Yitzi and the Giant Menorah

On the eve of Hanukkah, the People of Chelm have received a special gift from the Mayor of Lublin. A giant menorah in which they place in the square for all the admire. Every night, the villagers meet to watch the lighting of a candle on the menorah. And every night, the villagers ponder What is the most fitting way to thank the Mayor of Lublin?

The villagers come up with idea after idea, but their gift never quite reaches the Mayor. What will they do? Finally, on the last night of Hanukkah, Yitzi has an idea to orchestrate the surprise thank you gift.PRAISE FOR Yitzi and the Giant Menorah:

“.... a pleasant addition to Hanukkah collections.” --Kirkus Reviews


“Ungar’s… compositions are tightly focused, his signature folkloric style and swirling pastels make for some stunning, if earnest (given the subject matter) images.” --Publishers Weekly


“Successfully blending Jewish folklore and distinctive visuals, this holiday title shines bright. A must-purchase for holiday collections.” --School Library Journal


"The writing is vivid and engaging.” --CM Magazine


“Ungar’s busy watercolor illustrations bleed whimsically together. The resulting magical overlay drives home the holiday message…” --Booklist


“The text’s conversational storytelling style invites readers (or listeners) to settle in, while wildly bright watercolor monoprints, often balanced by black-and-white spot art on facing pages, reflect both the Chelmites’ confusion and their sense of wonder.” --The Horn Book Magazine 
RICHARD UNGAR balances the worlds of law, art, and writing. A practicing lawyer by profession, he devotes his leisure hours to painting and writing. He has studied painting at the Ontario College of Art and Design. He also took a five-month sabbatical to paint in France and Jerusalem. His work can be found in private collections in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Washington, and Denver. He lives with his wife, two sons and cat in Toronto. The author lives in Toronto, ON.