Hanukkah Scratchers by Erin Golden, illustrated by Alyssa Nassner Ages 8+ 40 pages Chronicle November 2011 Paperback     Hanukkah Scratchers is a wonderful and enjoyable holiday treat!. The pocket-sized book consists of 40 interactive cards related to the holiday, and each page requires the readers to scratch off something on the page—similar to how someone would scratch off a lottery ticket to reveal a prize. Each activity is more clever and imaginative than the one before. What is particularly appealing is that children of all ages will find a card suitable for them. For example, there is a menorah whose flames can be scratched to reveal letters to be unscrambled to spell a word associated with the holiday. The page with pictures of presents is actually a game of Hanukkah charades, with the terms to be acted out hidden beneath each gift. On the page entitled “The Gift of Giving,” Stars of David can be scratched off to reveal ways to help others. The answers to Hanukkah jokes (Why did the Hanukkah cookie go to the doctor?) are revealed once the page is scratched. The reader who uncovers three dreidels under the candles on the tic-tac-“blow” board will get a Hanukkah wish. Older readers can focus their attention on the more advanced crosswords that are packed with words associated with the holiday. This pint-sized book will likely bring a lot of enjoyment to a family celebrating the holiday as everyone takes turns completing one of the activities. Hanukkah Scratchers is a unique, witty way to learn and celebrate the holidays—proof that sometimes the best presents really do come in small packages.     web reviews   Lori West/2011 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)