Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko

Sadie celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah in her house.  Their family celebrations are a delightful mix of the two holidays.  Latkes are on the mantel waiting for Santa to come, he’s a big fan of the family recipe.  Carols are sung about dreidels and mangers.  Gelt is spread under the Christmas tree.  Food is a huge part of both traditions and then stories are shared from both as well.  This is as warm and joyous a celebration as anyone could wish. 

Alko nicely draws both holidays together, mixing them into something that is even more lovely and amazing than either of them alone.  It is a testament to how families that come from two different faiths can honor both of them and also create something uniquely their own.  My only complaint is that there isn’t an author’s note discussing the two holidays in more detail.

Alko’s illustrations are done in collage.  She combines the detail and texture of textiles with paint and paper cutouts.  The incorporation is done in a subtle but effective way, the different types catching your eye and adding depth.

A great pick for the holidays, this book will reach families who are themselves creating new traditions from old.  Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from copy received from Knopf.