Review: Who Brought the Hamantaschen?

Who Brought the Hamantaschen?

by Marcia S. Gresko, illustrated by Steve Mack

Kar-Ben Publishing (imprint of Lerner Publishing Group), 2025

Category: Picture Books/Board Book

Reviewer: Sarah Clarke

 

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This is a board book aimed at the youngest of readers. The story features a diverse group of children dressed up for Purim with a delicious fruit treat in hand for the Purim party. Along with the costumes and the snacks, the book emphasizes colors: green grapes, yellow bananas, orange papayas and more. Of course, the question is asked: "who brought the hamantaschen?" The grandparents, of course! At the end of the book, we see a full spread of costumes, kids, and snacks. This book is bright and colorful with child-friendly illustrations that will appeal to toddlers. Gresko’s text is simple and appropriate for this age group and will most definitely hold their attention and create meaningful conversations with the adult reader.

With the children and the grandparents in costume, and the hamantaschen present, this simple book represents a Purim party to the young child who may only have these tangible and concrete ideas of what Purim celebrates. Because of this basic representation of the holiday, without any history or religion explicitly brought up, it may have appeal to readers who are not Jewish. Overall, it’s a solid introduction for young children to the holiday, while teaching basic preschool concepts like colors. It’s a great holiday addition to a daycare classroom or a board book collection.

 

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Reviewer Sarah Clarke is the Head of Children’s Services for Great Neck Library, on Long Island, NY. When she’s not working, or reading, she can be found at home with her family (probably still reading).