Lily Murray is based in the United Kingdom and grew up in the wilds of snowy nowhere, spending much of her time talking to animals and making up stories. She has continued to do this in her adult life, and now writes both fiction and non-fiction books for children. 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.

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"

Having moved to a new town, young Eva believes that "Hanukkah's going to be quiet this year," and even her dragon companion Spark, whom not everyone can see, "shone a little dimmer." But Mom notes that Hanukkah is "the season for miracles," and when Eva's family places their hanukkiah in the window, it creates an opportunity to connect with next-door neighbor Charlie. After promising to keep attempting to see the small dragon, Charlie introduces Eva to other children eager to hear about Spark, and shows them how to conjure dragons of their own. Beautyman blends a tender cartoon realism with gentle fantasy as the dragons, each a different hue, fly through the air in swirls of soft color. On the holiday's last night, Eva's new sense of belonging feels complete as her family hosts a party for the new friends where "Eight candles flickered and danced. Eight dragons raced the room, weaving trails of starlight"--a fanciful take on how Hanukkah's message of light illuminates hope and new possibilities. The family is portrayed with pale skin and dark hair; background characters are shown with various skin tones. More about Hanukkah concludes. Ages 4-7. (Sept.)--Editor "Publishers Weekly"

Eva is nervous about Hanukkah this year, in a new town with her friends so far away. But when the neighbor, Charlie, sees the light from the hanukkiah in her window, it prompts him to reach out. Eva is overjoyed to share holiday treats with her new friend--and to tell him about her dragon, Spark, who always keeps her company. In the cozy illustrations of this comforting story about the warmth generated between friends, Spark's presence is a continual delight, shooting off auras of light that match those emanating from the candles.--MICHELLE ANNE SCHINGLER "Foreword Reviews"

Publisher: Kalaniot Books

Pub date: 2025-09-30

Length: 32 pages