Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
When CJ (short for Colby Jack) learns that a family named Katz is moving into the apartment whose walls he inhabits, the little mouse goes into full panic mode ("Cats are no friends of mine!"). Following a delicious beckoning aroma, though, CJ finds Hanukkah preparations, including jelly doughnuts and chocolate coins, irresistible--even when Nelkin Wieder reveals that the family are, indeed, anthropomorphized cats. It helps when the family kitten, Kitty Katz, reassures him that the menorah isn't a "ginormous mousetrap"; he first cautiously, and then joyfully, joins their celebration of latkes and candle lighting. And as the book's punch line explains, CJ was never truly in danger anyway, because mice aren't kosher. Watercolor- and ink-style illustrations lend a homespun, coloring-book warmth to a congenial cat-and-mouse picture book that honors Judaism's tradition of holiday hospitality. Activities and a glossary conclude. Ages 2--8. (Oct.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--A rodent romp about a little mouse who learns about Hanukkah and friendship. Colby Jack (C.J.) Mouse lives in an apartment that becomes newly inhabited by the feline Katz family. While terrified of becoming the cats' next meal, C.J. can't help but be tempted by the delicious aromas of holiday foods and curious about their novel objects. He secretly samples bits of jelly donut and chocolate gelt and wonders about the purpose of a dreidel. Finally, the adorable Kitty Katz convinces him to emerge, teaches him about the holiday, and invites him to make and eat latkes with her family. Though briefly alarmed by the menorah, which C.J. initially views as a giant mousetrap, his fears are assuaged by the last page where he is reassured by the family that mice are not kosher. This story is a light and fun glimpse into family holiday life for those who do or do not observe Hanukkah. Readers are brought into a mouse-eye view from the various perspectives presented in the watercolor illustrations. Though C.J.'s fear is apparent through his expressive face, the peril remains minimal, and the story is gentle enough for young or timid readers. Back matter includes a glossary, a recipe for Mrs. Katz's latkes, and instructions for how to play dreidel. VERDICT A recommended purchase for holiday picture book collections.--Clara Hendricks
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Review by Horn Book Review
Mouse C.J. (short for Colby Jack) is worried when the Katz family (a family of cats) moves into the apartment he inhabits. After enticing smells bring him from his hole, he encounters young Kitty Katz, who enlists his aid with Hanukkah treats in the kitchen. A couple of false alarms later ("That's not a mousetrap...It's a Hanukkah menorah"; "We can't eat mice...They're not kosher!"), they all settle in for a holiday meal. Cartoony illustrations provide reassurance from the start that the mouse and Katzes will end up friends. Elissa GershowitzNovember/December 2025 p.17 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When a family of Jewish cats move into a new apartment, the rodent who inhabits its walls withdraws to his mouse hole. C.J. is terrified when the aptly named Katzes arrive. "Cats are no friends of mine!" he declares, but soon his rumbling tummy entices him to seek out the tantalizing smells in the kitchen. There, he's rewarded with some delicious jelly doughnut crumbs. But what's that odd-looking object covered in letters? And those gold-wrapped treats? Following a close encounter with Kitty Katz--the youngest member of the family--C.J. beats a fast retreat. Kitty seems friendly, but what if these cats want to make a meal out of him? Still, he's intrigued, especially when he sees the Katzes playing with the items he noticed earlier--a dreidel and gelt. But could that odd object in Mr. Katz's paws be a mousetrap?! No--just a menorah. Kitty's gentle offer of friendship, an invitation to help make and eat delicious latkes, and an opportunity to light the menorah all help C.J. feel more comfortable with the Katzes. And, as it turns out, they can't eat him--mice aren't kosher! Readers unfamiliar with Hanukkah will learn about the holiday alongside C.J., while those who are familiar with it will recognize beloved customs. Wieder's lively text captures C.J.'s hopes and fears, accompanied by expressive illustrations that use varied perspectives to good effect. Kindness abounds in this holiday tale of unexpected friendship. (latke recipe, dreidel directions, glossary)(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
