Publishers Weekly
10/07/2019
Each night of Hanukkah, Grandma makes a different latke (sweet potato, beet, carrot). And each night also dashes the hopes of the young narrator for a Hanukkah pet; instead, she gets... a strange thermometer? A ceramic bowl? Her grandmother similarly receives gifts that seem to be part of a bigger plan: cinnamon sticks, chocolate, candied cranberries. On the eighth night, all is explained. The girl’s gifts are the accessories necessary for a new pet iguana, while grandmother has everything to make a new variation of kugel—the girl’s favorite dish and, henceforth, the iguana’s name. With cheery, identically composed cartoon spreads leading up to the reveal (the family gathers on the sofa on at left, while the narrator unwraps gifts by the menorah at right), Everin and Ashdown build the suspense for their holiday mystery. A recipe for cranberry chocolate chip kugel is included. Ages 4–9. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"This playful Hanukkah tale warrants praise for two things in particular: a mystery pet adopted from the animal shelter and a modern Grandma who defies ageist stereotypes with her chic haircut and sparkly scarf." — Washington Post
School Library Journal
10/01/2019
PreS-Gr 1—This pleasant Hanukkah book won't explain the holiday to newbies, but those in the know will enjoy following a child through a familiar experience. As each night of Hanukkah arrives, the narrator and her family light the candles and eat a different kind of latke. Each night her grandmother receives some specialty foods, while the child receives a series of oddly mysterious items rather than the pet she desperately wants. Finally, on the last night, there is no present for her. She and her grandmother enter the kitchen and use the grandmother's presents to prepare a kugel. When her present finally arrives—a pet iguana (all of her other gifts were objects to help care for it)—she is delighted and names it Kugel. The text is concise, the child's voice is authentic, the story is plausible, and the foreshadowed ending is satisfying. The tale reads aloud well and effectively depicts Hanukkah as simply part of life. Ashdown's illustrations are brightly colored and appear to be mixed-media, with some watercolor washes and texturing that looks to be provided with crayon or pastel. The characters have simple, round faces with large eyes and noses created with single lines. Grandma is slim and hip, with short, brown hair, skinny glasses, and jeans. The family presents as white, with the male characters sporting yarmulkes. VERDICT This is a sweet addition for public and Jewish libraries looking for a fun read to bulk up Hanukkah collections.—Amy Lilien-Harper, Wilton Library, CT
Kirkus Reviews
2019-08-18
The traditional Ashkenazic Hanukkah treat of latkes is about to be replaced.
The youngest sibling in an observant Jewish family narrates the family ritual of lighting the shamash, or helper candle, and then adding one more candle for each night of Hanukkah until, finally, eight are burning brightly. Blessings are recited and gifts are exchanged. The young narrator would like a cuddly animal but receives an odd assortment of presents. Or are they really that odd? At the same time, Grandma is opening an apron, a cookbook, and oven mitts. Eating a wide assortment of vegetable-filled latkes does not quite make the long-haired youngest sib happy until the final reveal—make that two! Grandma and her cooking utensils and ingredients result in a delicious if not traditional treat: "Cranberry Chocolate Chip Hanukkah Kugel." The recipe is included at the end of the story. Oh, and that wish for a pet is also fulfilled. It is not especially cuddly, but it will be well loved. Everin's tale is entertaining and happy and will make a pleasant addition to holiday book shelves. Ashdown's colorful illustrations feature a googly-eyed family and a menorah depicting each night of the holiday. The historical setting of Hanukkah is assumed.
Presents for Hanukkah can be both surprising and perfect. (Picture book. 3-6)
