In this third book in the "Saralee Siegel" series, Saraleediscovers a new facet to her superpowered nose. It is Hanukkah at the SiegelHouse Restaurant, and Saralee is stunned to learn that she is not the only onein her family with a super-nose. Her great-grandmother Gigi, the fierce andindependent woman who started the family restaurant, also had a super-nose.When Saralee recreates Gigi's donut recipe, the smells lead her through aportal and face-to-face with a young Gigi. To Saralee's surprise, Gigi isembarrassed by her super-nose and isn't the confident and strong woman Saraleewas expecting. She tries to help Gigi become the successful restaurant ownershe was meant to be before Saralee's whole world is changed. The pacing andthe text of the story are perfect for readers who are new to chapter books.Jewish culture and the celebration of Hanukkah are woven seamlessly into thestory.
The black-and-white illustrations that are peppered throughout enhancethe story. The text does not define many of the physical characteristics of thecharacters; within the illustrations all but one minor character are depicted aswhite. VERDICT A sweet story celebrating Jewish culture and sprinkled with a little bit ofmagic. -V. Lynn Christiansen, School Library Journal In the third book of this amusing series, protagonistSaralee Siegel uses the magical power of her super nose to travel back intime. There, she meets her great-grandmother, Gigi, and encourages her tofollow her dream of founding a restaurant. Saralee uses the scent ofGigi's aromatic Hanukkah donuts as the portal for her trip to the past. WhenGigi's courage begins to wane, and her resolve to start a restaurant bucklesunder a lack of support, Saralee reminds her great-grandmother thather choices will affect the future of her family.
A fun, delicious romp through the past and thepresent, A Donut in Time is a charming read, instillingin a sweet holiday tale the message that some challenges are worthpursuing. -- Michal Malen, Jewish Book Council.