Oskar and the Eight Blessings
Richard Simon and Tanya Simon; illustrated by Mark Siegel
Roaring Brook Press
Winner of the 2015 National Jewish Book Award for Children's Literature
A refugee seeking sanctuary from the horrors of Kristallnacht, Oskar arrives by ship in New York City with only a photograph and an address for an aunt he has never met. It is both the seventh day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, 1938. As Oskar walks the length of Manhattan, from the Battery to his new home in the north of the city, he passes experiences the city's many holiday sights, and encounters it various residents. Each offers Oskar a small act of kindness, welcoming him to the city and helping him on his way to a new life in the new world. This is a heartwarming, timeless picture book.
Kansas State Reading Circle, Booklist Editors' Choice
Praise for Oskar and the Eight Blessings
Winner of the 2015 National Jewish Book Award for Children's Literature
“Eloquently rendered in art and text. . . The descriptive prose has lyrical touches, while vibrantly accented, softly-shaded illustrations incorporate varying perspectives and historical details.” —Booklist, starred review
“A wonderful, heartwarming picture book for any library at any time of year.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Wonderfully original in every way.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Siegel's paneled illustrations make anything seem possible. . . They glow. People used to say that the streets of America were paved with gold, and this book almost makes you believe it.” —Kirkus Reviews
Reviews from Goodreads
Tanya Simon
Tanya Simon
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Richard Simon
Richard Simon
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For Parents and Educators
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