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The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol


By Arthur A. Levine
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2020. Picture book.

On their first Hanukkah in the United States, the Glaser family has little money to celebrate the Jewish holiday. Luckily, the mythical, larger-than-life figure of Nate Gadol is watching and is eager to share his talent for making things last as long as they need to. After partnering up with his friend from way-back, the well-known Santa Claus, Nate Gadol is able to stretch holiday gifts into enough for the Glasers and their neighbors the O'Malleys. 

Arthur A. Levine, a veteran of children's publishing, invents his own supplemental mythology for the holiday season by introducing a Hanukkah figure who is as charming as he is miraculous. Beautifully painted illustrations, with gold detailing on every spread, ensure that this holiday story will become a beloved addition to a long list of holiday picture books.

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