiving are wide-ranging, and much more complex than typically depicted in the Pilgrims/Indians tales.

Lee & Low Books, 1995

One way to incorporate a balanced approach to this holiday is to share a simple and powerful picture book by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr. GIVING THANKS: A NATIVE AMERICAN GOOD MORNING MESSAGE offers an inspiring start to Thanksgiving or any day of the year.

The words of thanks in this Reading Rainbow book come from Native People known as the Haudenosaunee, or more commonly, the Iroquois or Six Nations, whose native lands centered around the Great Lakes.

Puffin Books, 2002

Reflecting for even a few minutes on this book is a perfect prelude to reading BROTHER EAGLE, SISTER SKY, a message from Chief Seattle, with remarkable and inspiring paintings by Susan Jeffers. His message about the need to respect every aspect of the Earth and its resources, his plea to recognize that we are but one strand in a web that is both vibrant and fragile, rings even more true today than it was over a hundred years ago when his words were first spoken.
Read what Kirkus Review had to say about this timely and timeless book.

Scholastic Paperback, 2000

Speaking of timeless, here's another challenge for anyone willing to search libraries, used book stores, or online resellers. A THANKSGIVING WISH, by Michael J.Rosen, illustrated by John Thompson, is the perfect selection for those dealing with the loss of a loved one, for those still struggling to recover  from the East Coast superstorm, and for those who believe traditions can draw us closer, especially at holiday times.

With a cumulative 4.29 stars, this synopsis is from Goodreads:
"After her grandmother Bubbe's death, Amanda is worried that Thanksgiving will never be the same. But when she recalls Bubbe's favorite custom -- having her grandchildren make wishes on wishbones she had saved up throughout the year -- Amanda and her family discover the power and comfort embedded in tradition."
I'll add to that. This Thanksgiving story, unlike most, features a Jewish family, a massive storm and power outage, and the generosity of strangers. 

Here's hoping that one or all of these titles find their way into your lives this week or some time in the future. All provide food for thought, as well as heartwarming illustrations and reflections. 

I'm wishing everyone happiness and good company on Thanksgiving and every day.