A Wild, Wild Hanukkah

by Jo Gershman, Bob Strauss Narrated by Book Buddy Digital Media

Overview

On the first night of Hanukkah, the door flies open and a perky polar bear walks into the house, shaking the snow from his fur. On the second night of Hanukkah, two crusty, crying crocodiles peel onions, followed the next night by three toothy tigers who've come to pluck potatoes from a sack. Every night more wild animals join the party, singing, making latkes, and spinning dreidels. As Hanukkah comes to an end, the stars twinkle, and the candles burn out. Then it's time for bed.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Painterly, fanciful art captures the richness of feathers, fur, and scales, as well as the comedic chaos of an ever-more-crowded house. Gershman and Strauss end with a rousing Hanukkah countdown . . ." —Publishers Weekly

Kirkus Reviews

2023-08-12
Wild beasts arrive to observe the Festival of Lights.

After an opening illustration that suggests that the narrative might be a dream from a slumbering child, a cumulative string of wild animals appears on each night of Hanukkah, starting with a single polar bear and culminating with eight penguins. Rhyming text with largely successful scansion introduces each new species, each of which also brings the necessary components for a Hanukkah party, from latkes to potatoes to flour to dreidels. The rhymes combine with alliteration and onomatopoeia, making for a surreal, aurally lavish read-aloud. Some of the lines may require a practice round, though, with phrases such as “eight pompous, punk-rock penguins / spin dreidels on the floor” feeling a bit like tongue-twisters. Gershman’s painterly illustrations employ multiple angles and floating figures in dynamic poses, heightening the zaniness of the tale. Readers will linger over the wordless spreads that depict tigers, armadillos, and more in a frantic swirl before the animals settle in to hear the child read a story about Hanukkah. Then they depart, leaving the light-skinned family alone as the holiday ends. A note in the backmatter offers a brief explanation of Hanukkah’s Maccabean origins. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A madcap Hanukkah celebration for a skillful reader. (Picture book. 4-8)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159997562
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/03/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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