Storytime & Author Event with Janie Emaus + Joyce Schriebman

This is a free event, but we appreciate your RSVP as it helps us plan for your attendance.

OY, SANTA!

Oy, Santa! Or There’s a Latke to Learn about Hanukkah is a holiday book about a Jewish child who wants to make it perfectly clear that Hanukkah and Christmas are not related. AT ALL! Told through a series of email exchanges, the story follows the antics of Oliver Overstreet as he confronts one misconception after another about Jewish holidays, leading Ollie to wonder if he’s gone too far with Santa. [*SPOILER ALERT: He hasn’t.] And while Ollie and Santa eventually come to respect and appreciate each other's traditions, at its heart, Oy, Santa! is a much-needed response to the notion that Jewish children are less-than or somewhat deprived during the holiday season. [*SPOILER ALERT: They're not!]

LATKES FOR SANTA CLAUS

Anna is excited that Santa will be visiting her house for the first time, and she wants to leave Santa a treat that blends the holidays her new family celebrates: Christmas and Hanukkah.She expresses this idea to her stepbrother, Michael, who insists that Santa doesn't need anything but his sugar cookies. Anna imagines Santa has to be bored with cookies by now and is determined to find a Jewish recipe that he'll enjoy. The catch? It has to be something easy for Santa to grab and go.

It can't be matzo ball soup—soup in a sleigh with galloping reindeer will never do.

It can't be noodle kugel—imagine that by the handful. What a mess!

And as certain as Anna is that Santa would devour tzimmes, she knows he just doesn't have the time to sit and enjoy a hearty stew on Christmas Eve.

Anna retreats to her thinking corner to figure out the perfect finger food for Santa, not wanting to disappoint him on his very first visit to her house.

In this humorous and endearing picture book, blending both Christmas and Hannukah, a little girl and her stepbrother compete to leave Santa the best treats ever.

Latkes for Santa Claus concludes with Anna and Michael's winning recipes, ready for children to replicate for Santa in their own kitchens.

Growing up in northern California, Joyce Schriebman was the only Jewish child in her class. But she was always eager to explain Jewish customs to her friends— especially Hanukkah! After years as a classroom teacher, Joyce pivoted to the nonprofit world, where her curiosity about connections between Judaism and Islam led her to establish My Brother from Another Mother, a nonprofit organization dedicated to religious understanding. Looking for creative ways to foster interfaith dialogue, Joyce began writing for children, guided by the adage “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” OY, SANTA! is Joyce’s first book. Joyce has three adult children she’d want as friends even if they weren’t related, and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren. She now resides in beautiful four-seasons Connecticut with her husband, Dr. Yehezkel Landau.

Janie Emaus believes when the world is falling apart, we’re just one laugh away from putting it together again. She is the author of the blended holiday picture books, Latkes for Santa Claus, a finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards, and Easter Eggs & Matzo Balls. As well as the novels, The Advice Columnist and The Time Traveling Matchmaker. She is a frequent contributor to AARP. Her award-winning essays, stories and articles have been published in numerous magazines, anthologies, and websites. But no award is more important than her family. She lives in Southern California with her 99 year-old mother, her husband and lick-crazy dog, Ziva. To learn more about Janie visit her at www.janieemaus.com.

Host or Publisher Napa Bookmine