The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story

K-Gr 2–In this feel-good story, Flicker, one of the candles in the Hanukkah drawer, knows he will not be the first to be lighted because he is the smallest and his wick is not “enough to be seen.” Despite his size, Flicker is the kindest and most thoughtful candle, always cleaning the drawer where he and the other candles are kept, and ever helpful. Waxy, who is seen as the wisest of candles, begins the discussion of which candle will be lighted first. Shine, Glimmer, twins Sparky and Sparkle, and a host of other candles begin making the case for why they should be chosen, while Flicker sits at the back, listening and commenting softly. While Waxy is attending to the other candles, he begins to think of Flicker and the many ways he has put others above himself. Flicker truly is deserving of being lighted first. The Olitskys serve up a quiet story that is gentle about the foibles of the other candles while nudging Flicker to his place as star of the show. The humans celebrating Hanukkah are of various skin tones and ages.