Way Too Many Latkes: A Hanukkah in Chelm

Faigel makes the most delicious latkes in her village—but only in tiny batches. Those lucky enough to taste one of them “dream about it for the rest of the year.” Then Faigel forgets her famous recipe, and because she lives in Chelm, the legendary village of fools, the solution is far from simple—and deeply silly. With nonsensical advice from her rabbi (“Use all the eggs you’ve got”) and acquiescence by her literal-minded husband, Faigel ends up making enough latkes to feed the entire town. Latke makers and their young assistants should easily identify with the muscles and tears involved as Faigel preps mountains of potatoes and onions. Glaser leavens the story with lots of performance-ready, Yiddish-punctuated dialogue (“The rabbi?” Faigel gripes. “What does he know about making latkes? Bupkes!”), and Zolotic’s characters have a vivid presence and energy reminiscent of animated films. Ages 3–8. (Aug.)