Lost and Found Hanukkah

An inclusive, heartwarming Hanukkah tale that mirrors the holiday's themes of rededication and resilience.

Nate's beloved menorah was lost in his family's recent move, and finding the perfect new one isn't going well. With Hanukkah one night away, Nate is missing his menorah and everything else about his old home, where everything fit just right. Then, a trip to a local shop with his dads results in something else lost--Kugel, the shop's cat. Nate sets out to help, and by the time he's ready to light the first candle, he discovers that, like in the story of Hanukkah, everything in his new home can be made right again, too.

This sweet and reassuring Hanukkah story feels like a cozy hug on a winter night! With endearing characters and a super satisfying, heartfelt ending, families will reach for this new holiday classic again and again.

A MODERN HANUKKAH TALE: Set in a present-day city with a young protagonist living in a community of neighbors who feel like family, this book stands out from many traditional Hanukkah stories and reflects the way many Jewish families celebrate today.

DIVERSE BOOKS FOR KIDS: Celebrating the diversity of Jewish families, Lost and Found Hanukkah offers the unique perspective of a boy celebrating Hanukkah with his two dads.

THOUGHTFUL THEMES: This story is sweet and affirming and also shares a simple but powerful message about the meaning behind the Festival of Lights. Rather than focusing only on the usual Hanukkah celebration elements, it beautifully illustrates the themes of rededication, resilience, and resourcefulness central to the holiday.

REASSURING READ IN TIMES OF TRANSITION: More than a narrative about moving or losing a menorah, this special book speaks to how change and loss affect us all and gently reaffirms that moving forward and finding new sources of light, comfort, and companionship is always possible.

Perfect for:

• Anyone who celebrates Hanukkah
• Parents or grandparents looking for a thoughtful, modern, and inclusive holiday story
• Children going through change and transition
• Gift-giving to kids or families for Hanukkah

Author: Joy Preble
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: 09/23/2025
Pages: 44
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.80h x 10.20w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781797216096
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/28/2025
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2025
Foreword 08/25/2025

About the Author
Joy Preble writes books for children and teens. She lives in Houston, Texas, where she teaches and tutors writing at a community college. In no particular order, Joy loves books, movies, travel, pizza, silly jokes, and anyone who can make her laugh, including her delightful family and neurotic basset/boxer. Learn more about Joy's books at joypreble.com.

Lisa Anchin is a Brooklyn-based writer and illustrator. She holds a handful of degrees, most recently an MFA from the School of Visual Arts' Illustration as Visual Essay program. Her books include The Little Green Girl and The Paper Bird. Lisa lives with her husband, daughters, and studio cats. Visit lisaanchin.com to learn more about Lisa and her work.