At Hanukkah, it’s the candles’ “chance to shine,” and each, including Shabbat and Havdalah candles, is clamoring to be chosen for the first night. All, that is, except a small, shy purple candle named Little Flicker: “Even if he raised his hand, his wick wasn’t high enough to be seen.” But a few of the more self-aware big candles begin to realize that Little Flicker is a real mensch who puts others’ needs ahead of his own, and who understands that “Hanukkah is a reminder that sometimes, even when you are small, you are still capable of miracles.” What better candle to be the shamas, or helping candle—the one that traditionally occupies the “highest place of the menorah”? Kostman’s simple compositions have an unpolished feel, but they impart character-driven interest to the Olitzkys’ calm, sermonlike narrative, allowing the message to shine through. Ages 4–7.

– Publishers Weekly

Nine anthropomorphic candles are at first overjoyed to welcome Hanukkah but then face a crisis. Who is to be the shamash, or helper candle, who glows the highest? As Waxy the wise candle tells the story of the holiday, the others, all primped and groomed, noisily push themselves forward. All except Little Flicker, that is, who has a big heart and a solid work ethic. Even Sparky and Sparkle, the Shabbat candles, put forth their fitness for the position. (One sports a pink bow in its wick and the other a blue bow tie.) Then Ms. Wicks, the Havdalah candle lit at the conclusion of Shabbat, presents her qualifications. Little Flicker softly reminds them that the number of candles lit increases nightly so “the light in the world should only grow brighter.” All the others now know that pious, modest Flicker should be selected.

– Kirkus Reviews

A group of animate candles living in a kitchen drawer are excited about Hanukkah's approach. They enter into a lively debate about who should be lit on the first night of the holiday; the various Hanukkah candles, and oddly, the Shabbat candles, and even the Havdalah candle argue for their own suitability for this role. Only Little Flicker, the smallest candle, hangs back, instead supporting others and providing useful information. At last the rest of the candles realize that modest Little Flicker is so helpful that he should be the shamash, the helper candle. "He smiled brightly because he knew he was there to help. And that was the most important way to bring more light to Hanukkah." The logic of anthropomorphic candles who apparently survive repeated lightings is a bit shaky, and the text is a bit wordy, but overall this is a story with a good heart. Little Flicker is a likeable role model (for other candles and for readers too). The colorful cartoon-style illustrations are basic but cheerful and kid-friendly, and the final spread shows a diverse human Hanukkah party that includes Jews of color and a woman in a kippah. The back matter supplies history and candle-lighting prayers. This story provides a friendly depiction of a Hanukkah celebration, and conveys a fair bit of holiday information at the same time. A pleasant offering.

– Heidi Rabinowitz, Association of Jewish Libraries / Sydeny Taylor Shmooze

For the first time, this father and son have joined their talents to write a picture book about Hanukkah for younger readers. The story of Hanukkah is told through the candles in a drawer waiting and hoping to be the very first candle to be lit. Little Flicker is the smallest candle. He is always willing to help the others whether it is making sure the other candles eat first or to help get all the dust out of the corner. As the message of Hanukkah is shared and the other candles try to convince each other why they should be the first candle lit, they slowly realize there is one of them that truly has the spirit of the Shamash and should be the first candle. Throughout the story of the candles the authors find a way to work in the meaning of Hanukkah and how it is celebrated. Many lessons are shared throughout the story including a reminder that even if you are small, you can still be capable of miracles. The illustrations show the candles and their various personalities. Their life in the drawer includes eating dinner, brushing teeth, and primping to prepare for their big Hanukkah debut. The end of the book shares a full-page spread of a family celebrating Hanukkah complete with a cat playing with a dreidel and lots of delicious food. This would make a perfect gift for a new family looking to incorporate Hanukkah traditions in their home. This is a book that can be read again and again every year. This fall marks the launch of Kalaniot Books, a new imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing that aims to introduce young readers to the rich mosaic of Jewish culture and history with books by Jewish authors and artists around the world. Their books will offer families the tools to explore and celebrate the diversity of the Jewish community so that it can continue to flourish like the wild poppies, or “kalaniot,” that bloom in Israel every spring. There are four more children’s books planned for a March 2021 publication date under Kalaniot Books.

– Stacie Gorkow, Sincerely Stacie