Kugel for Hanukkah?

October 7, 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.

October 1, 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

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2019
Preschool-G It's Hanukkah time, and the family gathers every night to light candles, open presents, and enjoy a different flavor of latkes. Grandma receives some interesting gifts (dried cranberries, chocolate chips, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla), but the unnamed protagonist's gifts are very strange indeed (a metal lamp, a thermometer, a spray bottle, and a ceramic bowl). By the last night, it's clear that Grandma has received ingredients to make a cranberry-chocolate chip kugel (recipe appended); but the young girl is confused and disappointed. However, while she helps Grandma cook, the rest of the family busily assembles her real gift: an iguana and habitat. Kudos to Everin for finding a unique take on Hanukkah, no small feat given the proliferation of titles about this celebration. Ashdown's cheerful, cartoon-style art features googly-eyed characters usually depicted sitting on the couch. Careful observers will note that the girl's thought bubbles reveal what she would really like (a kitten, puppy, turtle, etc.), while Grandpa's socks reflect these wishes. Not essential, but certainly fun.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)