CHARLEY AND SEYMOUR'S HANUKKAH MIRACLE

A chipmunk and a squirrel encounter challenges on the last night of Hanukkah.

Best friends Charley Chipmunk and Seymour Squirrel love celebrating the Festival of Lights together. They can’t wait for the final night of the holiday. Seymour plans to fry latkes at his place, and Charley will come over with the menorah and candles. But when the eighth night rolls around, Charley has trouble remembering what he promised to bring. A menorah and…something that begins with a C. Readers will chuckle along as Charley adds a variety of foods that start with C to his backpack, such as cantaloupe, cauliflower, and, of course, candy (chocolate gelt). At Seymour’s house, the friends read the story of Hanukkah. When it comes time to light the candles, Charley realizes his mistake, but the friends take a cue from the Hanukkah story and find a special way to light the menorah. Though the narrative is relatively predictable, young readers will enjoy the humor and the touching friendship. Notably, Seymour comforts Charley after his mistake, and they work together to solve the problem—a nice example of social-emotional learning. The conflict resolution and the cozy illustrations make for a refreshingly thoughtful holiday tale.

As sweet as Hanukkah gelt.