Honeyky Hanukah

September 15, 2014
This selection from Guthrie’s Jewish-themed oeuvre—inspired by his mother-in-law, the Jewish poet Aliza Greenblatt—has a novelty song refrain that inspires a toe-tapping performance (on the accompanying CD) by the Grammy-winning and always irresistible Klezmatics. Ever the populist, Guthrie reminds readers that Hanukkah is not all treats and presents: “If you’ve got no money, well, that’s all right... Your kiss is nicer than cakes from the store/ It’s Honeyky Hanukah time.” Created with cut paper, charcoal, and colored pencils, Horowitz’s (Twenty-Six Pirates: An Alphabet Book) illustrations have a slightly smaller quotient of his customary goofiness, but they’re bouncy and bright, and ably serve as illustrated title cards to get readers in a singalong mood. A bookplate-slash–gift tag on the front endpaper encourages giving. Ages 3–7.

September 1, 2014
A Woody Guthrie Hanukkah folk tune written in part for his wife's Jewish family is brought to life with droll cartoon illustrations and a toe-tapping klezmer musical arrangement. Construction-paper cutouts make up basic body parts, and they are embellished with charcoal and colored pencil. These illustrations create cheery double-page scenes to accompany each four-line verse. A barefoot, curly-haired guitar player is joined by children parading in song, a father playing an accordion and a mother with a fiddle. They are accompanied by a pet dog hauling a wagon full of gifts. In warm complement to the musical atmosphere, a grandmother is baking honey cake and cookies to go with latkes, and all the candles on the menorah are lit. Guthrie's simple message that money is not as important as sweet hugs and kisses to go all around at "Honeyky Hanukah time" is reflected in each jovial illustration. While the book itself can stand alone, the accompanying CD with music by the well-known Klezmatics will encourage dancing and singing along to the joyously performed adaptation. Sure to become a tradition at Hanukkah parties everywhere. (Picture book. 3-6)

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October 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 2-A whimsical spread accompanies each of the seven verses of Guthrie's song in this celebration featuring a curly-haired youngster who, with his enthusiastic dog, happily devours Bubbie's fresh-baked treats and then proceeds to play guitar on an urban stoop and sing the praises of Hanukkah. Mention is made of the candles burning for a week, but though repeatedly pictured, the menorah is never named in the text. Nor is the dreidel, shown spinning as a pig-tailed girl romps with the dog while another boy discovers a present. In following pages, the children parade (with dog in tow) to deliver presents to Mom and Dad, share hugs, expand on the music-making, and dance a rooftop hora with Bubbie and Zayde. The construction paper, charcoal, and colored-pencil illustrations capture the spirit conveyed by Guthrie's exuberant musings. Background on the musician and the impetus for his Jewish songs are appended. A CD of the Klezmatics performing a rousing version of the song is included.-Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2014
Preschool-G When you think of Woody Guthrie songs, one about Hanukkah probably isn't the first subject that comes to mind. But as the informative note explains, Guthrie wrote a number of Jewish songs that were born out of his strong relationship with his mother-in-law, a Yiddish poet. The lyrics for Honeyky Hanukah (a nontraditional spelling of the holiday) may not be particularly unique ( Latkes and goody things all over town ), but as the accompanying CD by the Klezmatics shows, it's a happy tune for a festive time. Horowitz's artwork, created with construction paper, charcoal, and colored pencils, is simple, sturdy, and adds to the fun.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

November 1, 2014
Guthrie's lively Hanukkah ditty exudes folksiness and warmth, and this jaunty picture-book treatment captures the homespun energy of the lyrics. Horo-witz's animated construction paper, charcoal, and colored-pencil art features a curly-haired, barefoot, guitar-playing boy who tells listeners about his loving family's holiday traditions. "Latkes and goody things" in Bubbie's kitchen, menorah candles, music- and merry-making, hugs and kisses, gifts -- they're all part of the celebration. An illustrator's note offers insight into the genesis of Guthrie's Jewish songs. The Klezmatics perform a rousing rendition of the song on the accompanying CD. Read the book, listen to the CD, and get into the Hanukkah mood. kitty flynn

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2015
This jaunty picture-book treatment captures the homespun energy of Guthrie's lively ditty. Horowitz's mixed-media art features a curly-haired, barefoot, guitar-playing boy who tells listeners about his family's holiday traditions, including "latkes and goody things" from Bubbie's kitchen, gifts, and music-making. An illustrator's note considers the genesis of Guthrie's Jewish songs. The Klezmatics perform a rousing rendition on the accompanying CD.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)