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About Shmelf The Hanukkah Elf
Review "McWilliam's digital illustrations are bright and busy . . . Those in search of seasonal stories that contain a blend of Christmas and Hanukkah will find an entertaining tale here." - Kirkus Reviews Product Description In this delightfully inventive holiday tale, an elf named Shmelf takes a journey from the North Pole . . . and discovers all the joys of Hanukkah.Shmelf is one of Santa's most important elves. He's part of the List Checking department, and he makes sure all the good boys and girls get their presents! But when Shmelf finds out that some children are missing from Santa’s list, he goes to investigate.What Shmelf uncovers is Hanukkah, a wondrous and joyful holiday that Jewish families celebrate each year. As Shmelf observes a family lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and hearing the Hanukkah story, he sees how special the traditions of the holiday truly are--and he wants to be a part of it! Luckily, Santa just might have a special role in mind for Shmelf . . .The rich traditions of Hanukkah come to life in this whimsical and magical story that’s perfect for the holiday season. From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 1—If you have Jewish children worrying about why they don't get Christmas presents even though they've been good, they can thank new elf Shmelf for raising the question with Santa. After witnessing a family's Hanukkah celebrations, Shmelf is delighted: "'Hey, now I get it!' Shmelf said with a grin./'Hanukkah's awesome! I'm totally in!' " Santa, happy that Shmelf cares for Jewish children, decks him out in a blue and white outfit and sends him out with a Jewish reindeer to ensure a good holiday for eight nights in December (some years in November). Bright, colorful illustrations and a perky couplet scheme make this a viable, if odd, storytime title, but somehow the message just seems awkward and leaves a patronizingly bad taste. VERDICT Does Santa really need to mess with Hanukkah? Not recommended.—Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library About the Author Greg Wolfe was raised a nice Jewish boy who also happened to be a true believer in Santa, elves, and flying reindeer. Greg lives in Southern California with his wife and young son (for whom he wrote Shmelf, to prove that Santa believes in him too). Howard McWilliam left his career as a financial journalist and editor to draw pictures instead. He has illustrated eight other picture books, including I Need My Monster, which won seven state reader awards and been translated into five languages. He lives in Cheltenham, England, with his wife and two young sons. www.howardmcwilliam.com
