This is a new, exciting story that puts a spin on the tradition of presents for Hanukkah.  The magic of the great spirit, Nate Gadol, helps those who pray when things need to last.  He helped the oil last for eight days and nights and continues to do big and small things as needed.  The story focuses on how Nate Gadol extends a small bit of chocolate, saved for a holiday, when the Glaser family emigrates from Europe to America.  The family then extends the good will they feel toward their less fortunate neighbors the O’Malley family.  During the bad winter of 1881, Nate Godol steps in to better the meager situations all the families by assisting Santa Claus, whose sleigh has lost some of its magic, resulting in shiny wrapped presents for all.  Hawkes provides period details in larger than life illustrations of Nate Gadol and the variety of settings depicted.  A brush of gold, Nate’s magic, extends throughout the book and adds to the magical excitement.  Levine provides an author’s note in the back to explain the mix of holidays.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian