Papa's Latkes - Hardcover

Ages 3^-5. Another in Zalben's growing list of holiday books about Beni the Bear and his Jewish family. Because Mama doesn't want to make the traditional potato pancakes this year, the scene is set for a latke-making contest. Goldie, Max, Rosie, Leo, Blossom, and Molly each take a turn, but it isn't until Papa takes over that Beni declares a winner--Papa's latkes are the best. Zalben adds a touch of light comedy to the story, which concludes with the family's gathering to enjoy a few other holiday traditions with their pancake feast. While still homey and beautifully executed, the pictures seem a trifle less ornate than in previous books in the series, and Zalben offers no background on the holiday. She does, however, supply words and music to the traditional song "O Chanukah," along with instructions for making Papa's pancakes. Stephanie Zvirin

More latke recipes, plus instructions for making a clay menorah, salt-dough dreidels, a cake filled with chocolate coins and other ideas fill Hanukkah Fun by Judy Bastyra, illus. by Catherine Ward. This amply illustrated if uninspired activity book also tells how to make gifts such as a "perfect pouch" for coins and "excellent oils" for cooking or bathing. Kwanzaa Fun by Linda Robertson, illus. by Julia Pearson, provides craft ideas, recipes and games in a similar format. (Kingfisher, paper $4.95; Kwanzaa $5.95; 32p ages 7-11 ISBN 0-7534-5011-9; -5016-X; Sept.)
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.