Hardcover
Holiday mix-up in Chelm: funny tale of kids’ wisdom and traditions.
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Hamantaschen for Hanukkah?!

A Tale of the Wise People of Chelm

$33.53

  • Hardcover

    32 pages

  • Release Date

    12 January 2027

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Summary

A playful Chelm folktale filled with humor and old-world charm, Hamantaschen for Hanukkah?! follows two wise siblings through a Jewish holiday mix-up that becomes a celebration of tradition, laughter, and knowing when to trust your own understanding.

“Spun with affection and a broad, genial cartoon style, the result is a classic kids-know-best tale with wisdom to spare.” — Publishers Weekly

“Hamantaschen for Hanukkah?! is a joy! Readers of all ages will …

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781685558406
ISBN-10:1685558402
Author:Maurice J. Elias, Hector Borlasca
Publisher:The Collective Book Studio
Imprint:The Collective Book Studio
Format:Hardcover
Number of Pages:32
Release Date:12 January 2027
Weight:408g
Dimensions:10mm x 216mm x 267mm
Audience Age:4-8
A-Format
B-Format
C-Format
Hamantaschen for Hanukkah?! by Maurice J. Elias - ISBN: 9781685558406
216 × 267 mm
A4
mm / in
What They're Saying

Critics Review

“Using the backdrop of a Chelm story in which the townspeople attempt to celebrate Purim in winter, Maurice Elias weaves a joyful tale filled with costumes and groggers in which it is the children who are the heroes for making sure Hanukkah takes place at the proper time, with an amusing twist.” – Rabbi Jay M. Kornsgold, Beth El Synagogue, East Windsor, New Jersey, Immediate Past President, Rabbinical Assembly
“Spun with affection and a broad, genial cartoon style, the result is a classic kids-know-best tale with wisdom to spare.” * Publishers Weekly *
“Hamantaschen for Hanukkah?! is a playful journey through Chelm, where one ten-month-old letter sends an entire town tumbling from one wonderfully foolish conclusion to the next. Two wise children bring the story to a warm and satisfying close, filled with Jewish tradition, sibling wisdom, and a plate of both latkes and hamantaschen.” – Dr. Randal Gilmore, Story Coach and Editor, Founder, Exalt Publications and The Gospel Story-arc™ Project
“Hamantaschen for Hanukkah is a charming, delightfully illustrated children’s picture book filled with humor, heart, and just the perfect amount of foolishness. The adorable illustrations beautifully capture the characters’ personalities, emotions, excitement, and confusion. This is a fun, thoughtful story that children and adults can enjoy together … no matter what occasion!” – Dori Durbin, Children’s Book Illustrator & Children’s Book Coach
“Hamentashen for Hanukkah?! is a joy! Children will be amused as Shmendrick and Mushka prove to be wiser than the adults in their lives. Parents, grandparents, educators, and others will welcome the opportunity to discuss family traditions (oh, the foods!). Readers of all ages will enjoy the beautiful illustrations of this new folktale, told in the spirit of the Chelm classics.” – Dr. Jeffrey Kress, Provost and Bernard Heller Professor of Jewish Education, Jewish Theological Seminary
“Hamantaschen for Hanukkah?! is a joyful story of cultural traditions, community problem-solving, and the way families can come together to not only co-create a wise solution but also, have fun in the process. Children will learn Yiddish words while laughing at the silliness of the story. I love this so much!” – Jennifer Miller, Founder/Author, Confident Parents, Confident Kids and Humanaissance: Igniting Courage in Our Teens and Ourselves
“A delightful story about two fun-filled Jewish festivals. Filled with silly humor, in the tradition of the tales of Chelm, the story reminds us of an important lesson: no matter the specific holiday, or the date on a calendar, it’s always the right time to celebrate miracles.” – Rabbi Kerry OIitzky, DHL, author, educator

About The Author

Maurice J. Elias

Maurice J. Elias

Maurice J. Elias is a Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University and contributing faculty in Jewish Studies. His work centers on promoting joy, resilience, and emotional intelligence in children and families. He is co-author of Emotionally Intelligent Parenting, Talking Treasure, and The Joys & Oys of Parenting, and has written more than a dozen books for parents and educators. He and his wife live in Highland Park, New Jersey, close to their two daughters and three grandchildren.

Hector Borlasca

Hector Borlasca is the illustrator of more than fifty children’s books, including Yiddish Saves the Day by Debbie Levy, The Porridge Pot Goblin by Jaqueline Jules, and Silly Time Stories by Robert Keith. He lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with his wife and daughter.

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