What do you think?
Papa's Latkes
A family prepares to celebrate Chanukah for the first time since Mama died — in this heartfelt, bittersweet tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced an empty chair at the holiday table.
Three plates, Selma reminded herself. Just three plates this Chanukah.
For Selma and her little sister, Dora, this is their first Chanukah without Mama. When Papa comes home carrying a big bag of potatoes and all the ingredients for latkes, Selma is worried. Mama always made the Chanukah latkes. Could they make them without her? In Michelle Edwards's poignant story, illustrated with Stacey Schuett's warmly glowing artwork, Selma comes to realize that while Chanukah — and especially latkes — will never be the same without Mama, Selma can still celebrate, and will always remember.
Three plates, Selma reminded herself. Just three plates this Chanukah.
For Selma and her little sister, Dora, this is their first Chanukah without Mama. When Papa comes home carrying a big bag of potatoes and all the ingredients for latkes, Selma is worried. Mama always made the Chanukah latkes. Could they make them without her? In Michelle Edwards's poignant story, illustrated with Stacey Schuett's warmly glowing artwork, Selma comes to realize that while Chanukah — and especially latkes — will never be the same without Mama, Selma can still celebrate, and will always remember.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 13, 2018
A recent discussion in the children’s books group I run, about the potential for sadness at the holidays, reminded me that this is a time of year when we are particularly conscious of the absence of loved ones, and find their loss especially painful. This is turn reminded me of Papa's Latkes, a picture book I had been meaning to read for some time.
It is the story of Selma and Dora Skolnick, two young girls facing their first Chanukah after the loss of their mother. When their father arrives home on the first night of the holiday, with all the ingredients necessary for latkes, the girls try to do everything just as Mama would have. But Papa's latkes just aren't the same...
A sensitive portrayal of a family struggling to cope with their loss, while carrying on the holiday traditions, Edwards' narrative never descends into sentimentality. Accompanied by Stacey Schuett's expressive gouache illustrations, this lovely picture book would make an excellent reading selection for a young child facing his or her first holiday without a loved one.
It is the story of Selma and Dora Skolnick, two young girls facing their first Chanukah after the loss of their mother. When their father arrives home on the first night of the holiday, with all the ingredients necessary for latkes, the girls try to do everything just as Mama would have. But Papa's latkes just aren't the same...
A sensitive portrayal of a family struggling to cope with their loss, while carrying on the holiday traditions, Edwards' narrative never descends into sentimentality. Accompanied by Stacey Schuett's expressive gouache illustrations, this lovely picture book would make an excellent reading selection for a young child facing his or her first holiday without a loved one.
December 3, 2008
I am so glad that this book is available for children, particularly for children who have had a parent die within the year. My mother died when I was older than these girls but books such as this would have been very helpful.
This is the story of 2 sisters (whose mother has died since Chanukah the previous year) and their father at Chanukah time when one of the traditions is to make latkes (potato pancakes.) The account is both honest and hopeful, and shows great warmth and humor within the family, even as they’re grieving. It’s also a worthy Chanukah themed story. I really enjoyed the illustrations too. It’s a truly lovely book.
This is the story of 2 sisters (whose mother has died since Chanukah the previous year) and their father at Chanukah time when one of the traditions is to make latkes (potato pancakes.) The account is both honest and hopeful, and shows great warmth and humor within the family, even as they’re grieving. It’s also a worthy Chanukah themed story. I really enjoyed the illustrations too. It’s a truly lovely book.
February 20, 2023
In terms of religion, Chanukah is really not a big deal holiday. Contrary to what one might hear, Chanukah is NOT the Jewish Christmas.
But it is a sweet holiday, a family holiday. In conveying the beauty of this traditional holiday, this picture book by Michelle Edwards does not disappoint.
Lovely, expressive illustrations by Stacey Schuett, make this story come extra-alive.
