Harriet Hubbard and the Sold-Out Hanukkah by Bonnie Grubman with illustrations by Noa Kelner; Kar-Ben Publishing, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group; © 2026; ISBN 9798765-670545; 24 pages; $18.99. Publication date: Oct. 6, 2026.
By Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
I suppose the underlying message of this book is don’t procrastinate until the last minute, lest your Hanukkah treats be sold out and invited company will be disappointed. But this rhyming book, written for first grade students, is nevertheless fun to read aloud with such
couplets as “She sped to the sweet shop/ Determined to score,/ but the counterman pointed: /“I’m sorry, no more.”
Eventually Harriet settles for what’s already in her cupboard: pretzels, raisins and dates and disconsolately awaits her company. But surprise! They bring traditional Hanukkah fare, including latkes, sufganiyot, and chocolate gelt coins. The celebration was saved!
The illustrations tell another story. Harriet is plus-size, indicating that girls don’t have to have models’ figures to have fun. The guests who came to Harriet’s party are of many ages and ethnicities, signaling that Jewish celebrations can be inclusive.
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World.