Kirkus Reviews QR Code
 KAYLA AND KUGEL'S HAPPY HANUKKAH by Ann D. Koffsky

KAYLA AND KUGEL'S HAPPY HANUKKAH

by Ann D. Koffsky ; illustrated by Ann D. Koffsky

Pub Date: Sept. 1st, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68115-560-9
Publisher: Apples & Honey Press

A little girl and her puppy celebrate the holiday.

Pigtailed Kayla and her dog, Kugel, are preparing for Hanukkah by busily searching through boxes for the menorahs and dreidels. Kugel jumps ahead on the calendar, though, and starts rooting through a box labeled “Purim.” Kayla finds the correct box and, as she unpacks it, shares the story of the holiday with the dog. Kugel, in his enthusiasm to light the holiday lights, holds out a Shabbat candlestick. “Put that away. Please?” Kayla pleads. Kugel keeps up his frolicsome ways until Kayla concludes her retelling with the word “miracle!” In a colorful double-page spread, Kayla, her mother, and her father (who is holding a baby sibling) light the first candle with Kugel watching attentively. He then reverts to his lively self by spinning around like a dreidel. Young listeners who learned about Shabbat from Kayla and Kugel (2015) and Passover from Kayla and Kugel’s Almost-Perfect Passover (2016) will enjoy this spirited offering with its colorful and lively illustrations. The pages retelling the story of Hanukkah are depicted in sepia tones. The family presents as White, and the father wears a kippah.

A very happy Hanukkah for little listeners, candle lighters, and dreidel spinners.

(author's note) (Picture book. 3-5)