“...A mirthful adventure... portray[s] the characters endearingly and provide[s] cultural insight that will appeal to children of all faiths.”
                                  —L. I. -SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL © 2004 Reed Business Information

“...a screwy, yet ultimately canny observation on the distinctive traditions of Hanukkah and Christmas... a droll new tale of Chelm... The illustrations are as wonderful as the story: funny, yet so endearingly gentle…
                                  —MARVIN KAYE: Author, Editor, Theatre Producer. October 21, 2004

“...awesome. My kids loved the book...I shall cherish my copy.”
                                 —DAVID FISCHER: Author- Do Curve Balls Really Curve? and other kids/sports books.

“...ridiculous... that's what Koons has to offer -- a slapstick account of what happens when the resident rabbi wanders off right before Hanukkah... This ecumenical mix-up could attract a crossover audience... broadly funny... uses humor to eliminate any confusion at all about the human condition. Its message is clear: We are indeed all residents of Chelm.
                                 —SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Sunday, November 28, 2004
                                 —Reviewed by Susan Faust:Chair of the 2004 Newbery Committee.

“Fun and folklore that teaches too... Children ... will enjoy Jon Koons’ A CONFUSED HANUKKAH.
                                 —PARADE MAGAZINE: Parade Picks Sunday, November 28, 2004

“...the lesson will not be lost on American children today.”
                                —FORWARD: Arts & Culture November 26, 2004

“...wonderful Hanukkah books... Can these villagers figure it out?... Find out in this silly book with an ending you won't want to miss!”
                                —By Jennifer Galvin - BOSTON HERALD Sunday, November 28, 2004

“Enlightening Stories... enhance meaning of Hanukkah... there are good books out there to introduce the holiday to very young children and to deepen its meaning for older ones... a humorous story... mixed up with comic results.”
                                —THE DAY 11/28/2004

“...Hilarious text accompanied by whimsical illustrations.”
                               —SAYFAIR BOOKS
 
“...Jon Koons' original story, based on the legendary town of fools, along with S.D. Schindler's whimsical illustrations, pokes gentle fun at how traditions can sometimes get mixed-up - often with hilarious results.”
                            —McNally Robinson Booksellers

“...Through a ridiculous series of events, the true nature of the holiday is revealed. S.D. Schindler’s watercolor illustrations bring this silly story with a point to life.
                            —MYSTERYLOVERS.COM

“...This original story, based on the legendary town of fools, is perfect for interfaith families and anyone looking for a good chuckle at holiday time. Trust me, not even Chelm residents would be this confused, but it is funny nevertheless.”
                           —MY JEWISH BOOKS ONLINE

“...charmingly illustrated tale... text is cute, too.”
                          —Joe Eskenazi - JEWISH NEWS WEEKLY OF N. CALIFORNIA, Friday November 19, 2004

STARK COUNTY DISTRICT LIBRARY
Feature of the Month

"... a rather humorous look at Hanukkah…
                       —WATERMARKBOOKS.COM - TEACHER FEATURE

“...amusing addition to the body of folktales about the legendary buffoons of Chelm... illustrations capture all the battiness of the hybrid festivities that ensue before the rabbi returns to set things straight.
WASHINGTON POST - Sunday, November 21, 2004; Page BW11

“...comical rendition captures the Eastern European environment... folly even for Chelm.”
                      —Kirkus Reviews

Readers’ Reviews — Amazon, Letters to the Author, Booksellers, etc:

“A Must Have Book for this Holiday Season. What a great book. My kids love it and read it every night... combines both holidays in a funny and warm way... this a good book to unite both religions... Everyone should try this book.”
                      —Robert Brandon (NYC) November 18, 2004 FIVE STARS

“... An original story based on the `town of fools' idea brings Hanukkah to life.”
                      —Midwest Book Review (Oregon) November 7, 2004 FIVE STARS

"I can only recommend A Confused Hanukkah...it is very cool. I can only recommend this product... Dutton Books is a very cool company...they released the best product ever! This item... is very nice."
                      —Uncredited Child

“We're all from Chelm... it puts a mirror up to all of us and how we approach the holiday and reminds us that sometimes we lose sight of what it's all about... the fools are busy on focusing on "how" to celebrate Hanukkah, not "why". I'd recommend it to families who want to give their kids a fun and entertaining reminder.”
                      —Mark Sher (CA) December 14, 2005

