Richard Ho’s picture book A FLAME BURNS ON: LIGHTING THE YAHRZEIT CANDLE (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2026), illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami, is a touching, thoughtful story that introduces young readers to the concept of a yahrzeit candle. After her mom lights a candle, a young girl shares loving memories of her beloved uncle. The warm illustrations reflect the family relationships and perfectly complement the text. Lyric and engaging, this gentle story will be a great comfort to children and families dealing with loss. It’s an honor to chat with Richard about the creation of A FLAME BURNS ON: LIGHTING THE YAHRZEIT CANDLE.
Welcome, Richard!
Why do you think it’s important for kids to learn about yahrzeit candles?
Because the custom of lighting a yahrzeit candle is a beautiful illumination of a comforting truth: that the loss of a loved one does not diminish their impact on our lives. Yahrzeit translates to “time of year” in Yiddish and traditionally refers to the anniversary of a death. Mourning and memory are universal experiences that transcend cultures, so the concept of yahrzeit should feel familiar and resonant whether you’re Jewish or not. But when it comes to books that grapple with this subject, very few are geared toward younger readers. Writing A Flame Burns On was an attempt to fill a need for children’s books that help kids navigate loss.
The text in A FLAME BURN ON is both sparse and powerful. What challenges did you face in getting it “just right” in the writing process?
Finding the right balance in tone was important. While there is undeniable sadness in the absence of a loved one, there is also the notion of yahrzeit as a celebration. When we light the candle every year, we rekindle joyful memories of our loved one that live alongside the feelings of missing them. I found that the best way to express that complex duality was through the simple statements of the girl in the story. In describing what the yahrzeit candle means for her family, she earnestly captures the full emotional spectrum of Jewish remembrance.
If a family was not familiar with lighting a yahrzeit candle for a loved one, how would you suggest they introduce the practice in their home?
Hopefully this book can give them an accessible overview! Of course, there is no wrong way to honor the memory of a loved one. If they’re interested in exploring the idea of yahrzeit, I would suggest getting a candle of any sort, even if it isn’t meant to last an entire day. The actual lighting isn’t as important as the reflection and conversation it sparks.
What were your thoughts when you first saw Carmel Ben Ami’s illustrations?
They took my breath away! Carmel’s illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, from the warm colors to the love so inherent in the expressions of the characters. I’ll also mention that the uncle in the story is a tribute to my brother-in-law, who passed away over a decade ago. And even though I never sent Carmel any pictures for reference, her depiction ended up bearing an uncanny resemblance to the real person! Just another sign that Carmel was meant to be the illustrator for this book.
The author and illustrator notes at the end of the book are very moving. Can you tell me a bit about the choice to include these personal thoughts?
I think the fact that both of us have had personal experience with loss and mourning is something that adds to the authenticity of the story. Speaking for myself, the making of this book has been emotionally cathartic. It’s been so gratifying to see it come to life in a manner that truly honors the memory of my brother-in-law, and I’m so thankful to Carmel and the team at Knopf for their partnership. I hope the book provides comfort to readers who need it, and helps spread more light in the world.
Thank you, Richard!
Richard Ho is the acclaimed author of many picture books, including The Lost Package, illustrated by Jessica Lanan, which received four starred reviews, and Two New Years, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield, which was a Sydney Taylor Gold Medalist and a National Jewish Book Award Winner. He lives with his family in New Jersey.