Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends.
I always love turning the spotlight on new books…and today’s book is definitely a NEW book because today is the LAUNCH DAY of LARRY’S LATKES by the amazing Jenna Waldman. That means we get to sing HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to YOU!!! And, even though it is the book’s birthday, the lovely Jenna is giving one lucky person a present…the winner of today’s giveaway can choose either a copy of the book OR a picture book critique OR a Zoom Chat…WOW!!!!

LARRY’S LATKES
Written by Jenna Waldman
Illustrated by Ben Whitehouse
Published by Apples and Honey Press (October 1, 2021)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Hanukkah, animals, humor
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Everyone knows that Big Larry makes the best latkes in town. This year he is throwing a Hanukkah party for all this friends, and the latkes need to be extra special. So he goes on a quest to find some brand\-new flavors. But peaches are a soggy mess, and turnips are a flop. Big Larry’s kitchen is a latke disaster. Good thing he has some help from his friends.
Jenna Waldman brings her joyful rhymes and a friendly alligator to Hanukkah, helped by a sweet menagerie created by Ben Whitehouse.

Why I love this book:
- Amazingly hilarious text in a fabulous read-aloud rhyme
- Super-cool illustrations with just the right infusion of goofy to delight young kids
- And I love stories for children where the main character learns to try something new!
I also love when authors stop by to chat. Jenna was kind enough to share a bit of the story behind the story. WELCOME JENNA!!!!

JENNA: Thanks so much, Vivian, for helping to celebrate the launch of LARRY’S LATKES. Here’s a little bit of the background of how the book came to be.
In 2018, I wrote an entry for Susanna Hill’s Holiday Contest. Three years later—it’s having it’s Book Birthday!
Sharkbot Shalom may have come out first, but Larry’s Latkes is my first sale, and I’m feeling extra emotional with its release. When I signed the contract for Larry’s Latkes, it was Thanksgiving 2019, and we were visiting my family in Portland, OR. We were all blissfully unaware of what was going to happen in early 2020. I’m grateful to have had books to work on during the pandemic, and latke recipes to perfect—a welcome (and delicious) distraction. At moments when I was feeling overwhelmed by distance learning failures, or fears for the future, I could look at Ben Whitehouse’s art and feel joyful again. (I mean, a flamingo, rhinoceros, and a goat eating latkes at a food truck run by an alligator at a farmer’s market?!) I’m hoping that this book can help bring joy to its readers too!

I’m sure it will, Jenna.
And now, dear readers, if you’d like to learn more about Jenna and her books or connect with her or order a signed copy of her books:
Twitter: @SarafinaDesignWebsite: www.jennawaldman.comIG: jennawaldmanauthor
For singed copies (ask for signature in comments): https://www.booksinc.net/book/9781681155654
RELATED ACTIVITIES

Hanukkah comes early this year…starting just after Thanksgiving on November 28. Here are a bunch of amazing crafts to try with the kids: https://www.redtedart.com/25-hanukkah-chanukah-crafts-the-festival-of-lights/
Please make sure you leave a comment to be entered in the fantastic giveaway…the winner’s choice of a copy of the book, a picture book critique, or a Zoom Chat with the lovely Jenna Waldman.

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend! Tomorrow is the Picture Book Summit…I’m excited to spend a day in PJs, listening to awesome kid lit folk like YUYI MORALES and JON KLASSEN!
Sounds delicious. I will need to try the recipe.
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Thank you! It was fun experimenting with ingredients ; D
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I have seen so much buzz about this book I thought it was out already! Excited to see this out in the world. And I love that there’s a recipe, I just but mine frozen.
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Thank you, Stephanie! Gotta say, Trader Joe’s makes an excellent frozen latke!
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Sounds terrific, Jenna. Congrats. Truth be told, it’s hard to think about ANY Jewish holiday after this past month 😝…but the book still sounds terrific!
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I know, it was quite the month of holidays! Thank you for the comments, Joyce : D
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Latkes are getting popular these days invading the genre of picture books. Different ideas but same messages of hope, faith and love. Thanks to all the writers of faith. Congrats Jenna.
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Thank you!
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thanks vivian. I enjoy all your goodies. god bless.
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So thrilled that you follow the blog and enjoy the posts, Alicia!
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Congrats, Jenna! I can’t wait to read this book. Happy Book Birthday!
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Thank you so much, Ellen!
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I’m already craving latkes. And this looks like such a fun book! Congrats, Jenna!
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Thank you, Jilanne! I think latkes are delicious any time of year ; D
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JENNA!!!!! I’m so insanely excited to see this book finally in print!!! YAY! It was this very story that originally connected us and I’m so grateful that we have found each other, as CPs and friends! Mazel Tov!! xoxo
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
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Rebecca!!!!! So happy Larry brought us together. Thank you for all of your support ❤️
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This book’s journey to publication is my dream! I’m so happy this author was able to realize her dream and have creative endeavors to work on in 2020. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
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Thank you, Danielle! Yes, I was definitely grateful to have the distraction. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
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Yes, please! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Congratulations!
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Thank you so much, Claire!
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Can’t wait to read this one. Sounds like a super duper Hanukkah book. Congrats, Jenna!
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Aw, thank you, Arlene! : D
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I’ve been looking for new books for Hanukkah. This sounds delightful. And I especially love that it began with Susanna’s Holiday writing contest! HOW PERFECT!
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Oh yes, I’m so grateful for writing contests—they’re inspiring! Thank you!
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Delicious book with a delicious holiday recipe! What could be better?
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Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it : D
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I remember this from the holiday contest — it will be interesting to see what has changed.
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It did change a bit! But kept the same core story ; ) I hope you enjoy it!
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I would love to share this book with my kids.
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Than you, Linda!
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As a lover of rhyme and eater of latkes, this sounds like a delightful and delicious story! Congratulations – Mazel Tov!
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Thank you so much, Doreen! ; D
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I can’t wait to read this book to my grandkids. (But they will have to share with me!) Congrats, Jenna!
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I hope they enjoy it, Ellen!
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What a fun picture book! Congratulations, Jenna!
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Thank you so much, Pamela!!!
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Yum, book looks great!
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Thank you, Zachary! : D
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Congratulations Jenna! I think we need to have a latke cook-off and see if my latkes can rival Larry’s! Wishing you continued success.
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Ha! I bet your latkes are amazing! Thank you so much!
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I can’t wait to read about Larry’s latke experiments. One year I had forgotten to go shopping and we ended up creating some that redefined what latkes are at our house.
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Oh wow, I’m so curious about your impromptu latke recipe! Thank you!
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Oh I’d love to be entered for the critique! The book sounds so cute!!
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Thank you so much, Elizabeth! : D
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Jenna, this book looks like so much fun!
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Hi David!!! Thank you! : D
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So much fun! Can’t wait to sink my teeth into this tasty book! Congrats!
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Wonderful way to expose all children to latkes and the way Larry makes them is precious! Congratulations!
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Sounds like a terrific book. I love latkes!
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This book looks SO fun!! Suddenly I’m very hungry for latkes, yum!
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