Latke, the Lucky Dog

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 2
  • Reading Level: Grade 1

Rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah, Latke has trouble learning the house rules. Despite a series of mishaps, he is one Lucky Dog!

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Interest Level Preschool - Grade 2
Reading Level Grade 1
Genre Picture Books
Copyright 2014
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Kar-Ben Publishing ®
Language English
Number of Pages 24
Publication Date 2014-08-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV002070, JUV033020, JUV017110
Dewey [E]
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 9.75 x 9.75
Lexile 440
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Original artwork, and Reviewed

Author: Ellen Fischer

Ellen Fischer was born in St. Louis. Following graduation from Washington University, she taught children with special needs and then ESL at a Jewish Day School. She lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband. They have three children.

Illustrator: Tiphanie Beeke

Meet the Imprints: Kar-Ben Publishing

We continue our stroll through Lerner Publishing Group’s many imprints with a look at Kar-Ben Publishing, the largest publisher of Jewish children’s books in the world. Read on to learn more about the broad publishing program Kar-Ben enjoys and some of our most familiar and popular books View →

Reviews

Jewish Book World

“Do we need another juvenile Hanukkah book? The answer is definitively yes, in the case of this lovely new dog-centric book which gives a unique perspective on the holiday.” — Jewish Book World

Library Media Connection

“Youngsters will root for the puppy….Child-like illustrations perfectly match the text….It is recommended for those libraries that need to round out their holiday book choices.”―Library Media Connection

The Horn Book Magazine

“Told in Latke’s voice, the story highlights the holiday’s traditions as well as the love between the dog and his new family. Cheerful textured illustrations capture all of Latke’s mischief.” —starred, The Horn Book Magazine

School Library Journal

“This is a pleasant Hanukkah title, with the bonus of nicely conveying that the rescued animal is a lucky dog indeed. A brief description of the holiday is included.” —School Library Journal

Booklist

“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