Latke, the Lucky Dog
By Ellen Fischer
The Story
A shelter dog named Latke joins a family on the first night of Hanukkah and stumbles his way through the holiday, causing mishap after mishap while somehow staying one lucky pup.
Why It's Special
For the kid whose new pet (or new sibling, or new anything) turns the house upside down, Latke's chaotic first Hanukkah feels instantly familiar.
- Big idea: New family members take time and patience to adjust — and love makes room for their mistakes.
- Vibes: Warm, playful, a little chaotic, cozy holiday energy.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy funny animal stories
- are working on patience with something new
- like holiday traditions in their books
- respond well to stories about mistakes turning out okay
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What kinds of trouble do you think Latke got into on his first Hanukkah?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Latke felt trying to learn all the new house rules?
- Real-life connection: Do you remember a time you had to learn new rules in a new place?
- Imagination: If you brought home a new puppy, what rule do you think would be hardest for it to learn?
