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1st out of 55 books
—
26 voters
The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story
by
Lemony Snicket,
Lisa Brown (Goodreads Author)
Latkes are potato pancakes served at Hanukkah, and Lemony Snicket is an alleged children’s author. For the first time in literary history, these two elements are combined in one book. A particularly irate latke is the star of The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming, but many other holiday icons appear and even speak: flashing colored lights, cane-shaped candy, a pine tree. S...more
Hardcover, 43 pages
Published
October 28th 2007
by McSweeney's
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Clever, clever, clever. Here's a snippet of a conversation between the latke and the pine tree:
The latke sighed. "Presents aren't really a big part of Hanukah," it said in a voice hoarse from screaming. "There's nothing wrong with giving gifts to loved ones, of course, but it's more important to light the candles for eight consecutive nights, to commemorate the miracle in the temple and the miracle of victory even when you are thoroughly outnumbered, so you shouldn't give up hope."
"Plus, Santa C...more
The latke sighed. "Presents aren't really a big part of Hanukah," it said in a voice hoarse from screaming. "There's nothing wrong with giving gifts to loved ones, of course, but it's more important to light the candles for eight consecutive nights, to commemorate the miracle in the temple and the miracle of victory even when you are thoroughly outnumbered, so you shouldn't give up hope."
"Plus, Santa C...more
Jan 21, 2012
Robin
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
My cherubic students who insist (over and over and over and over) that Passover is Jewish Easter
Oh, what joy! My kind of humor (sarcastic), and real facts about Chanukah, and a nice message besides. So, nu, what more could you want?
"It is very frustrating not to be understood in this world. If you say one thing and keep being told you mean something else, it can make you want to scream. But somewhere in the world there is a place for all of us, whether you are an electric form of decoration, peppermint-scented sweet, a source of timber, or a potato pancake. On a cold, snowy night, everyone...more
"It is very frustrating not to be understood in this world. If you say one thing and keep being told you mean something else, it can make you want to scream. But somewhere in the world there is a place for all of us, whether you are an electric form of decoration, peppermint-scented sweet, a source of timber, or a potato pancake. On a cold, snowy night, everyone...more
One of the questions that invariably arises while reading popular children’s literature series that have come out over the last ten years or so, is what will they do once the series is over? Some simply try to recapture the magic, it looks like JK Rowling is going to run far away from her creations as possible, but in true fashion Lemony Snicket aka Daniel Handler makes one of the most creative and ingenious choices by writing The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming. Styled like any other childre...more
Ridiculous and absurd but actually quite funny. Not find of the illustration style but they're comical and fit the text. Plus, I learned something about Hannukah I didn't know. (I think maybe this degree of mine was written on toilet paper with disappearing ink.)
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
100% just laughed out loud. Numerous times.
The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story 1932416870
Does your todo list during the Holidays have you feel like screaming? Sometimes the best sort of therapy is realizing that others have it much worse than you do. And then laughing out loud. Several times. Because, seriously, this Latke has it MUCH worse than you. And an irate latke in the hands of veteran satirist Daniel Handler, better known to his many fans as Lemony Snickett, is one...more
The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story 1932416870
Does your todo list during the Holidays have you feel like screaming? Sometimes the best sort of therapy is realizing that others have it much worse than you do. And then laughing out loud. Several times. Because, seriously, this Latke has it MUCH worse than you. And an irate latke in the hands of veteran satirist Daniel Handler, better known to his many fans as Lemony Snickett, is one...more
This was a funny, informative book, great for any child, or adult, who wants to gain a better understanding of the traditions of Hanukkah. The book is written in Lemony Snicket's trademark, easy-to-follow, friendly style. He disseminates information without coming across as condescending or a know-it-all.
Several times throughout the book, the Latke tells the Christmas objects (twinkling lights, candy cane, christmas tree) that Hanukkah is separate from Christmas, that they are not the same thin...more
Several times throughout the book, the Latke tells the Christmas objects (twinkling lights, candy cane, christmas tree) that Hanukkah is separate from Christmas, that they are not the same thin...more
Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler) is my hero. This laugh-out-loud funny "Christmas" story is about a latke who, well, won't stop screaming. (Hey, if you were "born" in a pot of boiling oil, you might not stop screaming either.) In between running through page after page screaming (it never gets old), the latke manages to teach some rather close-minded Christmas symbols a thing or two about Hannukkah. Brilliant!
I really had no idea what to expect from this one. With a title like that...
This was actually a pretty cute holiday story (not purely a Christmas story, as the subtitle suggests). It tells the tale of a latke who can't seem to stop screaming, even as he strives to fulfill his holiday destiny. Interspersed with all the screaming are some surprisingly informative bits about the origins of Hanukkah and its traditions.
