Hoppy Hanukkah!

October 19, 2009
A loving family of rabbits prepares to celebrate Hanukkah in its comfy home. Siblings Simon and Violet can hardly stand the anticipation as they wait for sunset. As evening approaches, readers can learn about Hanukkah activities along with the young rabbits: “Each night we'll light one more candle—for eight nights,” Mama explains. The festivities continue as the family prepares latkes, plays a game of dreidel, and Simon and Violet receive a gift. The book exudes a gentle, familial warmth that should nurture readers' enthusiasm for their own traditions. Ages 2–5.

October 1, 2009
PreS-A family of happy floppy rabbits enjoys Hanukkah by lighting candles, eating latkes, and playing dreidel. But first Violet and Simon have to learn the right way to celebrate: waiting until sundown to light the menorah and letting the candles burn all the way down. The real charm of this simple book is the joyful excitement of the children, whose preschool expressiveness rings true (I want Hanukkah now!). Colorful watercolor and pencil illustrations depict the anthropomorphized animals as friendly and fuzzy as beloved stuffed animals."Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
A bunny family celebrates Hanukkah. Siblings Violet and Simon enter boisterously into the festivities, and their enthusiastic missteps ("Now let's light them!" says Simon of the menorah candles; "Not until the sun sets," answers Papa) allow readers to learn the holiday's rituals. The bunnies are winsome in their vividly colored people-clothes, and sunny yellow backdrops telegraph the book's simple, feel-good holiday message.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

November 1, 2009
A hoppy -- ahem, happy -- extended family of bunnies celebrates Hanukkah. Young siblings Violet and Simon enter boisterously into the festivities, and their enthusiastic missteps ("'Now let's light them!' said Simon" of the menorah candles) create opportunities for young readers to learn the holiday's rituals ("'Not yet,' said Papa. 'Not until the sun sets'"). The bunnies are floppy-eared, furry, and winsome in their vividly colored people-clothes; the sunny yellow backdrops and joyful bunny faces telegraph the book's simple, feel-good holiday spirit. Latkes, dreidel playing, and affirmation of family ("My little bunnies! You know what really makes it feel like Hanukkah?... YOU!") round out this genial offering.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)