Review: Lost and Found Hanukkah

Lost and Found Hanukkah

by Joy Preble, illustrated by Lisa Anchin

Chronicle Books, 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Shanna Silva

 

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Lost and Found Hanukkah explores themes of loss, change, and self-determination. Nate is missing his old neighborhood and friends, especially when he discovers that his special menorah has been lost in the move. His Daddy and Abba bring him to a Judaica store to choose a new menorah, and Nate makes friends with Amy, the shopkeeper, and her cat, Kugel. None of the store menorahs catch his eye, and when Kugel escapes, Nate’s focus becomes finding the lost kitty. When he does find and lure her with a fresh latke, Nate discovers a piece of wood to fashion his own menorah. Hanukkah is celebrated and a special guest makes their new apartment feel like home.

Lost and Found Hanukkah has literary merit and positive, authentic Jewish content. Anchin’s rich illustrations contain wonderful detail, and a cornucopia of Judaic imagery is cleverly placed in the Judaica store including mezuzzahs, kippot, Shabbat candlesticks, kiddush cup, hamsas, and Stars of David. These artistic delicacies are understated, with more waiting to be discovered at each new reading. Several rainbows subtly underscore the loving relationship between Nate’s two dads, who are also of different races. How refreshing that these details are happenstance and unrelated to the plot. Nate learns the value of helping others and finding his own unique menorah, one that can’t be made by anyone but him. Backmatter includes an authors’ note, glossary, and recipe. 

 

Editor's Note: This book was named to the Fall 2025 Holiday Highlights list by the Association of Jewish Libraries.   

 

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Reviewer Shanna Silva is an award-winning author and Broadway producer. She has written three children’s picture books: A Dog’s Guide to Being Human, Hannah’s Hanukkah Hiccups and Passover Scavenger Hunt. Shanna is also the author of over 60 hi/lo books for emerging readers. Her work has been featured in Kveller, national magazines, and anthologies. Shanna lives in New York with her family and a meshuggenah sheepadoodle.