2008 Sydney Taylor Honor Award for Young Readers

Inspired by a 16th century midrash, Zalben's tale of creation begins with emptiness like a blank canvas. The creator wanted to paint everything with a special light so that it would shine with goodness. This light was so special that it had to be stored away. When the creator tried to open the jar of light, it shattered with sparks flying everywhere. With beautiful paintings and intricate collages made with varied materials, Jane Breskin Zalben brings to life this timeless legend about why people were created: to find the light and repair the world.