The Miracle of the Potato Latkes

by Malka Penn, Giora Carmi (Illustrator)

In a joyful story filled with miracles, Tante Golda believes "God will provide," even when she has only one potato left to make her famous, delicious potato latkes for all the guests on the first night of Hanukkah.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish

32 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tante Golda made the most wonderful latkes in all of Russia, as her neighbors could attest, and she always generously shared what she had with those who came to her door. Then one terrible year, when a drought had decimated the crops, she found that she had only one potato left in her barrel—hardly enough to make latkes for her friends and neighbors, or to throw her annual Hanukkah party. Just when it seemed that the holiday would be ruined however, Tante Golda, who always believed that God would provide, was visited by a hungry beggar. Sharing her meager one potato with this stranger, she found that subsequently her store of potatoes began to increase, growing larger as each day of Hanukkah passed...

Published in 1994, The Miracle of the Potato Latkes: A Hanukkah Story appears to be author Malka Penn's only picture-book, although she also penned the time-slip children's novel, The Hanukkah Ghosts , as well as a collection of Jewish ghost stories. Illustrator Giora Carmi, on the other hand, has been more prolific in this form, and I am familiar with his artwork from other Hanukkah picture-books, such as The Chanukkah Guest and The Chanukkah Tree . I enjoyed Carmi's expressive artwork here and appreciated Penn's story of the latke miracle, which parallels the miracle of the Hanukkah story itself. In Tante Golda's case, she found that her one potato stretched to feed her village for an entire season, whereas in the Hanukkah story, the Maccabees found that oil sufficient to light the Temple's menorah for one night instead lasted eight. The theme of God providing, particularly in difficult times, feels entirely appropriate to the season, given the nature of the events that Hannukh celebrates. The inclusion of a recipe for latkes at the rear of the book was a nice additional touch—I always like picture-books that include recipes, even when I have no intention of using them. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for entertaining and meaningful Hanukkah stories.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tante Golda is hoping to prepare latkes for all her friends and neighbors, but there's only one potato left in the barrel. In true fairy tale tradition, her kindness in deciding to share it with a poor beggar brings about a change of fortune. Giora Carmi's illustrations are only so-so, though I did like the warm color palette. AND, there's a recipe!

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great reminder to me that sometimes a miracle is simply that and that I am not going to be able to find an explanation. This book is about pure miracle, and when Tante Golda tries to explain it away, she is forced to realize that sometimes God just takes care of us and there is no explanation. What a beautiful reminder for the holiday season.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story begins ...

Every year at Hanukkah time, Tante Golda would reach into her wooden barrel and pick out eight of the biggest potatoes she could find. Then she would peel them and grate them and fry them into the most delicious potato latkes in all of Russia.

A feel-good story for anyone who enjoys a well-told tale, whether Jewish, Christian, or agnostic.

The art captures the sentiment while portraying another time and place.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story with a beautiful message of service to others and that God will provide. Illustrations with visible stroke marks give the book a rustic feel - tiny details add authenticity and humor. The day my seven-year-old brought this book home from the library he insisted on having potato latkes for lunch. Consequently, I can vouch for the fact that the recipe at the end is simple, but delicious.

For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about how God provides.

[Beverlee Jobrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy hopeful miracle book.

[Reanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read this before, the story of a very book Russian village and God's provision for them during Hanukah.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great holiday book to read to the children to give them a perspective on all different religions. This story is about a girl who does not have much, but makes amazing potato latkes for dinner guests during the holiday. She does not have enough money to buy enough potatoes to make the latkes for her guests, but a miracle of her humility and kindness provides the potatoes. The guests realize how the holiday was not so much about the food, but about the wonderful company. This is a great read aloud during the holiday and can also be linked to an activity in which the children can participate in making latkes :)

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming tale of Tante Golda who makes latkes every Hanukkah and shares them with her neighbors until one day, there is only one small potato, not enough to feed everyone. Kindness to a mysterious stranger brings a delightful surprise.

Colorful illustrations support the text and add a bit of humor.