I think tonight last night is the first night of Chanukah. It’s sad that I’ve gotten too old to know or care really. I’m more excited the holiday is here because I can post this adorable book my friend Jess sent me as a little gift. I like Lemony Snicket’s description of the book- “Latkes are potato pancakes served at Hanukkah. Lemony Snicket is an alleged children’s book author. For the first time in literary history, these two elements are combined in one book. People who are interested in either or both of these things will find this book so enjoyable it will feel as if Hanukkah is being celebrated for several years, rather than eight nights. People who are interested in neither of these things will get what they deserve.” I like that this book is both a Christmas and Chanukah story that tells the tale of latke who gets slapped into the pan and starts screaming and doesn’t stop. He leaps from the pan and runs around a Christmas decorated village. Through his encounters with xmas lights, a candy cane, and a xmas tree we are told the tale of Chanukah and Christmas. But like the first sentence of the book tells us- “This story ends in someone’s mouth..” It’s a very cute book that any kid would love brought to us by the great publishers McSweeney’s. You can get a copy here.

© Julia Rothman 2007