The Menashes have traditions surrounding Hannukah which include latkes and applesauce. A blizzard blows in and prevents the family from harvesting potatoes and apples. Supplies are sparse, especially when a stray dog and a stray cat show up, but the family doesn’t turn them away. Both animals help secure provisions for latkes and applesauce and are therefore aptly named as a result.

This story helps to educate on traditions surrounding Hannukah, but also shows what extending a little extra kindness can do even when we’re struggling ourselves. The illustrations give a beautiful visual to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. #NetGalley #Charlesbridge #LatkesandApplesauce

I really love reading about something new to me. Although I've heard of Hannukah, but this story about Latkes and Applesauce is something new to me. And paired with great illustration, this story adds more knowledge for me. A good read, mostly on wintertime so we can imagine more on what happened in the story.

Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin is one of my favorite reads of 2022! Latkes and Applesauce is sweet story about a family who is trying to celebrate Hanukkah. As they are celebrating Hanukkah, the family is unable to make the traditional dishes —latkes and applesauce— due to a snow storm. As the family is trying to survive this new storm, cat comes to the door and then the next day, a dog comes to the door. When the family decides to go outside in the snow, the dog and cat help them to find the food they need. Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story is a great story for the Holiday Season and is a great way to introduce children to the holiday of Hanukkah. I loved the message of hope that is in the book. I believe Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story would be a perfect read for the Christmas/Hanukkah season. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

It's a holiday miracle!

A family's kindness, and willingness to share their meager store of food, is repaid on the eighth day of Hanukkah. This is a lovely story that celebrates tradition, and the warmth of being with loved ones.

With glowing illustrations by Kris Easler.

Thank you to the author, Charlesbridge Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a adorable story. It was warm and cozy. Perfect for the holidays coming up. I was especially gravitated to the story because I worked at a Jewish private school for a few years as a teacher. I love learning about the culture. And let me tell you the lockers are to die for! With applesauce or with sour cream anyway you like it it's amazing. The story doesn't just focus on the Lockers in the applesauce but it also focuses on the culture and Hanukkah. So it teaches children about what their culture and religion celebration is about. It's a great talking point with children to learn and let me tell you you need to try latkes because they're amazing. I would definitely recommend for classroom or for your own child. It's great book with beautiful illustrations.

Thank you to the author, Charlesbridge Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a new edition of the classic story that explains the meaning behind Hanukkah, and the customs that are included in a family celabration of the holiday. The real star of the show are the illustrations - although the story starts "long ago in a village far away", it doesn't say how long ago exactly it's been. The illustrations are perfect to create a cozy, warm mood, and yet the portrayal of the household, clothing etc. won't look antique and out of date to young readers.

This one has all the cozy holiday and family vibes, and tells the story of a family celebrating Hanukkah whose usual traditional meal of latkes and applesauce is in jeopardy when a strong blizzard blows through leaving all of the apples and potatoes buried deeply beneath the snow. At first, the children are horrified and worried that their Hanukkah celebration is ruined, despite the fact that their parents keep singing and their love for their children and faith continues to shine through. All they can think about is the lack of latkes and applesauce. The children are overjoyed, though, when a stray dog and cat show up at their home, though their parents are not quite so sure. However, it is agreed that they are cold and alone and hungry, and while they don’t even have enough food for themselves, they take in and shelter and love the strays. This works out well – because lo and behold – a few days later their new furry friend digs through the snow and uncovers some potatoes and apples. In the end, the children keep the dogs and name them Latkes and Applesauce. This one is a beautiful reminder of the importance of love, acceptance, family, miracles, and the faith that brings us together, through good times and bad.

I thought this was a great picture book about a family who get snowed in during Hanukkah and are afraid they can not celebrate with the same traditions this year since the snow covered the apples and potatoes and they could make the latkes and applesauce for their meal, but with the help of an orphan dog and cat the family's Hanukkah might have a miracle after all.

I've used this story for years with my students as we study winter holidays. A small family, a winter storm, their willingness to take in a stray cat and dog lost in the storm ... it all leads to a heartwarming ending. The original came out 30 years ago with illustrations by Robin Spowart that showed a traditional family from an indeterminate past as they celebrate Hanukkah. The basics of a family celebration of the Festival of Lights are included in the story and the images. The nightly lighting of the menorah, the dreidel games, and - of course - the latkes and applesauce are all there.

