Review: A Bright Light in Buenos Aires
A Bright Light in Buenos Aires by Santiago Nader, illustrated by Paula Wegman Kalaniot Books, 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Shirley Reva Vernick Buy at Bookshop.org In Buenos Aires, Dani is a regular boy leading a regular life, with one exception: everywhere he goes, a large, bright light follows him. The light can be helpful (like when the electricity goes out) or annoying (like when it blocks the Shabbat candles’ light). Dani wants to be like the other kids, and he’s afraid no one will come to his birthday party because he’s so different. His classmates do come, but his light causes trouble during an impromptu soccer game – Dani is upset! His mom helps him see that his light is the light of his soul, a gift from God that makes him special, a gift he should share with others. Dani finds a way to temporarily share bits of the light with his friends, helping them understand how uniquely remarkable they each are. In the end, Dani is happy with his light, knowing that he’s perfec