Six-year-old Owen Block is proud to assume a new role during his family’s celebration of Hanukkah: he is the O.C.L., or Official Candle Lighter. After he capably lights the menorah’s candles each night, his grandmother tells him a story. One of the stories is about a little girl who yearns to be a cowboy, another stars a boy with natural comedic talents (including belching the Alphabet Song), and a third is about a dentist who trains his pet parrot to entertain nervous patients. Each of these stories, as well as four others, features a member of Owen’s extended family. By sharing them with Owen, his grandmother reinforces the connections of family and history during the holiday celebration. The last night of Hanukkah finds the cast of characters introduced in the stories sitting together around the dinner table. Children will enjoy matching each adult with their earlier self, as depicted in grandmother’s nightly stories. (Ages 4–8)