The Kvetch Who Stole Hanukkah

I have to admit I was skeptical of this title at first, as it seemed a Jewish knock off of Dr. Seuss, but in the end I was completely won over by the wisdom of the story, and the charm of the rhymes and illustrations. I read the book to my eight-year-old son, who is a very harsh critic, and he turned two thumbs up.It's probably not apparent to children or even adults on a first reading, that the book touches, in its light way, on problems of vulnerability that are deeply imbedded in the psyche. Even if you're not Jewish, it's possible to identify with the Kvetch, a man who cannot allow himself enjoyment for fear of being hurt when that enjoyment is withdrawn.The authors are to be congratulated in offering a story that is simple and pleasing for children, yet profound and moving for adults. This book deserves to be read and handed down.

The story begins in the fantasy land of Oyville, as children are preparing for Hanukkah - the annual festival of lights.While the true meaning of Hanukkah is the apparent theme of this recently released book, it also teaches children important life lessons about hope and fear and joy in a fun and delightful way.The writing is whimsical and creative with clever rhymes. The illustrations are vivid and amusing and light up each and every page.I believe adults will enjoy reading this sweet book to their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. I can hardly wait to give The Kvetch Who Stole Hanukkah to my grand nieces and nephews and watch their expressions as we read together.

My grandson is product of a mixed marriage so I decided to buy this book and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas for him for "Hanu-Mas." The book is contrived to try to compete with The Grinch and not very well done. At 5 years old, I'm sure he'll enjoy it, but I found it weirdly offensive, along the lines of buying kids a zillion expensive Chanukah gifts to compete with the kids who celebrate Christmas.

The Kvetch Who Stole Hanukkah is a great little story book for smallchildren to be read during Hanukkah or otehr times. Well illustratedand written.

Funny, cute and the rhyming flows really nicely throughout the story :)Jewish people need more fun books like this!

"Perhaps you're afraid to see things so bright for fear you'll lose them as day becomes night." This is the important message presented in a most delightful way to young readers of THE KVETCH WHO STOLE HANUKKAH. The book quickly brought me from adult to child, giggling at the novel concept of a miserable yet pathetic kvetch as the ultimate hero?! There I was, in the town of Oyville, one of those kids all excited about the menorah and latkes, when the gloomy KVETCH - who wants to rob others of holiday joy he can't give himself - suddenly stops the fun.When I returned to my adult view I noted this one-of-a-kind holiday book's ability to send kids beyond the gift part of Hanukkah to its crucial social message: We often won't allow ourselves pleasure because we're afraid it won't last - and if we can't have it, we may resent those who can. As a psychoanalyst and analytic therapist for nearly 35 years, I've treated many children and their parents, and I recommend THE KVETCH WHO STOLE HANUKKAH as a mainstay of children's holiday book selections. Its universal ideas about social skills apply to varied religions (as does Dr. Seuss's book about Christmas), while its hilarious illustrations bring the giggles. By the way, just make sure you and the kids have plenty of latkes and applesauce to munch on while you learn and laugh. Laura Arens Fuerstein, Ph.D. Author, MY MOTHER MY MIRROR website: mymothermymirror.com

Fantastic, heartwarming and funny take on the original. Everyone can relate. Read to a multicultural class and everyone loved! Good job!

As a young boy, I always felt that there was an abundance of books, songs, movies, and TV specials for kids who celebrated Christmas but a lot less for those who celebrate Hanukkah. I liked Santa and Rudolph enough, but I didn't feel like they were part of my world, and I wished that there were an equivalent character for the Festival of Lights. The part of me who remembers that feels validated that at least the Grinch now has a Jewish counterpart in The Kvetch Who Stole Hanukkah.I had a lot of fun reading this book aloud (with my best Jewish inflections) to my three-year-old nephew, who remained engrossed and delighted in the rhymes and vibrant illustrations throughout. The book also has a good message for older children (and adults). The book resonated with me as that Jewish kid who wanted more Hanukkah-boooks, but readers certainly do not need to be Jewish to love this book any more than they need to be Christian to love The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.