The Miracle Jar

Sophie and her brother are excited by the arrival of Hanukkah, and they happily clean the cottage and shine the Menorah as their gift to the family.

But when their mother shares her worry that they do not have enough cooking oil to last the eight days of Hanukkah, Father tells them the story behind the holiday celebration and the miracle of the oil. Inspired by the story, the family creates their own Miracle Jar and watches the oil disappear as they enjoy the special food that each day brings. The family’s hope and faith is confirmed when a last wipe with a cloth produces just enough oil to enjoy the eighth day’s treat.

In this heartwarming story told by bestselling author Audrey Penn, the flicker of the Menorah candles links past to present, and the miracle of the oil transcends the ages and reminds readers of the spirit of Hanukkah and the continuing possibility of miracles.

Picture Book | Ages 4 – 7
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-933718-26-2 | 32 pages | $8.95
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-933718-49-1 | $8.95
Lexile Level: 880 | Guided Reading Level: O | Grade Level: 3-4 | Reading Recovery Level: NA

Meet Author Audrey Penn

Audrey Penn started her career as a ballerina dancing with the National Ballet, New York City Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, and the Danny Diamond Dance Theatre. In 1980, she became too ill with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) to continue dancing but, because she had participated in children’s theatre, children’s dance, and always enjoyed children’s literature, she turned to writing children’s books for her creative outlet.

Her passion for advocacy for children continually molds her writing style and subject matter. She has created her writing program – The Writing Penn – into schools, libraries, and children’s hospitals, where she shapes and refines her story ideas in partnership with kids.

Today, Audrey has written over 13 books and is a New York Times bestselling author.

Meet Illustrator Lea Lyon

Lea Lyon is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and portrait artist who has made a childhood dream come true. Lea loved to draw and paint as a child, taking art classes and painting in oils when she was 12 years old. And, she wanted to be a children’s book illustrator when she grew up.

She ended up going in a different direction; college, raising a family, running a small doll and puppet business, then back to school for an MBA and into the corporate world as a marketing product manager.

However, Lea never gave up on her dream and has now illustrated half a dozen children’s books and is writing as well.

Lea lives in Richmond, CA with her husband.

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The Miracle Jar Reviews

The Miracle Jar is a sweet story that teaches us that miracles are not only big and happening long ago and far away, but can be small and in our own lives”

Rabbi Jeffrey Marker

“Penn’s storytelling provides a real sense of the holiday’s significance through joyful, yet simple celebration while Lyon’s cheerful and energetic watercolors depict an “old country” environment. A nice addition to classic retellings..”

Kirkus Reviews

“A satisfying holiday tale with a nostalgic feel.”

School Library Journal