One winter on the night before Hanukkah is about to begin in the Polish village of Wishniak, Baila scolds her husband, Moishe, because there are no coins for eggs and flour. There will be no latkes this year all because of Moishe’s “foolish generosity.” The couple has only two cows. Yet, while making the rounds with his dairy cart, Moishe tends to leave an extra quart of milk or a jar of cream on the doorsteps of ailing or needy neighbors. The couple’s Hanukkah celebration is rescued with the mysterious gift of a magic pan that will produce endless latkes and is to be used only by Moishe. The entire village enjoys Moishe and Baila’s hospitality. Then Baila decides to use the pan to earn some money, but that causes its magic properties to vanish. Finally, even Baila’s sharp tongue becomes transformed into a kind one. This original version of the tale in which a pot will not stop making porridge has a splendid narrative voice and a lively dialogue. The overall design is striking, and Slonin’s dramatic paintings expand the story. (Ages 4-10)

Kind-hearted Moishe is given a magical frying pan that will produce all the latkes you could wish forlatkes by the dozen, latkes by the hundredsbut only Moishe must use it. Alas, his short-tempered wife, Baila, does not heed the warning.