The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol by Arthur A. Levine. Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. unpgd. Candlewick Press, September, 2020. 9780763697419. (Review of finished copy given to review as a gift.)
On the first night of Hanukkah my true love gave to me...this book with a touching inscription. We've been together since 1984, married since 1985. Ever since, we've celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah in our own way. Christmas decorations do not go up until Christmas Eve. The years that Christmas and Hanukkah overlap are a tiny bit tricky. All ornaments are secular and, in the first years of our marriage, our tree was balled and burlap and planted in a pre-dug hole two days after Christmas. We also have holiday shelves in our vast home library. This sparkling (literally) book will be our newest addition.
"Nate Gadol was a great big spirit who had eyes as shiny as golden coins and a smile that was lantern bright." He was a do-gooder, who helped people in small ways by making things stretch a bit. He was especially fond of the Glaser family who, in 1881, made their way in steerage to the United States. He helped Mrs. Glaser make the small bit of chocolate she saved enough for the entire family to celebrate Purim.
Once the Glaser family settles in America, they are quick to befriend the O'Malley family. The winter of 1881 is a hard one though and Nate helps the Glaser family make ends meet. When baby Kerry O'Malley falls ill, there's nothing that Nate can do; but Mr. Glaser sells a bench he made and gives the money to the O'Malley family to buy medicine. As Christmas and Hanukkah approach, it seems that the celebrations will be spare. Even Santa seems a little at a loss. His sleigh is much lighter than usual.
Apparently Santa and Nate go way back and the two team up to make the holidays a little bit richer. This includes presents in addition to chocolate for the Glasers.
An author's note explains the inspiration behind this "supplemental mythology." The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and I'm not really a fan of gilt in illustrations. What a wonderful addition to any library.
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