5.0 out of 5 stars
A very funny book!
December 10, 2018
I stayed up until 5 AM finishing this delightful book, and look forward to the next one. It’s an amazingly well developed story, with a clever plot and wonderful characters. I especially enjoyed the computer avatars and the intelligent fish. I could see this becoming a fun movie!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Jon Koons and Willoughby's Time Space App
December 6, 2018
This is captivating, charming, and witty reading. Not only apropos for the Young Adult audience but also for the Mature adult such as myself. Add Willoughby's Time and Space App to your reading list now, great for a winter night escape and a holiday gift. Enjoy, I certainly did.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy this one for your high school children but have fun and read it yourself first!
January 12, 2019
Fans of Spider Robinson’s Callahan stories, rejoice: Brad and Stephanie, delightfully adventurous teenagers, have arrived full-blown in Jon Koons’ wonderfully crafted tale aimed at “Discriminating Intergalactic, Pan-Dimentional and Crosstime Travelers”. I love this wonky wonderful work!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Imaginative & Built on all sci-fi ever written
December 8, 2018
Treat yourself
To some dreams from the upper shelf
Read something someone took years to produce
Something you're sure is of no Earthly use

5.0 out of 5 stars
Y/A Space Fantasy that goes above and beyond.
December 31, 2018
      Brad is a young teen (15) from upstate New York living a fairly normal suburban life and involved in a healthy relationship with girlfriend Stephanie. Brad goes to the Apple store to get a new iPhone but is given one he’s never seen before and soon discovers it's like nothing else out there. It never needs charging, uses DNA for security, it's indestructible, and most importantly has a unique app called Willoughby’s which allows Brad and Stephanie to teleport to another planet. There, they meet Willoughby himself who comes off as part Wizard of Oz, part Willy Wonka, and part Doc Brown. He's built the planet up as a resort vacation getaway. Naturally, the two were summoned there for a reason, and here is where the adventure begins. Willoughby informs them that he desperately needs their help to save the planet from ruthless gangsters out to get him and his planet. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity they can’t resist. And off they go, traveling by land and space in a souped up compact vehicle that resembles a soccer mom favorite - the Nissan Quest minivan. Along the way, they meet a colorful and imaginative array of various alien life forms and try out bizarre foods.
      The story is told in first person – alternating between Brad and Stephanie's perspectives as they reveal their innermost thoughts on the predicament they’re in and how they feel towards each other. Here is where the book goes beyond sci-fi fantasy and into an insightful and lighthearted look at what it’s like exploring not only other worlds but what it means to be in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship at such a young age. Things get more complicated when they each get to design a valet /assistant / guide to help them navigate the planet and its surroundings. It’s like being able to come up with a hologram avatar body to accompany your Siri. Given that the teens get to tap into their fantasies in order to create that “person”, they design companions that are suitably understanding, attentive, and oh yes, attractive. This brings up a real issue of what's better - a perfectly idealized but fake AI companion versus a true human boyfriend/girlfriend counterpart and all that comes with it.
      The adventure is told with imagination, style and descriptive visual detail. You really get a sense of the planet’s terrain, its inhabitants, and of course, the edibles. Loads of references to pop culture both new and old are smartly woven in - particularly the iPhones, Apple stores, and food courts of today, as well as the Star Trek franchise and Broadway musicals of the past. The two protagonists are quite engaging and sympathetic. The dialogue, especially that of Willoughby himself, is breezy, clever, and pure fun to read which pretty much sums up the entire book. A very enjoyable read; and if you’re like me, you will be chomping at the bit to read what happens next in the adventures of Brad, Stephanie, and Willoughby.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Two thumbs up
November 30, 2018
This is the funniest science fiction since Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy! A great read for all ages. Two huge Likeable thumbs up from me. - Dave Kerpen

5.0 out of 5 stars
Creative!
January 11, 2019
Very inventive story, plot that keeps you guessing. Lots of variety on the characters and lots of description for the fantastical places. A very entertaining read. Tell your friends about it! I did!

5.0 out of 5 stars GOODREADS
What a fun book.
      A combination of Sci-FI, YA romance, and wackiness that reminded me of HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. Jon Koon's style keeps the action moving, and I really felt as if the book had been written by a fifteen year old from the tone.
      Brad is high-schooler who purchases an unusual iPhone that has a strange App, not normally available. Activating the app takes him and his girlfriend, Stephanie, across the galaxy to a wonderful intergalactic resort! There, he and his friends have adventures and come up with a plan to help save the resort!
     I recommend this book to anyone who likes good science-fiction with comedy thrown in!
     I look forward to the next book in the Willoughby's series.     -Arjay Lewis

