"Nate especially liked the Glaser family, who took a boat over from Europe during what should have been the Purim holiday. They'd spent every last penny buying their passage, so of course there was nothing left over for gift baskets. Mrs. Glaser had brought along her last bit of chocolate, planning to share it with the children for the holiday. But when the time neared and she looked at the small lump, wrapped carefully in a handkerchief, her heart sank, knowing it would not be enough."
This new Hanukkah tale hearkens back to the immigration of many Jewish families to America in the late 19th century. Mr. Levine uses it to introduce a bigger-than-life benefactor to Jewish families in need of a boost in spirit, or a change in their life's circumstances. Well dressed, energetic, and always benevolent, Nate helps where he sees the need for help. The Glasers get his particular attention because of who they are, and how they help anyone in need while discounting their own poverty and circumstance.
One extremely cold winter, when there is little food to feed their family, the Glasers give what little money they have earned to help a family with a new baby who needs medicine. Nothing is left for their own children. It seems fitting that, on Christmas Eve, Nate meets up with his old friend, a disheartened Santa. Santa's sleigh magic is running low, due in part to the trouble people are having believing in him in these hard times. A trade between the two - Gadol magic for a Christmas treat - makes each much happier.
Nate's special talent has worked previously: oil that lasted eight nights, making butter stretch for a particular cake, and keeping a dam strong when a storm threatens. It is not surprising that Santa is a friend. The two have magic in common and a wish for happier times for children and families. The two families - one Jewish and one Christian - are recipients of goodwill touched with the magic of the season. In this way, Mr. Levine explains the tradition of Hanukkah presents for Jewish children.
Kevin Hawkes' lush acrylic illustrations will please young readers with their shimmering gold details and hints of enchantment.
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