This tale for tots conflates the light of Shabbat candles with other pleasant and helpful lights that they might encounter. These include a flashlight helping people to find their way; lanterns at an evening picnic; a lighthouse that aids sailors; the moon and stars; fireflies; and a soft nightlight in a child’s room.
The overall impact of the simple tale is to equate light with goodness, safety, and wonder. The message is reinforced by illustrations that glow in the dark.
Although family members portrayed in this story celebrate Shabbat by lighting candles, drinking wine, and eating challah, they appear to be otherwise nontraditional in their observance. As can be seen on the book cover, neither the father nor the son is pictured wearing a kippah while making the Shabbat blessings. One infers that the message is that one does not have to be observant to nevertheless appreciate Jewish ritual and the beauty of lights around us.