I teared up at the description of Mama, by the stove, on what turned out to be her last Chanukah; and elder daughter Selma's grief was powerfully portrayed. Equally powerful was the ending.
As one who has often celebrated Chanukah, and has also had some occasions for grief, I can attest to the soulful sweetness of this storybook. It celebrates the human spirit. Further, it celebrates Jews everywhere -- no cliches, just a lot of heart.
But it is a sweet holiday, a family holiday. In conveying the beauty of this traditional holiday, this picture book by Michelle Edwards does not disappoint.
Lovely, expressive illustrations by Stacey Schuett, make this story come extra-alive.
I teared up at the description of Mama, by the stove, on what turned out to be her last Chanukah; and elder daughter Selma's grief was powerfully portrayed. Equally powerful was the ending.
As one who has often celebrated Chanukah, and has also had some occasions for grief, I can attest to the soulful sweetness of this storybook. It celebrates the human spirit. Further, it celebrates Jews everywhere -- no cliches, just a lot of heart.
December 4, 2020
A very touching story about a small family celebrating their first Chanukah without their mother. Papa helps the girls make the latkes. This book is sure to bring a tear to the eye--young and old alike. It will be featured in my Reading with the Rabbi series for Chanukah. My favorite line, "Latkes...poetry on a platter." A good book for introducing surviving grief to children. Sadly, very needed this year.
September 19, 2017
The human died.
March 26, 2021
Great children’s book addressing the loss of a parent, the remaining parent trying to make the best of the situation & Jewish heritage.
January 3, 2022
A touching story about family, Chanukah, grief, tradition, and love.
December 13, 2022
I love this book.
Read
January 5, 2023I have a soft spot for children’s books that touch on grief and mourning. Very sweet.
December 6, 2023
Loved this realistic fiction loss of parent
November 22, 2025
Really good and really sweet story about a family making latkes for the first time since the mom of the family died. Very heimish and heartfelt. I love seeing a sweet, strong, caring Jewish father.
February 11, 2017
Papa’s Latkes tells the emotional story of a Jewish family’s first Chanukah without the mother, who died of some kind of sickness. When Papa’s Latkes turn out differently from Mama’s, the older daughter, Selma, starts crying. The family talks about how they miss Mama, but that she would still want them to celebrate without her. This picture book is realistic fiction. It ties into my family text set as it represents a single parent family who are dealing with the loss of the second parent. It also fits in my religion text set as the family is Jewish and the story describes many important aspects of Chanukah. Michelle Edwards celebrates Chanukah herself, so I think that Papa’s Latkes has a realistic depiction of the holiday.
I think that the story will interest children, although discussion should be handled with care as death is a heavy topic for many children. There will likely be many questions, particularly from younger children who may not understand the concept of death yet. I think this particular story would be better suited for older children, perhaps age 7+, as they most likely have a better understanding of emotions and grief. Very young children may not like the book as it is not ‘happy’, but it still promotes some wonderful messages and prompts discussion about grieving and death. Jewish traditions are described in easily understood ways, so that children of any faith can read the story. The story does not have a clear-cut problem and solution, but rather lets the reader take a look into the lives of a family who are trying to navigate the holidays without Mama.
The illustrations are very well done and colorful. Stacey Schuett did a great job of portraying the character’s emotions in their body language and facial expressions. The illustrations are accurate and relate well to the text on each page. One thing I did notice is that some pages have a large amount of text without much going on in the image, so younger children might lose interest.
I think that the characters represent Jewish practices accurately. The author also throws in a reference to Santa Claus which I think would help many children connect Chanukah as being a holiday, since Santa Claus is a relatively well-known figure. The author did a great job of giving just enough details so that those who are not Jewish can understand what the characters are doing to celebrate the holiday, while not oversimplifying the traditions or vocabulary. The illustrations were useful in conveying the traditions as well.
