Red and Green and Blue and White, written by Lee Wind and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. Levine Querido, Raincoast. 2021. $23.99 ages 5 and up

"When it got dark, Teresa 
flipped the switch, and her 
house glowed Red and Green. 

Across the street, Isaac lit his 
family's decorative menorah, 
and his house glowed 
Blue and White."

It is quite wonderful what kids can do when they set their minds to making a difference in their world. The story opens on a dark night where a community of homes is ablaze in the Red and Green lights of Christmas. Wait! One house shines in Blue and White. 

Two families living across the street from one another have prepared those homes for the coming season. Isaac and his family have placed their menorah in the front window in celebration of Chanukah. His best friend Teresa and her family are just finished decorating their Christmas tree. 

The two friends spend their days together doing what they love to do. Each night their houses glow with light. One night, after dark when everyone is sleeping, someone throws a rock through Isaac's front window, knocking out the menorah's light. 

"Isaac's mom asked, "Should we 
light the menorah again?" 
If they didn't, Isaac knew it would 
be like hiding they were Jewish. 
That didn't feel right."

Wanting to show support for her friend, Teresa puts a hand-drawn picture of a menorah on the front window and labels it for Isaac. It glows blue. Isaac is excited, and from that small act of kindness an idea grows. Soon, wherever you looked in their community, pictures and banners were placed in a show of support for Isaac and his family.    

 

Paul Zelinsky's uses digital media and variety in perspectives to fully fill every spread with bright colors, and the beauty of both darkness and light. Endpapers, both front and back are created in the four colors of the title and bordered by a ring of people standing in solidarity for community. So lovely, and inspiring. Back matter features an author’s note that provides information concerning an actual event that happened in Billings, Montana in 1993, and was the genesis for his book.