Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas
What’s inside...
In this sweet and humorous picture book, Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas, a multi-cultural family with an Indian mom and a Jewish dad celebrate Hanukkah by incorporating traditional Indian food into their festivities. Instead of the usual latkes, they enjoy tasty Indian dosas. Little Sadie, who has a penchant for climbing, inadvertently causes trouble both at home and at the Indian grocery store during the preparations. However, her climbing skills prove essential when the family accidentally gets locked out of their house, potentially saving their holiday celebrations.
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Narrator (Unnamed Boy)
Sadie
Father
Mother
Discussion points
How do you think Sadie felt when she used her unique ideas to solve the problem?
What are some ways that Sadie's family blends different traditions?
Why do you think it's important for families to celebrate traditions together?
How can we learn from others who might have different traditions or holidays?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Ask them to relate the story to their own experiences with family traditions. Highlight the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures and traditions, just like Sadie's family does in the book. Use the blending of Hanukkah and dosas as a springboard to discuss or explore other unique cultural combinations they might know or want to learn about.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book illustrates a fusion of Jewish and Indian traditions through the celebration of Hanukkah with dosas, showcasing how diverse cultures can harmonize.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect different cultural practices, encouraging inclusivity in their interactions with peers from varied backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Innovation in Tradition
Explanation: The protagonist's family creatively combines elements from their diverse backgrounds to create a unique holiday celebration, highlighting the adaptability of traditions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively and be open to adapting traditions in their own lives, promoting flexibility and innovation.
Example Lesson: Family Unity
Explanation: The family in the story comes together to prepare for the celebration, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working together with family members, fostering strong family ties and collaborative skills.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When the family faces challenges in preparing for their celebration, they must come up with solutions, teaching resilience and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to approach obstacles with a problem-solving mindset, which they can apply in everyday challenges at school or home.
Example Lesson: Importance of Heritage
Explanation: The story integrates aspects of both Jewish and Indian heritages, demonstrating respect and pride for one’s roots.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and take pride in their own heritage, understanding the richness that it adds to their identity.