I'm sure I would have enjoyed this book when I was a kid, but I found it amusing e...more
This was actually a pretty cute holiday story (not purely a Christmas story, as the subtitle suggests). It tells the tale of a latke who can't seem to stop screaming, even as he strives to fulfill his holiday destiny. Interspersed with all the screaming are some surprisingly informative bits about the origins of Hanukkah and its traditions.
I'm sure I would have enjoyed this book when I was a kid, but I found it amusing e...more
I loved this book which has now become a tradition to pull out during the holidays. It's the story of a latke at Hanukkah who encounters a number of characters based on Christmas symbols (pine trees, candy canes, etc) who are all unfamiliar with Hanukkah traditions. The latke attempts to teach them about the history and culture surrounding the Jewish holiday but grows more and more irate with each encounter. It was written by Lemony Snicket, author of the Series of Unfortunate Events.
I was given...more
I was given...more
I think I was in the wrong mood to read this. Yesterday I would have enjoyed it much more. Today, I just didn't get it. OK. I did love the random squirrel with the Santa hat. I think that was my favorite. Followed by the screaming latke. And it was nice that the message--brought about in Snicket's very odd ways--was actually a good one. Thrown in with Snicket's very odd humor. Definitely an interesting read. But which would you classify it as--Christmas or Hannukah? I did learn two new things--d...more
This book is both hilarious and full of meaning, and mainly centers around the idea of accepting other peoples winter season celebrations. The main character is a Latke who is trying to explain Hanukah to a Christmas obsessed world.
It is very frustrating not to be understood in this world. If you say one thing and keep being told that you mean something else, it can make you want to scream. But somewhere in the world there is a place for all of us, whether you are an electric form of decoration...more
It is very frustrating not to be understood in this world. If you say one thing and keep being told that you mean something else, it can make you want to scream. But somewhere in the world there is a place for all of us, whether you are an electric form of decoration...more
3.5
Rounded up on account of the pleasant way this book was able to convey important parts of Hanukah in a book about Christmas. Or maybe the way it was able to convey pieces of Christmas in a book about Hanukah.
The universalist message was a pleasant one, albeit it seemed the Christmas decorations were far more judge-y than our little protagonist the Latke. I hope all Christmas lights don't act like the ones in this book.
Fun. Simple. The sentences/paragraphs were long and are fit for an older...more
Rounded up on account of the pleasant way this book was able to convey important parts of Hanukah in a book about Christmas. Or maybe the way it was able to convey pieces of Christmas in a book about Hanukah.
The universalist message was a pleasant one, albeit it seemed the Christmas decorations were far more judge-y than our little protagonist the Latke. I hope all Christmas lights don't act like the ones in this book.
Fun. Simple. The sentences/paragraphs were long and are fit for an older...more
Never one to shy away from the darkly humorous, Lemony Snicket provides his readers with a holiday-themed version of the Gingerbread Boy. A Latke, who escapes from the boiling oil of a frying pan (hence the screaming) encounters a series of Christmas symbols along the road. Although he attempts to explain the meaning of Hanukkah to each of them, his attempts are in vain. A funny story for families who celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah or families who are just really hip. Best appreciated by 7-9 y...more
I saw and purchased this book as a way to learn more about our son's chosen religion.
In Lemony Snicket style, this is the story of a latke, from beginning to end. The poor thing has to find his place in the world.
And Christmas really isn't it.
In this book we learn what the differences are between Christmas and Hanukkah. Really, the only similarity seems to be that they fall around the same time of the year, and have something to do with light.
I enjoyed it. I believe it could be enjoyed by all ag...more
In Lemony Snicket style, this is the story of a latke, from beginning to end. The poor thing has to find his place in the world.
And Christmas really isn't it.
In this book we learn what the differences are between Christmas and Hanukkah. Really, the only similarity seems to be that they fall around the same time of the year, and have something to do with light.
I enjoyed it. I believe it could be enjoyed by all ag...more
I don't have children young enough to appreciate this book, but my librarian suggested it for my neices and nephews. I read it to them on Christmas Eve and they were enchanted. Not only does this book contain Christmas-related references, it teaches the Christian child about Hannukah.
The children loved helping the latke scream throughout the book, first because it is fried in olive oil and then because everything he runs into thinks he is something for Christmas.
It's a fun and intellectually wri...more
The children loved helping the latke scream throughout the book, first because it is fried in olive oil and then because everything he runs into thinks he is something for Christmas.
It's a fun and intellectually wri...more
I wish all holiday books were this much fun. Not only do children learn about the differences between Christmas and Hanukkah in a crazy but factual way, they get to "read" along with the story. I am reminded every time we pick up this book that my children are to play the part of the latke. I honestly don't think we have another book that keeps them so quiet, so focused on every turn of a page, anticipating the moment they get to scream their heads off.
