Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles

K-Gr 2—When young Sara sees an elderly man taking some free bruised fruit from outside a shop, her grandmother explains that he's probably poor and is willing to eat around the bad spots. This act leads seamlessly into a story that focuses as much on acts of charity (tzedakah) as it does on the celebration of Hanukkah. Sara and her family begin to leave their own offerings where the man can find them, including a menorah, candles, and Hanukkah cookies with sprinkles. As they get to know him, he goes from being a poor stranger to a welcome member of their community, with his own gifts to share. Aside from an abrupt ending, the text is smoothly written and avoids sounding didactic. Large illustrations have a friendly, cartoonish quality that will carry well for group read-alouds. Includes a note about the meaning and celebration of Hanukkah.