"Alko’s multimedia illustrations have the feel of a carefully compiled scrapbook, layering visual grace notes throughout this bittersweet narrative about a treasured ritual"
– Publishers Weekly, starred review
The Remembering Candle
A peaceful celebration of the memories our loved ones leave with us when they pass.
2025 • Ages 6-8
ISBN: 9798888596487
Written by Alison Goldberg
Illustrated by Selina Alko
A peaceful celebration of the memories our loved ones leave with us when they pass.
I was sad when Grandpa died. I think about how sad Mom was too.
Mom says she misses Grandpa, but all her memories are like shining lights.
Grandpa died last November. Now, one year later on the anniversary of his death, a boy and his family light a special candle. It’s not a birthday, Hanukkah, or Shabbat candle. It’s a yahrzeit candle in remembrance of him, and it will burn all night and all day tomorrow until sunset. But why does it burn for so long? The boy and his family spend the next night and day remembering Grandpa and sharing stories with each other. From his stylish hats, to piano duets, and apple squares for dessert, warm memories of Grandpa shine like stars with them while the yahrzeit candle burns – and continue to shine when it goes out.
Awards
2025
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Reviews
"A beautiful presentation of a custom that explores its many layers of meaning"
– BOOKLIST starred review
"This is a first purchase not only because of its high quality, but also because of the scarcity of children’s books about the Jewish memorial custom of yahrzeit"
– SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review
"Alko’s multimedia illustrations have the feel of a carefully compiled scrapbook, layering visual grace notes throughout this bittersweet narrative about a treasured ritual"
– PUBLISHERS WEEKLY starred review
"Alison Goldberg and Selina Alko's picture book, The Remembering Candle (Barefoot Books), makes a beautiful job of gently introducing the concept of yahrzeit"
– THE JEWISH CHRONICLE
"A meaningful and sensitive celebration of life."
– KIRKUS
Listen as this gentle story of loss and remembrance is read aloud. âžœ