Latkes and Applesauce

I liked this different look at how Hanukkah can bring miracles and light into life.
Lovely illustrations.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

This is a sweet little children’s book that shows a family celebrating Hanukkah during a snowstorm. The illustrations are colorful, warm, and inviting. I would definitely recommend this to classrooms and libraries (especially near the holiday season).

A sweet story that encompasses the meaning of family and what is truly important. A must have for a classroom library.

This is a sweet Hanukkah story paired with lovely illustrations. The back matter helps to tell the story of Hanukkah and this could be a good story to read in a classroom. I would have loved more specificity on the setting and time period though the 'long ago in a village far away' makes it a universal story for anyone in cold weather climates.

A very cute Hanukkah story about miracles and fluffy friends! I’m a collector of Hanukkah books and would definitely add this to my collection. Some of the vocabulary seemed a little too difficult for the reading level, and there were many mentions of g-d without any specificity about the holiday itself (minus the note in the back). Happy to see the mainstays of latkes and dreiedels in there, but wish there had been slightly more nods to the candles and prayers that are involved every night. Plenty of Hanukkah books that do that, so if you’re looking for something very simple, this is perfect!

This beautiful picture takes a bit of a modern twist on the Jewish story of the miracle of Hanukkah. When a blizzard hits the Menashe family's home on the first day of Hanukkah, the family improvises by substituting soup for latkes and apple sauce because getting to the potatoes, apples or even the store doesn't seem possible this year. As the blizzard continues the family celebrates together and also takes in two lost animals, first a kitten and then a dog. Near the end of the storm the family venture outside and the dog digs up some potatoes and the cat, stuck in a tree, leads the family to some apples. It is the perfect way to end the blizzard and enjoy the last nights of Hanukkah with the food they enjoy and the family (including its two new furry members) together. I think this is a great book for teaching about different celebrations, a common topic in elementary classrooms in the fall/winter time. I like that this book teaches about Hanukkah without obviously doing so, it isn't a book to teach what a dreidel or a latke is, but while reading the book, children can observe these traditions and explore this holiday, just like most christmas books don't teach you what a christmas tree is or describe the nativity scene in depth, they include kids opening presents under a tree or attending church with their family. The more opportunities for non-christmas themed holiday books to make their way into children's hands is so important and I think this book would be a great addition to classroom libraries or for families, both Jewish and non-Jewish, to learn about another culture and holiday while also enjoying a warm and inviting holiday tale. I would recommend this book for teachers and families of children in the 5-10 range. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this great book!

This book was an absolute delight. The younger children enjoyed the story and the beautiful illustrations. The older children wanted to look more into the Hannukkah and Jewish history and wanted to make latkes. Could be a busy weekend. This is a book we will read again, a family classic.

A short story for children that explains Hanukkah. The story tells about the Menashe family and their experience celebrating during a snowstorm and the miracles they have along the way. The illustrations are beautifully done and add warmth to the story and seem to make the family and story come alive. A book that will teach children and adults about Hanukkah of they are not already familiar with the holiday. I recommend for libraries.

An unexpected blizzard makes it impossible for the Menashes to gather potatoes and apples for a Hanukkah meal of latkes and applesauce. Night after night, the soup they have dwindles and their stomachs feel emptier. A dog and cat looking for food and shelter show up at their doorstep. Since they’re a loving family, the Menashes take them in, and these cute and playful animals later have a big surprise for them. I adored the themes of family togetherness, kindness, and acceptance of animal friends. The illustrations matched the wintertime setting and cozy indoor atmosphere of the Menashe household. There are also author's notes with details about Hanukkah. I read this via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

This is a story about the Menashe family who can’t enjoy their Hanukkah tradition of latkes and applesauce because of an early winter storm. The snow storm buries the apples and potatoes growing outside, and they must eat soup every night and forego their favorite holiday treat. A stray cat and dog come to their door and the family takes them in. At the end of the story, the family goes outside and the dog finds potatoes which survived the storm, while the cat finds apples. The Menashes are overjoyed that they are finally able to cook latkes and applesauce! They also now have new names for their new pets.

