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 the Author & Illustrator


Audrey PennAudrey Penn takes her one-woman educational program, the Writing Penn, into schools, libraries, and children’s hospitals where she shapes and refines her story ideas in partnership with kids. She is also highly sought after as a conference keynote speaker by groups of teachers and other professionals who work with children.

Author Website


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 has made her childhood wish to be a children’s book illustrator come true.

Illustrator Website

All Books by Author


Chester Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover 2016 Book Cover
The Kissing Hand 2016 Book Cover
A Pocket Full of Kisses 2016 Book Cover
A Kiss Goodbye 2016 Book Cover
Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully 2016 Book Cover
Chester the Brave 2016 Book Cover
Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories 2016 Book Cover
A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon Board Book Cover
A Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon Board Book Cover
A Color Game for Chester Raccoon Board Book Cover
A.D.D. not B.A.D. Book Cover
Feathers and Fur Book Cover
Sassafras Book Cover
The Miracle Jar Book Cover
Mystery at Blackbeard's Cove Book Cover
Blackbeard and the Gift of Silence Book Cover
Blackbeard and the Sandstone Pillar Book Cover
The Whistling Tree Cover
Un Beso en Mi Mano 2016 Book Cover

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