On the eve of Hanukkah, the People of Chelm have received a special gift from the Mayor of Lublin. A giant menorah in which they place in the square for all the admire. Every night, the villagers meet to watch the lighting of a candle on the menorah. And every night, the villagers ponder What is the most fitting way to thank the Mayor of Lublin?

The villagers come up with idea after idea, but their gift never quite reaches the Mayor. What will they do? Finally, on the last night of Hanukkah, Yitzi has an idea to orchestrate the surprise thank you gift.

Reviews

"Ungar's tale draws upon the characteristic Chelm folklore about villagers who are good of heart but not good in the thinking department. His full-bleed watercolor monotone prints pulse with kinetic swirls of blue and gold, recalling Chagall."
- Kirkus

"Ungar's busy watercolor illustrations bleed whimsically together. The resulting magical overlay drives home the holiday message as the villagers realize that it was Yitzi who has had the perfect thank-you all along."
- Booklist

"A sunny tone is set by the bright watercolour and coloured pencil art that glows with bright oranges, reds and blues. The tone carries through the amusing yet meaningful story that explores gratitude group of villagers that needs to come up with a way to thank the mayor for the gift of a giant menorah on the eve of Hanukkah."
- City Parent

Published by Tundra Books
ISBN: 978-1770498129

• Yitzi and the Giant Menorah by Richard Ungar. Copyright © 2016 by Richard Ungar

Excerpted by permission of Tundra Books. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.