Gertie, 4, is youngest of five sisters and eager to be part of her family’s Hanukkah preparations. But when Mama says Gertie is too little to peel or grate potatoes or fry the latkes in schmaltz, a spectacular tantrum is the result, and Gertie is sent to her room to wait until supper. Feeling sorry for herself, and certain her family must miss her, Gertie waits, and waits, for Mama to return. It’s Papa who finally appears, drawing Gertie out of her mood and back into the fold of her family. In fact, Gertie gets to help light the first Hanukkah candle, and Mama serves the first latke to her. This original story is based on the characters originated by Sydney Taylor in her “All-of-a-Kind Family” stories about a Jewish family on the Lower East Side of New York city in 1912. Gertie’s frustration is relatable to every young child, while the love, warmth and good humor in her family provide a deep sense of security. Cozy yet spirited illustrations add to the abundant appeal of the story, while endnotes provide additional context for the history of the characters, the setting, and the Hanukkah celebration. (Ages 4–8)

The beloved characters from Sydney Taylor's All-of-a-Kind Family return in this heartwarming picture book from the acclaimed author and Caldecott Award-winning artist. A Kirkus Reviews best book of the year that is perfect for Hanukkah gift-giving!

"Share this joyous holiday tale of a Jewish immigrant family all year long." -- Kirkus Review, starred review

The beloved All-of-a-Kind Family comes to life in a new format perfect for younger readers. Join the five sisters back in 1912, on the Lower East Side of NYC, and watch as preparations for Hanukkah are made. When Gertie, the youngest, is not allowed to help prepare latkes, she throws a tantrum. Banished to the girls' bedroom, she can still hear the sounds and smell the smells of a family getting ready to celebrate. But when Papa comes home she is given the best job of all: lighting the first candle on the menorah.
First published in 1951, Taylor's chapter books have become time-honored favorites, selling over a million copies and touching generations of readers. In this time when immigrants often do not feel accepted, the All-of-a-Kind Family gives a heartwarming glimpse of a Jewish immigrant family and their customs that is as relevant--and necessary--today as when it was first written. Jenkins and Zelinsky's charming compliment to Taylor's series perfectly captures the warmth and family values that made the original titles classics.