Lots of Latkes: A Hannukah Story

Last updated Monday, November 24, 2003

Author: Sandy Lanton
Illustrator: Vicki Jo Redenbaugh
Date of Publication: 2003
ISBN: 1580130917
Grade Level: 3rd
Date(s) Used: December 2003

Synopsis: Long ago in a faraway village, an old woman invites her friends to a Hanukkah dinner. Each guest plans to bring something to share--sour cream, applesauce, fish, and jelly doughnuts--but a series of mishaps results in each of them contributing latkes instead.

Discussion topics for before reading:

• What is Hanukkah?
• What is a menorah?
• What is a latke? What are other foods eaten during Hanukkah?
• How do you celebrate the holidays in December? Do you know other ways to celebrate?
• What kinds of food do you eat during the holidays in December.

Craft ideas:

• Make invitations to a holiday party
• Make a mennorrah
• Make a nice recipe card for the recipe in the book

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!