Bar Mitzvah Chicken

Bar Mitzvah Chicken by Sarah and Seth Entin, illustrated by Marina Kokhanova (self-published, 2018). 

This is a very cute book told in rhyme about a little chicken named Jacob who feels like he doesn't fit in because he's the only Jewish chicken on his farm. He decides to throw a big Bar Mitzvah party so that all the chickens and other animals will like him. However, he soon discovers that there is a lot of studying and hard work involved. When the time comes for the Bar Mitzvah, his chicken siblings are excited to attend, and assure him that he's belonged all along, but they are glad he now knows his self-worth. I think kids, particularly Jewish kids, would get a kick out of this story.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

Hanukkah Moon

Hanukkah Moon by Deborah da Costa, illustrated by Gosia Mosz (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2007).

This is a lovely book about a young Mexican-American girl named Isobel whose Aunt Luisa invites her over to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah ("Januka" in Spanish) and see the Hanukkah Moon, or luna nueva, the new moon that appears ever Hanukkah. The illustrations are filled with warmth from family love, light, and the holiday. Aunt Luisa teaches Isobel, and the readers, about Latin-Jewish Hanukkah traditions.

If you're interested in learning more, I found a nice article about how Jewish Latinos celebrate Hanukkah in Los Angeles here.  

For more Hanukkah picture books, see my Pinterest board here.

Happy Hanukkah

Hanukkah Lights by David Martin, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

 I want to wish everyone who celebrates a Happy Hanukkah.  I have a Pinterest board of Hanukkah books here.  

The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler, illustrated by Jill Weber

Papa's Latkes by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by Stacey Schuett

One Candle by Eve Bunting, illustrated by K. Wendy Popp

Always an Olivia

Always an Olivia: A Remarkable Family History by Carolivia Herron, illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2012)

This really is a remarkable true family history of the author's.  Her ancestor Sarah was a Jew who lived in Venice, Italy after her family escaped from Spain and Portugal during the Spanish Inquisition.  One day in the early 1800s, she is kidnapped by pirates to be ransomed off in North Africa.  However, another captive (who she eventually marries) helps the two of them escape and take a ship to America.  They are dropped off at the Georgia Sea Islands, home of the Geechee (or Gullah) people, free American Americans.  Their family eventually intermarries with the Geechees, but their descendents never forget their Jewish roots, always lighting candles on Sabbath.

There is an interesting article about the author's family history here.