This new edition has all new illustrations from Kris Easler in graphite and gouache. These images show a more updated setting with electricity, modern furniture and clothing, and a more up-to-date kitchen. Although the story begins "long ago in a village far away," it doesn't say exactly how long it has been. And the items and clothes are recent enough to be recognizable to young readers, but could still be from anytime within the past few decades. Easler has maintained a delicate balance in bringing the illustrations forward in time, but leaving them open enough to still match the text's description.

If you also do a unit on holidays and are looking for Hanukkah stories to include, pick up a copy of Latkes and Applesauce when it comes out.

This is a very sweet and well illustrated holiday story. You could really feel the family's love and faith throughout the book.

I enjoyed this book! It definitely caused younger children to ask more questions about Hanukkah. I think it would be nice to include more on the setting and or timeline. This would be a great story for any little ones to read during a nice winter especially.

A cute Hanukkah picture book that shows the importance of Hanukkah. And what's even more sweet about is that Latke isn't just the potato pancake but a sweet dog and applesauce is also a sweet cat. I plan on adding this one to my collection. And I think all kids would benefit from having this as part of their bookshelves.

I didn't realize that this book was a reissue until after I read it. It is a cute story, but it doesn't really flow well for me. Message of hope and kindness is good and I enjoyed the illustrations.

Republished 2022 with different illustrator and publisher.
This story is about sharing and kindness in a time of heavy snow and an important holiday that celebrates the overcoming of tyranny and a miracle for the oppressed. When the family is without the means to make the traditional foods and has little provisions for themselves, they take in and care for two starveling animals. When the final day of celebration comes, the snow stops and the potatoes for the latkes and a few apples to make sauce are found only because of the small animals.
Included at the end of the tale is the original tale of the oil supply that lasted beyond reason.
The illustrations by Kris Easler are clear, brilliantly colored, well executed, and visually informative.
Every public and school library needs a copy as well as the usual gifting!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!

I adored this book because it would be for any age. It could be read by parents to children, older siblings to younger, and at the end, there is an explanation of some of the Jewish holiday traditions. This book also shows that by opening your heart, even when can least able, good things will come. I don't give a lot of ratings of 5, but this one earned the stars! The illustrations are gorgeous. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you to CharlesBridge, NetGalley and the author for an advance electronic copy of this sweet book.

This was a wonderful story. Where I live, we do not get Jewish stories very often, so I am always excited to learn something new. This story is sweet and hopeful with wonderful illustrations. It is a fun read weather you celebrate Hanukkah or not.

The Menashe family consists of two tailors and their children, Rebecca and Ezra. They usually dig for potatoes for latkes at Hanukkah, but an early snow spoils their plans. They usually have applesauce with the latkes, but there are no more apples to pick. Instead of their usually start to the Hanukkah week, the family has soup. When the snow doesn't stop, the soup must last for eight days. Will there be a Hanukkah miracle for the eighth day?

This children's book includes the origin story of Hanukkah, written in language appropriate for the age level. The story is about the miracle of the season and being grateful for what you have. I have read many Hanukkah stories throughout the years. Latkes and Applesauce is a little less secular than most, taking a decidedly religious tone. It is well illustrated and has a good story, making it a good addition to a family library.

Disclaimer: I was given the opportunity to read Latkes and Applesauce by NetGalley and the publisher, Charlesbridge. The decision the read and review this children's holiday book was entirely my own.

This is such an adorable book! I can't believe it's a reprint because it's such a cute Hanukkah story that you'd think I would have heard about it before. I'm so glad I got the chance to read it, and I know it would be a much appreciated read for storytime.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!

This is a cute story with lovely illustrations. It follows the story of a family celebrating Hanukkah while struggling with a lack of food. However, a cute dog and cat might just be able to save the day...

This is a good book for teaching children about the holiday, or just enjoying the story of the family and the miracle that occurred during the Hanukkah season. Great for elementary schoolers!

This definitely was a book. Set in Chanukah. But it wasn't charming in the way it seemed to want to be, and it was barely a Chanukah story except for the names. It just felt. very flat