I think that the story will interest children, although discussion should be handled with care as death is a heavy topic for many children. There will likely be many questions, particularly from younger children who may not understand the concept of death yet. I think this particular story would be better suited for older children, perhaps age 7+, as they most likely have a better understanding of emotions and grief. Very young children may not like the book as it is not ‘happy’, but it still promotes some wonderful messages and prompts discussion about grieving and death. Jewish traditions are described in easily understood ways, so that children of any faith can read the story. The story does not have a clear-cut problem and solution, but rather lets the reader take a look into the lives of a family who are trying to navigate the holidays without Mama.
The illustrations are very well done and colorful. Stacey Schuett did a great job of portraying the character’s emotions in their body language and facial expressions. The illustrations are accurate and relate well to the text on each page. One thing I did notice is that some pages have a large amount of text without much going on in the image, so younger children might lose interest.
I think that the characters represent Jewish practices accurately. The author also throws in a reference to Santa Claus which I think would help many children connect Chanukah as being a holiday, since Santa Claus is a relatively well-known figure. The author did a great job of giving just enough details so that those who are not Jewish can understand what the characters are doing to celebrate the holiday, while not oversimplifying the traditions or vocabulary. The illustrations were useful in conveying the traditions as well.
October 24, 2012
Grade/interest level: Upper Elementary (3rd-5th)
Reading level: Lexile, 580L
Genre: Picture Book, Multicultural
Main Characters: Selma, Dora, and Papa
Setting: The family home
POV: Third person
This book is about a Jewish family celebrating their first Chanukah after their mother’s passing. The book follows the traditions that the family has always upheld and the different responsibilities each family member takes on in place of their mother. The story focuses in on making latkes, something that had always been done by their mother on the holiday. The girls’ father comes home with all the necessary ingredients and Selma, the daughter who had always helped her mother in the kitchen, helps the family to remember how to prepare their mother’s latkes. The book flashes back to the family’s memories of their mother the year before at Chanukah, when she was ill. Unfortunately, Papa was unable to make the light brown, crispy latkes as their mother had, but rather comes out with darker, mushier latkes. The younger daughter, Dora, is not affected by this and eats the latkes, as does Papa. Selma became upset at how the holiday had drastically changed now that their mother was no longer with them. Papa explains to the girls that although their mother is not there, they can still celebrate the traditions that they would be celebrating had she been there with them. The book ends with the lighting of the Menorah and the family wishing each other a happy holiday and also wishing their mother one.
I discovered this book browsing at a secondhand thrift store and without reading it carefully bought it, as I think it is very hard to find books about other cultures and holidays and I did not yet have any books about the Jewish traditions. In my future classroom, I would definitely like to learn and teach about different holidays in my classroom come the holiday season. This book would be a good resource for that, as well as to use in a unit on families or traditions. However, I would need to be sensitive of my students as this may hit home for some of them. With any text, I will have to use the proper attention when choosing what is appropriate and inappropriate to use with each different groups of students.
Reading level: Lexile, 580L
Genre: Picture Book, Multicultural
Main Characters: Selma, Dora, and Papa
Setting: The family home
POV: Third person
This book is about a Jewish family celebrating their first Chanukah after their mother’s passing. The book follows the traditions that the family has always upheld and the different responsibilities each family member takes on in place of their mother. The story focuses in on making latkes, something that had always been done by their mother on the holiday. The girls’ father comes home with all the necessary ingredients and Selma, the daughter who had always helped her mother in the kitchen, helps the family to remember how to prepare their mother’s latkes. The book flashes back to the family’s memories of their mother the year before at Chanukah, when she was ill. Unfortunately, Papa was unable to make the light brown, crispy latkes as their mother had, but rather comes out with darker, mushier latkes. The younger daughter, Dora, is not affected by this and eats the latkes, as does Papa. Selma became upset at how the holiday had drastically changed now that their mother was no longer with them. Papa explains to the girls that although their mother is not there, they can still celebrate the traditions that they would be celebrating had she been there with them. The book ends with the lighting of the Menorah and the family wishing each other a happy holiday and also wishing their mother one.
