Finalist for the 2022 International Book Awards in Children's Picture Book and Children's Religious categories

To: Santa
From: Anna

My new dad and stepbrother celebrate Christmas, so you’re coming to my house for the very first time. And I think you must be REALLY tired of cookies. I’m going to leave you the best Santa treat ever.

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.

Janie Emaus is the author of the young adult novel Mercury in Retro and the picture book Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls. Her articles and stories have been published in numerous magazines, anthologies, and websites including the Los Angeles Times Kids’ Reading Room Page, the Washington Post, AARP, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, and Woman’s Day. She resides in Winnetka, CA, where she celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas each year.