The Best Hanukkah Ever

Barbara Diamond Goldin's THE BEST HANUKKAH EVER will reach ages 5-8 with a fine story illustrated by Avi Katz and telling of the Knoodle family, about to celebrate Hanukkah. From a set of mismatched gifts and family strife to a wise rabbi's help, the 'best' Hanukkah proves to be something different than ceremony alone.

Publishers Weekly The Knoodles (as in, they don't use theirs) have pondered the rabbi's comment about giving the perfect gift (one that will last forever) and, wanting to do right, set about choosing the best presents for each other. The revved-up expressions and high-wattage palette of the illustrations tip readers to expect exaggerated comedy, and sure enough, each Knoodle bestows what he or she would most like to receive. Why, wonders Bubby Sadie, does Little Yekl not treasure the pickle barrel that reminds her of Grandma Alte's in the old country (Such pickles she made!)? Goldin's (While the Candles Burn) best this is not, but adults who like slapshtick will enjoy sharing this with kids. Ages 5-8. School Library Journal K-Gr 2-Harking back to the fools of Chelm, the Knoodle family ponders the meaning of the rabbi's dictum, It's hard to give the perfect gift, one that will be treasured forever. As Hanukkah approaches, each Knoodle draws a name out of a hat and attempts to give the perfect gift; unfortunately, the results are far from perfect. Everyone is thoroughly miserable, and it takes the rabbi to point out their error, that the perfect gift should be a treasure to the receiver, not to the giver. After a bit of reshuffling, they all end up with exactly what they wanted, making it the best Hanukkah ever. This is less a Hanukkah story than a book about giving, making it suitable for all occasions when a gift is appropriate. Watercolor and pastel illustrations are colorful and exuberant, and the over-the-top expressiveness of the Knoodles' faces enhances the sense of fun.-Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library Kirkus Reviews Like the fools of Chelm, the Knoodle family can be a bunch of numbskulls when it comes to giving Hanukkah gifts that "will be treasured forever." Choosing names from a hat, each family member returns with a gift that is precious to the giver rather than the receiver. Bubby Sadie gives Little Yekl a pickle barrel and Mama Pearl buys Papa Jack a straw hat decorated with purple ribbon and yellow daisies. Hippie-styled, ponytailed Papa Jack gives nonmusical Mama Pearl a sparkly red guitar. Daughter Shayna gives her thinly haired Bubby Sadie a curling iron. And Little Yekl presents his sister with a box full of live tree frogs. Oy vey! Such a commotion of confusion and distress! What to do? Call the rabbi for some advice and then re-exchange all the gifts. Happy to finally have what they each treasure most, the Knoodles enjoy the best Hanukkah ever. The colorful expressive caricature illustrations done in digital media provide an ethnic flavor to this loving family, enhancing the contemporary noodlehead premise which should have readers young and old shaking their heads in mild amusement. (Picture book. 4-8)