My twin 4-year-olds really enjoyed this story. I talked to them about Hanukkah and the Menorah. The passages at the end talking about the origins of Hanukkah, the Dreidel, latkes, and applesauce were all very interesting and informative. Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Latkes and Applesauce is a updated reprinting of a beloved Hanukkah story that happens to be super cute! The illustrations are beautiful and so is the message.

The Menashe's are in the midst of celebrating Hanukkah when a blizzard takes place burying all the potatoes and apples that are intended for their feast of Applesauce and Latkes. Luckily, the family takes in two stray animals, a cat and a dog. Although, the family does not have much to eat, as they watch their soup dwindle nightly, they still accept the animals into their home and feed the animals as well. As the story unwinds the animals help the family discover potatoes and apples. In all honesty, I wondered why the Menashe's did not go out and dig up the potatoes sooner, but I understand it would not be a miracle without these animals and their help.

With that said, I enjoyed the story and will purchase for my library. I am always looking for up to date and fun ways to share culture and traditions with my students. This book also offers a great description on how Hanukkah came to be, about Latkes and Applesauce and why Jewish people play with the Dreidel. during Hanukkah.

This story had a lot of heart and shows the resilience of a family. I like how applesauce and latke was incorporated in the book. Would recommend it to anyone with kids!

This small book give us glimpse about the meaning of Hannukah as the tradition and heart warming story. Latkes and Applesauce give very strong message about real meaning of Hannukah, family relationship and willingness to share with other God's creation.

The Menashes love eating latkes and applesauce while celebrating Hanukkah, but a blizzard has covered up all the potatoes and apples. Just as they are getting very hungry and tired of eating only soup, a cat and a dog show up on their snowy doorstep. They help the Menashes with their Hanukkah miracle.

This is a reprinting of a very sweet Hanukkah story and it is beautifully illustrated and told in such a beautiful manner. Not only is it a good introduction to the history Hanukkah for young readers perhaps not familiar with the Jewish holiday, but it helps illustrate the importance of family and kindness, for both humans and animals. It might also help young readers convince their parents that they might need a cat or dog. It was just such a lovely story and told so well.

This would be a lovely addition to any library and I will certainly be adding it to mine.

Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge Publishing for this free eARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

A cute story about a Jewish family who receive a Hanukkah “miracle” with the help of their furry friends.

The Menashe family – Papa, Mama, Rebecca and Ezra – love eating latkes and applesauce during Hanukkah. However, this particular year, a blizzard begins on the day of Hanukkah and they have to make do with the soup they have. When the blizzard shows no signs of slowing down day by day, Papa still urges his family to have faith. On the eighth day, their two adopted animals – a cat and a dog, both of whom entered their lives just at the beginning of the blizzard – show them how their faith was justified.

This is an updated reissue of the holiday classic first published in 1990. The story is very sweet and reinforces the ideals of faith, family time, and traditions. I loved the old-fashioned values of the story and also how the cat and the dog receive their names.

As I am not that familiar with Jewish customs, I thought I would feel confused with some of the traditions. (I didn’t even know what a latke was!) However, the book is written in such a wonderful way that I found it very easy to sail through the traditional Jewish aspects. The author’s note at the end of the story is the perfect addition to the book as it provides details on Hanukkah, latke and applesauce, and even on driedels, which the kids play during the blizzard.

The language is very good for beginner level readers. Each page has about 2-3 paragraphs of simple text.

The illustrations are really cute and perfect for the story.

The book would be great for ages 4-8. Recommended for all who want to read a sweet story about a holiday “miracle”.

4.5 stars

My thanks to Charlesbridge Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I went into this thinking it was an upcoming release- as it turns out, I think I read a rerelease of a classic picture book- nevertheless, I don't feel this story has aged at all! The story was fun and heartwarming, with what I'm presuming are new illustrations which compliment the story amazingly. My five year old brother loved this one too, he was laughing out loud with joy and really liked how the book combined story with education. I also appreciated this element, I learned a lot from the last few pages which covered aspects of Jewish culture mentioned in the story. I can't recommend this picture book enough as both a fun story and learning tool- for all ages!
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge Publishing for an advanced ebook copy of this title!

An early Hanukkah review! I was provided an advanced copy by the publisher, and have to say, my kid was a little confused about why we were reading a Hanukkah book when Passover just ended. Publishing schedules, little one.

A remake of Fran Manushkin's early 90's tale, this time with illustrations by Kris Easler. In this story, a family looks forward to the Festival of Lights, but find themselves snowed in before they can harvest the apples or potatoes to make a latke feast. They are joined early on by a lost kitten and dog and, though they have little to share but soup and warmth, they welcome the animals in. And their kindness is repaid when the storm breaks on the final night and the animals themselves find the ingredients for a delicious latke dinner.

I read this with my child, and they were delighted by how the animals were incorporated into the celebration. I approve highly of the story's compassion and generosity to even strays.

The artwork is charming and full-page, but for a few moments meant to convey the dire predicament of the family. The humans show a range of emotions. The parents worry as they look upon their dwindling food supply. The children are delighted by the animals (and dismayed when the cat beats them at dreidel). We even get a moment of apprehension from mother and daughter as the father attempts to climb a snow and ice-covered tree. The animals are pretty much just happy the entire time, except when the kitten first arrives and...woo, that kitten is ROUGH. It's definitely been out in the snow! XD

I haven't read the original book, so I can't tell if one is superior, but this is a great release to look forward to in September!

4.2 Stars

The Menashe family, with Papa, Mama, Rebecca, and Ezra, always enjoy Latkes and Applesauce for Hanukkah. But that year, snow arrives early, bringing a great blizzard with it. It also brings a cute stray kitten and a hungry little dog to their doorstep. Can the family and their new furry friends celebrate Hanukkah as always?
I loved the cute cover but hesitated to request the ARC as I have very little (or no) knowledge about Jewish celebrations. A friend and fellow reviewer assured me I can still read the book.
I’m so glad I went ahead and requested this one. The illustrations are so heartwarming and beautiful! The color scheme of the candlelit indoors and the snowy outdoors were lively and pleasing. I love how the humans have red cheeks and noses when they step out in the snow. Such little detailing makes the characters appear real and life-like.
The story is equally beautiful and is presented in short texts on each page. The theme of kindness, hope, sharing, and goodness reflect throughout the story. The author’s note at the end provides more information about Hanukkah, Latkes, and Applesauce.
To sum up, Latkes and Applesauce is a cute little book with a sweet story and lovely illustrations.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Charlesbridge and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The beloved story of a joyous Hannukah celebration by the Menashe family. I love how this family stays calm and enjoys the festive despite a scarcity of food—interactive and informative book. It also comes with a recipe for making latkes, notes on Hanukkah, and rules for playing dreidel.

The appearance of a cat and dog in this story will definitely catch the kids' attention.

The Menashes are excited for their Hanukkah traditions, but when a blizzard rolls in it looks like Hanukkah might be a little different this year. With assistance from some animal friends it looks like they'll maybe be able to have latkes and applesauce like they always do.

A lovely re-release with new illustrations of a personal childhood favorite! This was one of my favorite stories as a child and I even pulled out that copy after reading this one.

Thank you to Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to Netgalley and Charlesbridge for a free digital copy.

I liked this story about a modern day Hanukkah miracle involving a kitten and puppy. I thought it was very cute and a great story to introduce kids to this holiday.

This book would be great for a discussion of Hanukkah, but further explanation to truly understand the holiday would need to happen. There are events for each night of Hanukkah in the story, which would be good for sequence or making a timeline.

This story was as heartwarming and I loved it so much! The book follows the Menashes who usually have latkes and applesauce during Hanukkah. But a blizzard erases any hope that they'll harvest potatoes and apples in time. When a stray cat and dog show up, there's not a lot of food to offer them, but kindness wins and a Hanukah miracle occurs. Loved it! I received a complimentary copy and thus all opinions expressed are entirely my own

This was a lovely picture book. It has a lovely story about a family, stuck in a blizzard during Hanukkah, that saves a cat and a dog even though they don't have enough for themselves. The illustrations were rich and beautiful. The story was lovely.

Not knowing a lot about Jewish culture or celebrations, I appreciated the information provided at the end of the book explaining "The Holiday of Hanukkah".

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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