Children's Book Review: 'The Story of Hanukkah Howie'

Bad hair days happen, but when you're Hanukkah Howie, they seem to happen at the same time each year -- and not just for one day, but for eight days in a row.

The Story of Hanukkah Howie, beautifully written and illustrated by Jan and Bob Dalrymple, is about a little boy whose hair seems to grow "spikes" each year around Hanukkah. By the end of holiday celebration, the child has nine hair spikes growing out of his head and they look very similar to the candles on a menorah.

When this first happens, Howie is a baby and his mother tries to cover it up, smash it down and even get rid of it -- anything to make the strange hair style go away. As Howie grows older, he tries the same thing. It wasn't until he was an adult when he realizes that his crazy hair is really just his special gift given to him from God.

One night, while delivering packages to a family's Hanukkah celebration (he was a delivery man in college), his "secret" about his hair was revealed when his hat fell off. While he was a bit embarrassed at first, Howie soon realized that he and his strange hair had a purpose. His presence at this party brought joy and hope to a family who was sad over a sick relative.

From then on, he was proud of his crazy hair and being known as "Hanukkah Howie."

The Story of Hanukkah Howie is a warm and fun-loving book written in rhyme. It is catchy, exciting and adventurous. It's a great read for all children, especially those who are just learning about the Hanukkah holiday.

The book, which is good for preschool children and older, also teaches that even though someone may look funny or different, it doesn't mean that aren't special. Everyone has a special gift from God that should be shared not hidden underneath a hat.

The Story of Hanukkah Howie can be purchased from the book's website (www.hanukkahhowie.com ), from Amazon.com, or from just about any bookstore. It is being distributed nationally by Baker & Taylor, and by Partners West.

• Author: Jan Dalrymple
• Illustrator: Bob Dalrymple
• Release date: October 2010
• Reading level: Preschool and up
• Hardcover, 40 pages
• ISBN: 978-1598491081
• Publisher: Peanut Butter Publishing
• Genre: Children's Picture Books, Hanukkah Books

Author's Note: Check out my blog, Reading with My Eyes Shut, for a one-on-one interview with children's author and illustrator Jan and Bob Dalrymple.