Lighting the Way

A celebration of Chanukah and community

Every year, when Chanukah comes around, my son (one of the few Jewish children at his primary school) is asked to explain the festival to his class. He’s proud to share his traditions, but after a few years, I wondered why the responsibility to educate others fell on him.

So, I looked for ways to introduce Chanukah to children who don’t celebrate it and realised there weren’t many resources that truly welcomed everyone into the story of the holiday. I wanted to create something that could bridge that gap, helping schools, families and friends learn about Chanukah while reflecting on its deeper meaning. That’s how Eight Lights, Eight Nights was born.

The book invites readers into a world of glowing menorahs, spinning dreidels and jam-filled donuts, but it’s about more than just traditions. Each night of Chanukah, we visit a different family, watching as small moments (lighting candles, sharing food, welcoming guests) fill their homes with warmth. By the end, the glow of the menorah connects them all, showing how festivals like Chanukah are about creating light not just in winter, but in the world around us.

For me, the most important moment in the book comes when it reflects on how King Antiochus persecuted the Jewish people because he was afraid of what made them different; that fear of difference is just as relevant today as it was back then. I hope this sparks conversations with children about the beauty of diversity and the courage it takes to embrace what makes us unique.

At its heart, Eight Lights, Eight Nights is a story about belonging. My goal is to make Chanukah accessible and meaningful to everyone, while also celebrating its significance for Jewish families. It’s a reminder that, no matter where we come from, the things that make us different can also bring us closer. Whether we’re lighting a menorah, a Christmas tree or Diwali lamps, we all seek light in our lives. When we share that light, we make the world a little brighter for everyone.

NATALIE BARNES Author www.littletiger.co.uk/author -illustrator/natalie-barnes