When you are browsing online reader copies you can find everything from books about women’s health, sexuality, horror, mystery, humor, dogs, cats, rhinos, birds, environmental war, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, various New Year celebrations and Hanukkah books. And that’s all in April and May. And one of those books is one called Lost and Found Hanukkah. The author Joy Preble and illustrator Lisa Anchin put together a book with many layers.
In no particular order, it is a book about family, friendship, community, parents, same sex couples, celebrations, children’s emotions, moving and more. Nate (our young hero) and his dads have moved. During their move, Nate’s special Menorah goes missing, while he never does find the old one, it is the looking for a new one (and a missing cat) that helps the family find a lot more than a Menorah. The feeling of the holiday and season comes to light. These feelings and thoughts come to light with soft images and text. Things are nice, friendly, cozy. We see the action without a lot of direct telling. The images themselves are cute, and keeps the adventure part (trying to find a neighbor’s cat) from being too “intense” as there is a feeling of hope with them.
I like the fact that this is not your typical story of the celebration. It is modern but also has classic elements to it as well. It is relatable to today’s readers and to both those of the Jewish faith and not, as it’s not “just another Hanukkah story” but a story deeper than just that. Due in mid-September 2025 the book will be in time for a holiday or anytime gift.