Gingerbread Dreidels

July 29, 2024
When Max and Sophie, whose family celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, discover that the holidays co-occur, as they do in 2024, their initial concern is their gift haul. But when both sets of doting grandparents arrive, they’re swept up in the joyful preparations that unite this extended family. “The Golds made latkes and applesauce,” Breskin Zalben writes; “the Feathers made sweet-potato pudding and turkey.” Phuong’s glowing scenes of domestic togetherness take readers throughout the cozy house as the families light the menorah, then the Christmas tree, and share the tales and treats of both holidays. There’s no December dilemma in this comfortable-feeling work, just “a world that felt good, safe, and full of love.” Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An activity, recipe, and author’s note conclude. Ages 4–7.

August 9, 2024

PreS-Gr 2-A unique look into a dual celebration of Christmas and Chanukah, which will occur on the same day in 2024. Sophie and Max celebrate both holidays with their family, but usually on two different days. This year they fall on the same day, and both sets of grandparents are coming over for dinner and festivities. Zalben and Phuong's gentle book unites two different religious holidays through the love of family. They cook together and celebrate the holidays with food, lights, stories, and songs. Phuong's illustrations are merry and light, detailing expressive faces and holiday warmth with blue hues and gold tones, perfect for the joyous occasions. VERDICT Not a mandatory purchase but nice to have to celebrate the uniqueness of Chanukah and Christmas sharing the same day in 2024.-Cassie Veselovsky

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2024
Just in time for Christmas 2024's coinciding with the first night of Chanukah, here's a story of an interfaith family enjoying both holidays. After some confused apprehension on the part of young protagonists Max and Sophie, both sets of their grandparents arrive. A bustling family gathering ensues, complete with Chanukah and Christmas traditions, storytelling, and, of course, foods, including the titular treat. Digital illustrations depict a loving family with diverse skin tones. Shoshana Flax

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2024
Just in time for Christmas 2024's coinciding with the first night of Chanukah, here's a story of an interfaith family enjoying both holidays. After some confused apprehension on the part of young protagonists Max and Sophie, both sets of their grandparents arrive. A bustling family gathering ensues, complete with Chanukah and Christmas traditions, storytelling, and, of course, foods, including the titular treat. Digital illustrations depict a loving family with diverse skin tones.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)