Books reviewed by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Public Library.
The Worst Twelve Days of Christmas
By: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
In an amusing twist on the traditional holiday song, older sister Joy laments sharing the holiday with her new baby brother. Frustration and exasperation arise as Joy deals with shattered ornaments and ripped cards courtesy her younger sibling. Any dueling brother and sister will appreciate the high and lows of their relationship. The illustrations are comical and expressive, a great treat for any family on Christmas.
The Golem’s Latkes
By: Eric A. Kimmel
Kimmel retells the story of the golem with a nod to “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”. Rabbi Judah leaves his house to prepare for Hanukkah and tells his housemaid to prepare for a party. The housemaid uses the golem to make latkes for the celebration without knowing how to stop it. Soon enough, there are enough latkes for the entire town. The story entertains and celebrates the holiday without being another straightforward eight nights of Hanukkah tale.
Bear in Long Underwear
By: Todd Doodler
With the Halloween blizzard as a nice precursor to the upcoming winter weather, the tale of Bear and his friends making a snowman is a sure hit. Bear donates all his clothes towards dressing the snowman leaving him in just his long underwear and starting a new fashion trend.
Perfect Soup
By: Lisa Moser
Murray the mouse rushes around town to find a carrot to perfect his soup. He goes from shop to shop doing favors in order to get his carrot. Amidst the rushing around, a friendly, nose-less snowman asks Murray to play. Murray must choose between the perfect soup and helping a friend.