Editorial Review

“Latke, a playful golden brown shelter dog with good intentions, comes to live with his new family on the first night of Hanukkah. However, he scoffs at the sufganiyot (jelly donuts), shreds the present wrappings, gobbles the latkes, gnaws on a dreidel, topples the applesauce, slobbers on the chocolate Hanukkah coins, and chomps the menorah candles into a sticky mess. Discouraged, the family begins to question their decision to adopt, until the final night of Hanukkah when they present him with his very own chew toy. Fischer’s humorous story is narrated from Latke’s perspective, effectively contrasting his well-meant exuberance with the family’s growing distress. The kids are mostly understanding; Mom and Dad, not so much. Beeke’s colorful artwork depicts everyone’s efforts to do the right thing, while small touches (such as the candles in the menorah) convey holiday details. The story’s secular tone will please less observant families. Pair with Jane Yolen’s How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah (2012) for another guide to proper holiday behavior.” — Booklist Online