When Mindy Saved Hanukkah - Eric A. Kimmel, Barbara McClintock
This is a very charming Borrowers meets Hanukkah parable illustrated by the incomparable Barbara McClintock. It seems (so far) that she can do no wrong in my eyes. I'm always enchanted by her unique old fashioned illustrations. Here we have a diminutive, turn-of-the-century Jewish family (the Kleins) living in the walls of a synagogue. They find to their dismay that a cat has moved in and his presence threatens to interfere with their annual Hanukkah celebration. Mindy bravely volunteers to retrieve the holiday candle. What follows is a delightful little story with a nice message about how bravery and loyalty can overcome brute strength. Very highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique story for the holidays or any time really.