I discovered this book browsing at a secondhand thrift store and without reading it carefully bought it, as I think it is very hard to find books about other cultures and holidays and I did not yet have any books about the Jewish traditions. In my future classroom, I would definitely like to learn and teach about different holidays in my classroom come the holiday season. This book would be a good resource for that, as well as to use in a unit on families or traditions. However, I would need to be sensitive of my students as this may hit home for some of them. With any text, I will have to use the proper attention when choosing what is appropriate and inappropriate to use with each different groups of students.
October 15, 2012
Grade/interest level: Primary/Learn to read (kindergarten -2nd grade)
Reading level: Guided Reading Level O
Genre: Multicultural Literature
Main Characters: Papa, Selma, and Dora
Setting: At the Home of Selma and Dora , in a largely Jewish neighborhood
POV: Through Selma’s viewpoint
Summary: Papa’s Latkes by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by Stacey Schuett is a heartbreaking story of a family overcoming loss during the holidays. It is Selma and Dora’s first Chanukah after the loss of their mother. The girls are trying to remember and recreate everything their mother did during the holiday. Papa comes home with an abundant amount of ingredients to make the traditional latkes for the first night of Chanukah. The girls are a little weary, because they never made latkes without their mother before, but they all give it a try. The girls cut up the ingredients and their father fries the latkes. As they sit down for their meal, the girls are upset that their papa’s latkes don’t look like their mother’s, but they overcome their sadness and realize that they needed to remember their mama and that she would be happy during Chanukah. The girls light the candle on the menorah and celebrate the first night of Chanukah. The book is beautifully illustrated by Schuett with oil and acrylic paintings. The illustrations are very lifelike and truly represent Edwards, text.
Class Uses/Themes: I would use this book as a read aloud in my classroom to teach my students about different holidays, such as Chanukah, during the holiday season. This book provides a lot of insight to the traditions of Chanukah, such as the meals and the lighting of the menorah.
Reading level: Guided Reading Level O
Genre: Multicultural Literature
Main Characters: Papa, Selma, and Dora
Setting: At the Home of Selma and Dora , in a largely Jewish neighborhood
POV: Through Selma’s viewpoint
Summary: Papa’s Latkes by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by Stacey Schuett is a heartbreaking story of a family overcoming loss during the holidays. It is Selma and Dora’s first Chanukah after the loss of their mother. The girls are trying to remember and recreate everything their mother did during the holiday. Papa comes home with an abundant amount of ingredients to make the traditional latkes for the first night of Chanukah. The girls are a little weary, because they never made latkes without their mother before, but they all give it a try. The girls cut up the ingredients and their father fries the latkes. As they sit down for their meal, the girls are upset that their papa’s latkes don’t look like their mother’s, but they overcome their sadness and realize that they needed to remember their mama and that she would be happy during Chanukah. The girls light the candle on the menorah and celebrate the first night of Chanukah. The book is beautifully illustrated by Schuett with oil and acrylic paintings. The illustrations are very lifelike and truly represent Edwards, text.
Class Uses/Themes: I would use this book as a read aloud in my classroom to teach my students about different holidays, such as Chanukah, during the holiday season. This book provides a lot of insight to the traditions of Chanukah, such as the meals and the lighting of the menorah.
