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!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 