Gingerbread Dreidels

When Max and Sophie, whose family celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, discover that the holidays co-occur, as they do in 2024, their initial concern is their gift haul. But when both sets of doting grandparents arrive, they’re swept up in the joyful preparations that unite this extended family. “The Golds made latkes and applesauce,” Breskin Zalben writes; “the Feathers made sweet-potato pudding and turkey.” Phuong’s glowing scenes of domestic togetherness take readers throughout the cozy house as the families light the menorah, then the Christmas tree, and share the tales and treats of both holidays. There’s no December dilemma in this comfortable-feeling work, just “a world that felt good, safe, and full of love.” Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An activity, recipe, and author’s note conclude.
—Publishers Weekly

A unique look into a dual celebration of Christmas and Chanukah, which will occur on the same day in 2024. Sophie and Max celebrate both holidays with their family, but usually on two different days. This year they fall on the same day, and both sets of grandparents are coming over for dinner and festivities. Zalben and Phuong’s gentle book unites two different religious holidays through the love of family. They cook together and celebrate the holidays with food, lights, stories, and songs. Phuong’s illustrations are merry and light, detailing expressive faces and holiday warmth with blue hues and gold tones, perfect for the joyous occasions.
—School Library Journal

Jane Breskin Zalben began drawing seriously at the age of five. To encourage her artistic talent, her mother took her for weekly art lessons at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Jane’s acclaimed picture books and novels explore issues of friendship, family, self-reliance, and inner strength. She is a well-known author and illustrator who has published about fifty books for young readers.

Thai Phuong is a Vietnamese illustrator who loves phở, boba milk tea, and homemade coffee from her husband! She graduated with a BFA in interior design. She has cultivated a deep passion for visual storytelling and teaching for international publishers, magazines, brands, and universities. Currently she is living and working in the USA while sometimes hanging out with her cat, Cinderella, in Ho Chi Minh City.

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