November 11, 2009
Papa’s Latkes
4 out of 5 Stars
Schuett uses colorful paintings in her illustrations of the book. These are not detail-oriented illustrations; the characters are soft, rounded, and take on an almost abstract feel. In fact, the background of one page is a swirl of blues and is reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night. The coloring Schuett used added great depth to the book; a wide range of colors are shown, mixed together, and piled on top of each other. Upon further examination, the illustrations look textured as if you can almost see the canvas on which they were painted. The text was printed on top of the illustrations, which was mirrored in the illustrations because of all the colors piled on top of each other. The text in the book was informative about Chanukah, and I learned about traditions from the Jewish culture. I gave the book four out of five stars. I feel the text could have been a bit more concise, and the message still would have been portrayed even with the shortened text. The target audience would be kids between third and sixth grades. Kids can relate to how holidays would be different, almost foreign, if they were to lose a parent. Additionally, the book helps to teach students about how to deal with death. History and language arts could be subject areas in which the book is integrated. For a history lesson, mainly for upper grades, this book would be a good tie in if discussing the Holocaust. Depending on the district, it could be difficult to integrate the book into the classroom because it discusses religion.
4 out of 5 Stars
Schuett uses colorful paintings in her illustrations of the book. These are not detail-oriented illustrations; the characters are soft, rounded, and take on an almost abstract feel. In fact, the background of one page is a swirl of blues and is reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night. The coloring Schuett used added great depth to the book; a wide range of colors are shown, mixed together, and piled on top of each other. Upon further examination, the illustrations look textured as if you can almost see the canvas on which they were painted. The text was printed on top of the illustrations, which was mirrored in the illustrations because of all the colors piled on top of each other. The text in the book was informative about Chanukah, and I learned about traditions from the Jewish culture. I gave the book four out of five stars. I feel the text could have been a bit more concise, and the message still would have been portrayed even with the shortened text. The target audience would be kids between third and sixth grades. Kids can relate to how holidays would be different, almost foreign, if they were to lose a parent. Additionally, the book helps to teach students about how to deal with death. History and language arts could be subject areas in which the book is integrated. For a history lesson, mainly for upper grades, this book would be a good tie in if discussing the Holocaust. Depending on the district, it could be difficult to integrate the book into the classroom because it discusses religion.
April 13, 2014
Genre: fiction, picture book
Papa's Latkes is the story of a family's first Channukah without their mother. Papa brings home the ingredients for latkes, a type of potato pancake eaten at Channukah. At first, Selma and Dora don't think they can make the latkes, because their mother always made them. But they are able to remember what they did to help their mother, and recreate her recipe. Their father cooks the latkes, and that's where they are different from their mother's. Selma cannot bring herself to eat them, she is overcome with grief. Her father reminds her that her mother would want them to celebrate Channukah, even though she is no longer with them. Selma realizes her father is right, and proceeds to light the candles the way her mother had taught her.
This book can be a little sad. It would be a wonderful book in the winter to illustrate different cultures and holidays. Discussion questions: Does anyone know the story of Channukah? Who celebrates Channukah? What do you think a latke is? Do you know what embroidery is? Why would Mama embroider menorahs, dreidels and stars of David? When do you think this story takes place, is it set in 2014? Do you celebrate a special holiday with traditions you follow every year? Follow up with a discussion of holidays and traditions.
Papa's Latkes is the story of a family's first Channukah without their mother. Papa brings home the ingredients for latkes, a type of potato pancake eaten at Channukah. At first, Selma and Dora don't think they can make the latkes, because their mother always made them. But they are able to remember what they did to help their mother, and recreate her recipe. Their father cooks the latkes, and that's where they are different from their mother's. Selma cannot bring herself to eat them, she is overcome with grief. Her father reminds her that her mother would want them to celebrate Channukah, even though she is no longer with them. Selma realizes her father is right, and proceeds to light the candles the way her mother had taught her.
This book can be a little sad. It would be a wonderful book in the winter to illustrate different cultures and holidays. Discussion questions: Does anyone know the story of Channukah? Who celebrates Channukah? What do you think a latke is? Do you know what embroidery is? Why would Mama embroider menorahs, dreidels and stars of David? When do you think this story takes place, is it set in 2014? Do you celebrate a special holiday with traditions you follow every year? Follow up with a discussion of holidays and traditions.
April 1, 2013
Edwards, Michelle (2003).
