The Count's Hanukkah countdown

Some of Sesame Street's favorite characters and their Israeli friends join together for a Hanukkah party in this delightful number story, the first of four books in the Shalom Sesame series. As Grover prepares for and participates in a holiday party, the Count joins in the festivities and keeps count of just how many candles are being lit, how many latkes are on the table, and how much gelt is being used for a game of dreidel. Children will laugh at the Count's affinity for the number eight, while the lively, fun illustrations bring the excitement of Hanukkah to life. Ages 2-6. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

A family visit from Israel to Sesame Street includes a traditional Hanukkah observance while the number-obsessed Count happily looks for ways to include the perfect Hanukkah numeral 8 whenever possible. With Grover's assistance, Aunt Sara, Uncle Joe and the twins get ready to celebrate the holiday with their Israeli guests, Brosh and Avigail (all are Muppets). Latkes are made, the table is set, the menorah is cleaned and polished, and Uncle Joe recounts the legend of Judah Maccabee and his small, brave army. As the Count participates, he insists on counting to eight (represented as 8 throughout) for everything. He takes 8 bites of latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), sings 8 songs and hands out 8 gifts. But "[e]verything at Hanukkah doesn't have to be 8," points out one of the twins when there is only one dreidel to play with. Leigh's signature Sesame Street illustrations in bright, bold colors authenticate this Shalom Sesame tale, the first in a new series focused on Jewish culture and life. It may not be the most traditional-looking celebration, but the familiarity of Grover and the Count will draw little ones in, with the added fun of counting aloud and recognizing the numerals 1 through 8 continuing the engagement. (Picture book. 3-5)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.