The Mouse Who Loved Latkes

by Joy Nelkin Wieder

When the Katz family moves in, C.J. the mouse is scared. Nibbling jelly doughnut crumbs in the kitchen, he hears a soft voice say, "Hello." The Katz family is spinning a dreidel and eating chocolate coins. It looks like fun, but a mouse can't play with cats! "Hello again," says the soft voice. "Please don't go. I could use a friend." Can C.J. overcome his fear and make some new friends just in time for Hanukkah?

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Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2025

About the author

JOY NELKIN WIEDER is an author and illustrator with over thirty children’s books to her name, highlighting Jewish holidays and history. She teaches creative writing and is a frequent school and library visitor. She and her husband live in Massachusetts and have three grown children. Her debut picture book received honorable mention for the SCBWI PJ Library Jewish Stories Award and was chosen as a PJ Library selection. Learn more about her work at
http://jnwieder.com/

Reviews

[Josh Newhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really sweet and had a nice message! Read as a galley!

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy Nelkin Wieder’s The Mouse Who Loved Latkes is a festive and heartwarming Hanukkah picture book that blends humor, tradition, and the magic of unlikely friendship.

When the Katz family moves into C.J. Mouse’s building, he’s understandably nervous—cats and mice aren’t supposed to mix. But the irresistible smell of holiday treats draws him out of hiding, and soon he meets Kitty Katz, the youngest member of the family. What begins with fear turns into discovery, as C.J. learns that Hanukkah traditions—dreidels, menorahs, chocolate coins, jelly doughnuts, and especially latkes—are best enjoyed together.

Wieder’s storytelling is playful yet meaningful, offering children a gentle lesson in courage, trust, and empathy. The illustrations radiate warmth, capturing the glow of Hanukkah lights and the joy of shared celebration. Families will especially appreciate the interactive extras: Mrs. Katz’s latke recipe, dreidel instructions, and a glossary that makes the book both educational and fun.

This is a story that invites children to see beyond differences and embrace the joy of community.

Closing line (signature style): A sweet reminder that friendship, like latkes, is best shared warm.

[Norene Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author/illustrator Joy Nelkin Wieder hits it out of the park with this delightful "cat and mouse" tale. When CJ the mouse discovers his new apartment mates, the Katz, are ACTUALLY cats, he's rightfully worried. It isn't until the irresistible smells of holiday cooking fill the air, that CJ dares to venture out from behind the apartment walls and into a most unusual friendship.

Although this is a Hanukkah story, I guarantee you do not need to be Jewish in order to enjoy Wieder's expressive art and skillful word play. Fun-filled back matter including a recipe for latkes, directions on how to play Dreidel, and a short glossary of terms absolutely make THE MOUSE WHO LOVED LATKES a "must-read".

[Janice Hechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mouse Who Loved Latkes is an adorable story of friendship and the celebration of Hanukkah. It's peppered with clever puns and lively language that will delight both children and their adult readers. The protagonist is an endearing mouse named C.J., short for Colby Jack. The author/illustrator takes us through all of C.J.'s emotions and decision making process in a fun and exciting way. The book is enhanced by captivating illustrations, which show every emotion felt by C.J. up close. The scale and angles of the illustrations are very engaging and thought-provoking. One of my favorite illustrations depicts C.J., standing on a pile of chocolate coins to light the menorah. I highly recommend this book.

[Ilana Wieder · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE MOUSE WHO LOVED LATKES is beautifully written and illustrated by Joy Wieder! Children of all backgrounds will relate to a mouse who is fearful of cats. They will relate to a rumbling stomach and wanting something sugary to eat. And they will definitely relate to making a new friend once you get to know them. The author did a great job sprinkling delightful Hanukkah tidbits within the story!
The illustrations are realistic and sweet. This book is sure to be a hit during Hanukkah and all year round!

[Heather Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

What child doesn’t love the suspense of a cat and mouse story! But this one is so much more. When mouse discovers he’s sharing his home with a family of cats, he is torn between his fear of being eaten and the delicious treats he can smell. Who can resist the aromas of jelly donuts and latkes?! Wieder skillfully weaves Hanukkah facts into this story of friendship and overcoming fears. The art is fun and expressive—a perfect complement to this page turner that ends with a hilarious twist. If you’re left craving a tasty treat, the back matter includes a latke recipe!

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little ones will love celebrating Hanukkah with C.J. Mouse and his new neighbors, the Katz family. After C.J. gets over his fear of the Katz, he makes a new friend and helps Kitty and her parents prepare latkes and light the menorah candles. THE MOUSE WHO LOVED LATKES by Joy Nelkin Wieder has a comforting classic feel. I adore the precious illustrations and sweet text! A lovely story sprinkled with funny and heartwarming moments!

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and illustrations are so much fun in this tale of cat and mouse! Kids will relate to C.J. mouse who always wants a tasty treat, and will enjoy learning some Jewish terms and traditions. Check out this story of adventure, family and friendship!

[Carol Gordon Ekster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new and adorable well written and illustrated story to share during Hanukkah. Cat lovers will find this picture book as delicious as latkes!

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok.

[Bear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your own little kiddies will love these kitties. When the Katz family moves in, tiny C.J. the mouse is scared to come out. But the aroma of fresh jelly donuts is too much to resist. He is surprised when he is actually befriended by the kitten. Jewish kids will love reading this cute Hanukkah story, but kids from other cultures will enjoy learning a little bit about the holiday. This tale of unexpected friendship will also teach youngsters the universal lesson that friends can come in all shapes and sizes. The author includes some clever jokes aimed at older readers. A mouse named after a cheese and a cat family with the Jewish name of Katz are followed by a few other ideas that will amuse the reader. The author illustrator has created soft earth tone and pastel pictures that all will enjoy.