Subgroup: Bereavement
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Topics: Bereavement, Religious Traditions, Chanukah
Synopsis: This book is a very sweet way for children to understand how a family deals with the lose. Dora, Selma, and their father are celebrating their first Chanukah without their mother. Their mother used to make the best Latkes for Chanukah dinner, but this year their Papa is making them. The family works together to make the night special even without mama there. They do what they can to talk about happy memories with her, but its still really hard for Selma to accept. Papa and Dora explain that its hard for them too, but at least they have each other. At the end the family lights the candles and say the prayers hoping their mother had a Happy Chanukah too.
Subgroup: Bereavement
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Topics: Bereavement, Religious Traditions, Chanukah
Synopsis: This book is a very sweet way for children to understand how a family deals with the lose. Dora, Selma, and their father are celebrating their first Chanukah without their mother. Their mother used to make the best Latkes for Chanukah dinner, but this year their Papa is making them. The family works together to make the night special even without mama there. They do what they can to talk about happy memories with her, but its still really hard for Selma to accept. Papa and Dora explain that its hard for them too, but at least they have each other. At the end the family lights the candles and say the prayers hoping their mother had a Happy Chanukah too.
June 22, 2013
This story depicts a Jewish holiday and some of its traditions in ways that other students can understand. The tone of this story was alive but with some sadness embedded within the context. The detailed illustrations present the different emotions the young girls are going through during this special holiday without their mother. The Jewish culture is present throughout this book with the lighting of the menorah, cooking of the latkes, and the Jewish symbols that can be seen on the tablecloth. Papa’s Latkes can be read in the classroom as part of a holiday tradition unit, or on a lesson on how to deal with the death of a loved one. When reading this story to younger children one must be aware of their family background due to the emotional meaning that it conveys.
Read
March 7, 2015Papa's Latkes is a realistic fiction book, In this book the father's wife died and he is forced to take the wheel and take care of his two children. The two children miss their mother on their first Hanukkah without her, but they all make latkes and celebrate without her. A lot of children can relate to tragic deaths and it may seem harder to deal with around holidays. The book shows how the family was able to be strong without the presence of their mother. The language and illustrations make it developmentally appropriate for young readers. I would recommend this story to be read by higher elementary students. This book has realistic characters and real life situations that all students going through a similar situation can relate to.
April 11, 2011
This would be a great book to use when teaching your students about different family traditions, and holidays that are celebrated at the end of the year. It could also help students who have suffered the loss of family members by letting them know they can still be happy, and their family traditions can still live on eventhough that person might not be there in the physical. Great illustrations also.
Read
March 17, 2011This is quite a sad book but holds a lot of information about the traditions of Chanukah. This would be a good book to discuss traditional holidays during December. It would be fun to actually make latkes with a class (kids always love food!). I would use this to talk about religious traditions, families, and possibly even the lose off a loved on and when families can especially miss that person.
November 23, 2013
I read this book aloud to my fourth graders (most are Jewish kids) and we totally enjoyed it. There was quite a bit of humor, the difficulty of "creating" latkes was well depicted as was the love of the dad for his girls. Best of all, for me, was that the kids really marveled over the beautiful oil painted illustrations. We decided this was a top-notch book.
December 17, 2008
This storybook addresses serious life issues, so I would suggest it is more for junior readers than the very young.
Beautifully written and illustrated; it is a healing moment for those affected by loss of their mother.
Beautifully written and illustrated; it is a healing moment for those affected by loss of their mother.
November 22, 2010
This book was really sad. The girls spent Chanukah without their mama. It gave me more meaning to spend time with my family during the Holidays.
May 22, 2012
A sweet story about Chanukah and lumpy latkes. Touching story.
December 16, 2023
Sweet story. While I wish it had more information about Chanukah that was not the point of the story.
June 8, 2017
A sweet story that intertwines Hanukkah traditions with the narrative of a family (dad, 2 daughters) working through the first holiday season without their mom who had recently passed away. It was a sweet story.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews