Fall 2025

The Mouse Who Loved Latkes

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

When the Katz family moves in, C.J. the mouse is scared. Nibbling jelly doughnut crumbs in the kitchen, he hears a soft voice say, “Hello.” The Katz family is spinning a dreidel and eating chocolate coins. It looks like fun, but a mouse can’t play with cats! “Hello again,” says the soft voice. “Please don’t go. I could use a friend.” Can C.J. overcome his fear and make some new friends just in time for Hanukkah?

Format Your Price Add
979-8-7656-4424-9
$19.99
979-8-7656-7553-3
$24.99
979-8-7656-8594-5
$34.99
979-8-7656-8592-1
$6.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Preschool - Grade 2
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Copyright 2025
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Kar-Ben Publishing ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-10-14
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV017110, JUV039060, JUV002000
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 9.75 x 9.75
Features Author/Illustrator note, Glossary, Recipes, and Reviewed

Author, Illustrator: Joy Nelkin Wieder

Joy Nelkin Wieder is an author, artist, and educator. Her picture book The Passover Mouse, illustrated by Shahar Kober, was awarded the SCBWI/PJ Library Jewish Stories Award and was chosen as a PJ Library selection. Her historical novel The Secret Tunnel has been selected for the PJ Our Way program. When she’s not writing or illustrating books for children, she might be painting landscapes or training service dogs. Joy loves latkes with applesauce and sour cream, especially during Hanukkah! She lives outside Boston with her husband and two cats. Visit http://www.jnwieder.com for more information.

Reviews

The Horn Book Magazine

“Cartoony illustrations provide reassurance from the start that the mouse and Katzes will end up friends.”—Horn Book Magazine

Kirkus Reviews

“Wieder’s lively text captures C.J.’s hopes and fears, accompanied by expressive illustrations that use varied perspectives to good effect. Kindness abounds in this holiday tale of unexpected friendship.”—Kirkus Reviews

School Library Journal

“This story is a light and fun glimpse into family holiday life for those who do or do not observe Hanukkah.”—School Library Journal

Publishers Weekly

“Watercolor- and ink-style illustrations lend a homespun, coloring-book warmth to a congenial cat-and-mouse picture book that honors Judaism’s tradition of holiday hospitality.”—Publishers Weekly