Customer Reviews

Biscuit's Hanukkah

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I was happy to see Chanukah among the many holidays Biscuit and his friend celebrate (with the caveat that I am always slightly annoyed at the inclusion of Chanukah to the EXclusion of the many more important Jewish occasions throughout the year - let's be honest: it only gets noticed because it takes place in December's "holiday season").

But back to the review!

We generally skip the holiday Biscuit books, but this was one I felt okay about picking up for my kids, and it turns out I actually like it, for several reasons.

Most important, it's unclear whether the girl in the story (Biscuit's owner) is Jewish; I'm assuming probably not. And I love this! To me, this makes it a story about how she offers a homemade Chanukah gift to Jewish friends at their holiday time - what a nice message.

Also, the Jewish boy shown receiving the menorah is wearing a kippah (yarmulke) - it's a delightfully rare treat for my kids to see kids wearing kippot in mainstream board books.

Finally, as usual, Biscuit manages to be cute but not cloying (in small doses) and his antics, punctuated by enthusiastic barks on every page, are mild but entertaining enough for both my baby (1) and toddler (3.5).

This may not be a great literary or Judaic classic, but it's a cheerfully inclusive holiday tale that emphasizes the spirit of sharing holidays with friends - canine and otherwise.

It is Hanukkah and Biscuit and the girl with the purple sneakers are getting ready to celebrate with their friends.

Together they make a menorah as a gift for their friends. There is a little explanation about the object but not much. The gift is then presented to the friends and happiness ensues.

Although the book makes an attempt to talk about the candles, only the difference between the eight candles and the Shamash candle is mentioned. So while it is a fun book and Biscuit is up to his usual antics, there is little actually about Hanukkah here.

Biscuit's Hanukkah is a board book about a little girl teaching her dog, Biscuit, about some of the customs of Hanukkah. This book introduces some Hebrew words such as shamash and menorah, in a simple, sweet way. The illustrations are colorful, fun, and full of Hanukkah décor and Judaic symbols. It is an appealing introduction to this Jewish holiday that is sure to be popular with its target audience of very young children.
For preschool and younger.
Reviewed by Melanie Pastor