The House Without Lights: A Glowing Celebration of Joy, Warmth, and Home

PreS-Gr 3–The darkest home in the neighborhood, House is thrilled to welcome its new family; after all, House “longed to be like its neighbors with glowing Christmas trees, stockings hanging over crackling fireplaces, and a mailbox stuffed with cards.” Maybe now that Huda and her family have moved in, it would finally be House’s turn to shine. House waits patiently, but Huda’s family doesn’t decorate for the holidays. So focused on its lack of lights, House fails to notice all the light radiating from within: perhaps no Christmas lights hang from its roof, but warm hues emanate from inside as pinks, yellows, and earth tones surround a full, loving family. Lush illustrations beautifully complement the evocative text, as cold snow and ample white space yield to spreads rich with warmth and color. House slowly begins to feel “warm and cozy with its new family.” When Eid arrives a few months later, House twinkles: “It was finally House’s turn to shine.” With an author’s note introducing the celebration of Eid, this story educates readers about an important Muslim tradition while also providing a gentle nod to Muslim readers on the dilemma of being the only house on the block not celebrating—at least with lights—Christmas, Hanukkah, or Diwali.