This book is a marvelously silly way to explain that Hannukah IS NOT like Christmas. A latke runs screaming away from its owner (just like the Gingerbread boy). As it meets various Christmas objects (such as colored lights or Christmas trees) they try to figure out how he is like something for Christmas. He keeps explaining that he is entirely different, and then tells the story of Hannukah. It is fun and funny and useful!
Hilarious book that my kid likes as much as I do. We own two copies (1 downstairs, 1 upstairs) so it's always nearby when the whim strikes. I bought a bunch in last year's after Christmas sale and have been passing them out to teachers and kids alike. Despite the title suggesting it's another Chanukah story, it's a humorous explanation of the similarities and differences between Chanukah and Christmas.
A truly wonderful little book. I would definitely recommend this to anyone with children who may be unsure about Hanukkah and what it means. I would also recommend this book to anyone who has children who feel left out or alone because they celebrate Hanukkah, but their friends celebrate Christmas. An all around good book for all, and intelligently written by the fantastic Snicket.
Jun 16, 2011
Violet
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
kids, geniuses, those with a sense of humor
I love Lemony Snicket so very, very much- but after my love affair A Series of Unfortunate Events, I wasn't sure how I felt about his foray into picture books. This didn't disappoint! This little book is heartwarming, hilarious, and slightly morbid- just like I like it! It would make a great gift for children who are just a tiny bit weird in the most delightful way.
Lemony Snicket's witty voice tells the story of a latke that couldn't stop screaming. It runs down the street, encountering Christmasy things (a candy cane, a tree) that don't understand. Is he a hash brown? Is he a part of Christmas?
The latke explains, and screams, what he is and what he's all about. And it's all very amusing. And there's a cute squirrel.
The latke explains, and screams, what he is and what he's all about. And it's all very amusing. And there's a cute squirrel.
Dec 23, 2007
Michele
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
intermarried couples with a weird sense of humor
I spotted this book on a "novelty" display at B&N while finishing my "holiday" shopping (yes, Hanukkah, Christmas, the works) and leapt at a Lemony Snicket book published by McSweeneys (you know, Dave Eggers' gig). I picked it up and immediately started laughing loudly and, I'm sure, obnoxiously, in the store. A gentleman of a certain age approached me and asked what was so funny. He was hoping our senses of humor matched. I sure hope they did, as I tried my best to explain what was so funny...more
I did not particularly like this story. The screaming latka was distrbing and annoyng. I loved a lot of the information in the book. I like how it showed the importance of Hannukah and the traditions. I wish they had covered the Pagan more, instead of interrupting the thought. I would have rated this book much higher without the screaming latka.
This is the first Hanukah book I've read, and (by default) the most entertaining - although I suspect that would be true even if I'd read several. The story is entertaining and full of wry wit, and hey, I even learned things about Hanukah. Lisa Brown's artwork definitely adds to the story, and I will happily read this each holiday season from now on.
Warning: this is a book written by Lemony Snicket. If you like that kind of thing, you will find this book, however short, to be the kind of thing that you like. If not, well, it may bother you to see the Christmas tradition of trying to make everything Christmas-like satirized, and you may not recognize the happy ending for what it is.
More of a Hanukah story, actually. After reading The Lump of Coal, I had to read this one. A screaming latke escapes the frying pan and tries to find understanding from Christmas lights, a candy cane, and a pine tree. He has some difficulty, but all ends well...kind of. Top notch holiday fun. And with a moral, too.
What's there not to love about an illustrated book centered around a screaming potato pancake? Nothing that's what. It manages to be both darkly humorous and immensely instructive on the history of Hanukkah. The art itself is colorful and clean and very expressive. May Lemony Snicket never stop writing books like this one.
So I've been reading the Series of Unfortunate Events, which are grand, and stumbled across this in the half-off Christmas clearance bin today. I had to pick it up. It made me laugh hysterically in the middle of the store. My son's too young for it still, but I think it will become a holiday season tradition eventually.
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Lemony Snicket is the pen name of American novelist Daniel Handler. Snicket is the author of several children's books, serving as the narrator of A Series of Unfortunate Events (his best-known work) and appearing as a character within the series. Because of this, the name Lemony Snicket may refer to both a fictional character and a real person. This article deals primarily with the character.
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“It is very frustrating not to be understood in this world. If you say one thing and keep being told that you mean something else, it can make you want to scream. But somewhere in the world there is a place for all of us, whether you are an electric form of decoration, peppermint-scented sweet, a source of timber, or a potato pancake.”
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235 people liked it
“Santa Claus has nothing to do with it," the latke said. "Christmas and Hanukah are completely different things."
"But different things can often blend together," said the pine tree. "Let me tell you a funny story about pagan rituals.”
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50 people liked it
More quotes…
"But different things can often blend together," said the pine tree. "Let me tell you a funny story about pagan rituals.”
Nov 28, 2007 07:44am