Description: Eva has moved to a new street in a new town, and everything feels strange and different. Eva doesn't mind being alone because she already has a very special friend-Spark, her dragon. But perhaps Spark would like a dragon friend to play with? So Eva makes a special wish for a Hanukkah miracle.
Brief description: Illustrator Kirsti Beautyman works from her studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne in England. Kirsti uses a range of mediums to build layers of texture and detail, which are combined digitally to create her illustrations. She finds inspiration within mundane daily observations and is often staring vacantly into the distance thinking up narratives and future things she can draw.
Review Quotes: PreS-Gr 3-A heartwarming book that blends the magic of dragons with the traditions of Hanukkah. A young girl adjusts to a new home and the challenge of making friends. With only her invisible dragon, Spark, for company, Eva feels alone until a gentle nudge from her mom leads her to meet the boy next door. At first, Charlie can't see Spark, but as he and Eva grow closer, he sees Spark and begins to imagine a dragon of his own. Eva later shares both Spark and her culture with other kids at the playground, who are enchanted and eager to create dragons, too. The story ends with a joyful Hanukkah celebration where the children and their imagined dragons come together. Gentle storytelling paired with whimsical, charming illustrations bring warmth to each page. The fantastical element of invisible dragons, eventually imagined and created by all the children, beautifully symbolizes the power of imagination and shared experiences in forging friendships. The story subtly but effectively introduces Hanukkah to readers of all backgrounds, offering a celebration of both cultural identity and community. Eva and her family have tan skin and dark hair, Charlie and his family are Black, and the others have a variety of skin tones.
VERDICT A sweet, meaningful addition to holiday collections.--Melanie Leivers "School Library Journal"