Inspiring creativity and a closer look at personal observances of Hanukkah.
Ava’s extended family members bring their menorahs to celebrate the eighth night of Hanukkah.
The girl decides to create her own menorah after she learns the story behind each special lamp. She tells her pet rabbit, named Maccabee (after the warriors who found the miraculous oil that burned for eight nights in the Hanukkah story), about their meanings. Pop-Pop’s menorah uses “corks that float in jars of oil,” often found in the Sephardic tradition. Aunt Rachel’s lamp is fashioned with a clear glass tube displaying pieces of the special glass ceremonially broken at her wedding with Aunt Tamar. Aunt Tamar’s traditional metal menorah was found by her grandfather in a box left by his grandfather. She tells Ava that she was excited to discover that she had Jewish ancestors, although she was not brought up as a Jew. Other relatives explain their menorahs, and Ava then makes her own menorah to remember people, places, a special event, and her family origins. The story reflects different aspects of contemporary Jewish life and could be used with other books that tell the story of Hanukkah as a festival of religious freedom. It would also work well as an introduction to a menorah-making activity. The characters are light-skinned, except for Aunt Tamar, who is brown-skinned, and Pop-Pop, who has slightly browner skin than most others, perhaps indicating Sephardic heritage. The colorful though pedestrian illustrations clearly show the details of each menorah. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Inspiring creativity and a closer look at personal observances of Hanukkah. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-8075-0495-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Whitman
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2022
A tale of mutual adoration that hits a sweet note.
Little Honey Bunny Funnybunny loves baseball almost as much as she loves her big brother P.J.—though it’s a close-run thing.
Readers familiar with the pranks P.J. plays on his younger sibling in older episodes of the series (most illustrated by Roger Bollen) will be amused—and perhaps a little confused—to see him in the role of perfect big brother after meeting his swaddled little sister for the first time in mama’s lap. But here, along with being a constant companion and “always happy to see her,” he cements his heroic status in her eyes by hitting a home run for his baseball team and then patiently teaching her how to play T-ball. After carefully coaching her and leading her through warm-up exercises, he even sits in the stands, loudly cheering her on as she scores the winning run in her own very first game. “‘You are the best brother a bunny could ever have!’” she burbles. This tale’s a tad blander compared with others centered on P.J. and his sister, but it’s undeniably cheery, with text well structured for burgeoning readers. The all-smiles animal cast in Bowers’ cartoon art features a large and diversely hued family of bunnies sporting immense floppy ears as well as a multispecies crowd of furry onlookers equally varied of color, with one spectator in a wheelchair.
A tale of mutual adoration that hits a sweet note. (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Jan. 6, 2026
ISBN: 9798217032464
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.
A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.
Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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