The Hanukkah Story for Everyone. The year was 1932; the setting was Atlantic City. It was the "Great Depression," and Herman Bluestone (the child on the cover), was only six years old when his father died. Hanukkah arrived, and the boy wnted to light the candles on the menorah (the traditional holiday candle holder). His mother had no money, but she couldn"t disappoint her youngest son. From an oddly misshapen potato, Mrs. Bluestone carved her family a treasured menorah. Based on that bit of family history, Eileen Bluestone Sherman authored a picture book titled, The Odd Potato. Today, it can be found in libraries around the world. Following its publication, Eileen and her sister, Gail, set their father"s story to music. The production still delights audiences. Their newest adaptation, Broadway Sings The Odd Potato, debuted in New York in 2003. With its universal message, the story also inspired an Emmy Award winning television special and a limited edition Hallmark greeting card for Hanukkah.