Review: A Dragon Called Spark

A Dragon Called Spark: A Hanukkah Story

by Lily Murray, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman

Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing), 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Jodie Sadowsky

 

Buy at Bookshop.org

Eva expects Hanukkah to feel very different this year. She’s moved to “a new street, a new town” far away from her friends. Eva takes comfort in the company of her pet dragon, Spark, who she imagines might be lonely. Eva’s sister laughs and says it would take a miracle for Spark to find a dragon friend. Eva wishes for it anyway: a friend for each of them. When Hanukkah begins, the family’s hanukkiyah in the window interests Charlie, a neighborhood boy, who asks about the candles. Soon, the two are sharing Hanukkah treats, and Eva finally feels brave enough to tell Charlie about Spark. Charlie tries his hardest to see Spark. Later, at the playground, Eva suspects Charlie has told the other children about her pet dragon and that they are all laughing at her. Endearingly, Eva is able to share Spark's magic, and soon, all the children wish for a dragon too. The miracle of Hanukkah shines through in a sweet and satisfying ending fitting the season when, as Eva’s mom describes, “even things that seem impossible can happen.” The light shines brightly as Eva and her new friends find connection and joy.

The earth-toned illustrations are vibrant, with colorful swirls surrounding Spark, the light from the hanukkiyah and the other dragons the children conjure up. The setting is urban with brownstones and lovely city parks. Diverse families and faces are represented in terms of ethnicity and family make-up.

Eva’s family includes her mom and sister and lots of traditional Hanukkah traditions: latkes with applesauce, donuts filled with jam, the hanukkiyah placed in the window and conversation about Hanukkah miracles and light. Through the new neighbor, Charlie, Eva is able to share some basic information about Hanukkah, and additional concepts are presented in the backmatter, including the history of the holiday and the role of the shamash. 

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN REVIEWING BOOKS FOR THE SYDNEY TAYLOR SHMOOZE? CLICK HERE

 

Reviewer Jodie Sadowsky is the author of the newly-released children’s book, A SUKKAH FOR BELLA, published by early childhood development company, Lovevery, as well as essays appearing in Kveller, The Huffington Post, CNN, and more. Jodie serves on the selection committee for the Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children’s Literature and on her local library foundation board.