Pippa's Hanukkah Hunt: (A Jewish Holiday Picture Book About Latkes, Traditions, and Community for Kids Ages 4-8) by Jill Weber, Vivian Kirkfield
ISBN: 0823455718
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Pippa’s Hanukkah Hunt is about a mouse named Pippa who is trying to make latkes to celebrate Hanukkah. However, Pippa is out of potatoes, so she decides to ask her neighbors, but every neighbor is also out of potatoes! Each neighbor still gives Pippa something — beets, carrots, leeks, etc. When Pippa finally arrives home, she discovers that the hare children stole all of the potatoes to play games with but have now brought them back. In the spirit of the holiday and community, Pippa invites everyone to stay and enjoy Hanukkah together, and all of her neighbors show up with other items to help her celebrate — dreidel, doughnuts, gelt, etc. Together, the forest friends enjoy a Hanukkah feast, and the book ends with a non-fiction telling of the story of Hanukkah to help readers learn more. 

This would be a great introduction to Hanukkah for young readers, ideal for those in Kindergarten through second grade. The language is accessible, the text follows a predictable pattern, and the storyline of a community conflict and resolution feels age-appropriate for young readers and will help them solve their own conflicts. 

Educators, librarians, and guardians will appreciate the positive example of reparations; the hares do not just bring back the potatoes and apologize but also offer to help Pippa prepare her garden and plant more in the spring, showing young readers how to navigate conflict positively. The text on each page is limited, and the illustrations are charming and sweet, making it a good holiday read-aloud or story for little ones to share with a reader in their lives. The Hanukkah story at the end helps readers better understand the holiday without going into too much depth or overwhelming anyone. This would be a strong addition to any library that serves young readers, is looking to expand its holiday representations, or whose patrons love animal characters and winter stories. This was a four-star read for me. Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner