From one sunset to the next, join a child and his family as they light a yahrzeit candle in remembrance of his grandfather and all of the beautiful memories they have with him. A peaceful celebration of the memories our loved ones leave with us when they pass. I was sad when Grandpa died. I think about how sad Mom was too. Mom says she misses Grandpa, but all her memories are like shining lights. Grandpa died last November. Now, one year later on the anniversary of his death, a boy and his family light a special candle. It's not a birthday, Hanukkah, or Shabbat candle. It's a yahrzeit candle in remembrance of him, and it will burn all night and all day tomorrow until sunset. But why does it burn for so long? The boy and his family spend the next night and day remembering Grandpa and sharing stories with each other. From his stylish hats, to piano duets, and apple squares for dessert, warm memories of Grandpa shine like stars with them while the yahrzeit candle burns ? and continue to shine when it goes out. . Features the Jewish memorial tradition of a yahrzeit candle . Demonstrates how happy memories of our loved ones help us deal with grief . Endnotes with more on the Jewish calendar and memorial traditions AGES: 6 to 8 AUTHOR: Alison Goldberg is the author of fiction and nonfiction picture books. She often finds writing inspiration from family stories and thinking about the ways that stories can connect people across generations. Alison lives near Boston, Massachusetts. You can visit her online at AlisonGoldberg.com. Selina Alko spends her days dreaming and remembering in her Brooklyn, New York, studio where she mixes collaged papers and acrylic paint to make richly textured illustrations for children's books. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Selina often thinks about her Turkish father who taught her how to paint and encouraged her to become an artist. SELLING POINTS: . JEWISH REPRESENTATION: Introduces a Jewish memorial tradition not usually seen in picture books . SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING: Demonstrates a positive way for children to deal with a loss of a loved one . AWARD-WINNING ILLUSTRATOR: Gorgeous collage-style artwork from award-winning illustrator Selina Alko. Illustrator of Sharing Shalom (National Jewish Book Award 2024, Sydney Taylor Award Notable 2025), Stars of the Night (National Jewish Book Award Finalist 2024, ALA Notable Children's Book 2024, Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year 2024), I is for . IMMIGRANTS (Silver Medal in Society of Illustrators 2022, Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year 2022) . EXTENDED ENDNOTES: Include more information on the Jewish calendar and memorial traditions
