The Maccabee on the Mantel by Abra Liberman Garrett and Four Day Weekend, Illustrated by Ivan Escalante, 2013, Viper Comics, $14.99, hardbound, 18 pages. Cover: very good except his beard looks like it's part of his armour. Category/Genre: religious. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon.

This book comes with a plush toy Maccabee (a Jewish warrior), who features prominently in the book.

The book is meant to teach children a bit about Hanukkah and to help them celebrate this Jewish holiday. The basic story of Hanukkah is told in very simple, rhyming verse, along with clean, breezy artwork. The Maccabee (which means 'hammer') toy is to be a friend and companion to remind you that miracles do happen.

Several suggestions for games to play with the Maccabee are given, and readers are encouraged to give their Maccabee a name (first, middle, last, and Hebrew). There's a page of Hebrew blessings, as well.

This is a clever book, and a fresh way of introducing religious history to Jewish children.

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?