cover image Gingerbread Dreidels

Gingerbread Dreidels

Jane Breskin Zalben, illus. by Thai Phuong. Charlesbridge, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-6235-4-3655

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. Ages 4–7. (Aug.)