Elijah's Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas

by Michael J. Rosen, Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson (Illustrator)

Michael and Elijah are friends, but when Elijah gives Michael one of his special carved angels, Michael doesn’t know what to do. How can he possibly take home a Christmas angel, a forbidden graven image--especially on Chanukah? “A strikingly illustrated story that tenderly bridges the boundaries of age, race, and religion.”-- American Bookseller

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Jewish, Holiday, Friendship, Art, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 1992

About the author

Rosen's Website should provide all this and more. It's http://www.fidosopher.com.
Nonetheless: Michael J. Rosen is an American author and illustrator with over 120 books of fiction, nonfiction, humor, picture books, poetry, and more. With a strong interest in nature and animals, reflecting his animal behavior degree from Ohio State University, Rosen resides within a peaceful crease of Central Ohio with his pack of animal companions that include 2 small koi ponds he helped build on the 100 acres he shares in the foothills of the Ohio Appalachians. An avid dog lover, he was inspired by Chant, his newest Australian stumpy-tail cattle dog, which led to the creation of his newest book of fiction, The Tale of Rescue, which will be released in October 2015. With an MFA in poetry from Columbia University, Rosen also showcases his skills and talents in other projects such as The Maine Coon’s Haiku: And Other Poems for Cat Lovers (2015).

Reviews

[Whole And · Rating 3 out of 5]

The holiday season should bring people together and not separate us.

A heart warming story of how a Christian and Jewish family know the real value of the holidays and do not guard against each other because of different beliefs.

I deeply appreciate this story and the values present here.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful story about friendship between two very different people. It is based on the author's friendship with Elijah Pierce who's barbershop was covered in his wooden carvings. all of his work was based on bible stories. Elijah was an elderly Black Christian, and Michael a young White Jewish boy. And yet their friendship endured. One year, Elija gave he boy a carved guardian angel. Michael was afraid that his parents would disapprove, but they said that it may represent one thing to Elijah, but it also represented his friendship. As an adult, I found the story warm and enchanting. The sophisticated oil paintings are beautiful. However, although this is a picture book it is not intended for preschoolers. The book is much longer, each page is filled with paragraphs in small font and the ar style is not one that little kids would appreciate. I recommend this story for middle grade readers instead.

[Sandra]

Very sweet, I loved the part where his parents say the angel doesn't have to mean the same thing to him as it meant for Elijah and that the care behind it was the important part.

It's hard to review given both the author and illustrator's connections to the original Elijah. But it's awfully static and wordy to read to children, and I'm not sure how engaging they'd find the art.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected friendship between a Christian senior African-American barber and a Jewish boy leads to a story about how they respect and honor one another’s celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah respectively.

No provisions for understanding either holiday, so may want to provide context for them if your children are unfamiliar with either holy celebration.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique and beautiful!

[Melissa Ganka-Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sweet story about love and the coming together of two religious holidays. “Obey God and Live”

[Deborah]

At Christmas-Hanukkah time, Elijah, a Christian woodcarver in his eighties shows his affection for Michael, a nine-year-old Jewish friend by giving him a carved angel. Michael struggles with accepting the Christmas gift until he realizes that friendship means the same thing in any religion. A very touching story, illustrated with beautiful oil paintings.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! About a friendship between a Christian man and a Jewish boy. About acceptance, love and understanding. This is a good children's read along the lines of "The Faith Club." Highly recommend!

My favorite we've read this season (2008)

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the message of tolerance and understanding regarding the holiday season between the Christian and Jewish characters. Also loved the Columbus connections both within the book, and with the illustrator, the late Aminah Robinson.

[Debra Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to read this after seeing Elijah Pierce's work at the Columbus Museum of Art this summer. The story is a good one, and the connection to this real, giving, kind, and talented man makes it even better. The illustrations convey some of the feel of his carvings.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My collection of children's Christmas/Hanukkah books is something I hold very dear. ELijah's Angel is one of my favorites.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shows an important message of tolerance and diversity during the holidays. The book combines Chanukah and Christmas traditions as two very different friends exchange gifts.

[Ruth Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

it made me cry.

[Mr. Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story draws you in like a warm fireplace on a cold night. The story is short but the heart and emotion it conveys is powerful. It's a tender one, that it is!

[Emelda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but over the head of my kids- too wordy, not enough pictures. Lovely story about the things children may worry about navigating the different cultures of our family and friends.

[Lamar Daniel]

It is very interesting learning about different holiday cultures. It make you want to research more information about it. The students would write a story of what they wanted for Christmas!