5.0 out of 5 stars GOODREADS
I really enjoyed this book!
Although it is listed as a YA book, it is written in a style reminiscent of Douglass Adams that all science fiction fans will enjoy. Especially if they like to laugh! I was taken by the fact that even though the heroes are teens, the science fiction is not dumbed down, and rivals the best sci-fi out there. It also has a bit of everything, like comedy, adventure, romance, and also makes references to classic movies, TV, Broadway musicals and even poetry, which gives adult readers something to be nostalgic about, but should also peak younger readers’ curiosity. There are great, well developed characters as well as really wacky aliens and situations. I would recommend this book for younger and older readers alike! Can’t wait for the next installment!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect to put a smile on your face during morning drive.
January 16, 2019
Funny and captivating read! The plot is is novel and the jokes are actually funny. The book style hits somewhere between Hitchhiker’s Guide and Discworld while remaining unique. But, if you enjoyed those two, this book is for you. The narration is excellent! Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars
[Roxie Reviews] | 'Willoughby's Space and Time App' by Jon Koons
February 2, 2019
     I loved this book! This was the most fun reading I’d had in a long time, and I did not want it to end.
     Koons writes simply. It’s almost like Brad and Stephanie are right there, for real, telling you their story. It doesn’t feel like reading at all, which I’ve no doubt would make this novel appealing to younger audiences.
     This is a funny, often goofy, and heartfelt story. Every character is delightful, and the world Stephanie and Brad find themselves in is vivid and fun. The plot is clever (especially the use of iPhones), and moves along at the perfect pace.
     I liked the relationship between Brad and Stephanie. It felt very true to what it felt like to be fifteen and in love. And they seem to have a realistic, healthy view of their relationship as well.
     Sometimes, the humor felt a little dated. I mean, it works for me as a thirty-four-year-old woman, but I found myself wondering if current teenagers would get it/find it funny.
     I could see this book turned into a movie, or perhaps a show. Koons’ writing is that vibrant. Also, I bet this book is especially fun in audiobook.
     I am super excited to see where this series goes.
     Give this book a read if you need a lighthearted, rollicking ride. (Who doesn’t nowadays?) You will not regret it, I promise.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Willoughby's Time & Space App
March 25, 2019
This book is a delightful story for readers of all ages. It reminds me of the HItchhiker's Guide as Brad and Stephanie venture on a fun, adventurous, weird journey teleported to another planet. The story is told in the first person so you get to really know the main characters. Their wacky adventures were so captivating that the hours just flew by while reading. I can't wait to see Mr Koons next book!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Blends science and humor so well!
May 12, 2019
I don’t listen to ebooks very much, but this one has got to be one of the best reads I’ve heard in a while. With a vast catalog of different voices and sound effects, you can tell that this piece was crafted with time and also lightheartedness. The humor keeps it very relatable and the universe these kids end up is just outright bizarre. I’d definitely recommend it and will be keeping up with all of Koons’ new stuff. 10/10!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't skip reading this book!
June 26, 2019
Format: Audible Audiobook
A great read and a wonderful story! This captivating tale of two teens who find themselves in an unlikely situation provides a great mix of comedy and adventure. The author paints a thrilling scene in another dimension with a unique cast of bizarre alien creatures. A perfect read for Guardian of the Galaxy and Hitchhikers Guide fans. Would recommend to teen and adult sci-fi fans of all ages. Peter H.

5.0 out of 5 stars
For fans of light hearted science fiction!
May 26, 2019
I’m so glad I decided to pick up this book. It instantly draws you into the character’s story. Little time is wasted on overly descriptive writing, yet every scene can be perfectly imagined inside the mind. I love the writing style, it’s easy to understand and wonderfully imaginative. Andrew L.

5.0 out of 5 stars
A charming romp through space and time
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2020
     Jon Koons' YA fantasy novel distinguishes itself in the genre - it's a lighthearted, fun adventure story seen through the eyes of the likeable protagonist and narrator, Brad, whose wry observations about the world around him are part of what make this such a good read. It serves as a coming of age story (as all good YA does, on some level), with a romance subplot and enough danger to keep the stakes high and the pages turning.
     Among the more delightful elements are the chapter headings, which are witty as well as descriptive, a nod to a technique so common in the eighteenth century. Koons' use of the headings made me wish more contemporary novelists still followed the convention - amusing in their own right, they also help set the tone for the story. There are plenty more refreshing and witty touches in the book, from references to contemporary science fiction to the unusual premise. What fun to immerse one's self in these pages - a great escape from the madness of the reality of life in these troubled times. I look forward to the sequel!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Intergalactic Fun!
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2019
Jon tells the tale of two ordinary tri-state area teens who go on an intergalactic journey of a lifetime! A trip to their usual hangout at the mall leads them to becoming intergalactic heroes after some crazy turn of events, wacky adventures and a alien beauty pageant. Brad and Stephanie grow and mature both physically and emotionally with the challenges and temptations they face and make many friends in the process. A tale that teaches anyone of any age to appreciate individulality and to always find and validate what brings out the best in an individual. Many sci-fi and classic film references to appease and nerd or buff.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Laugh out loud funny!
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2019
7 minutes in Heaven wasn't long enough! Didn't want it to end. Looking forward to his next book. Buy this book and see for yourself.

4.0 out of 5 stars
Really fun read!!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2019
This was a really great light hearted read. Finished the whole thing in one day. A great jaunt through a science fiction universe in the vain of Douglas Adams or Ernest Cline. Great for a beach day or a rainy afternoon inside. Tons of fun!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Great adventure story
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2019
My teen son and I both loved it !!!
Great to sit and listen to w the family
Highly recommended

5.0 out of 5 stars
You must read this book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2020
What fun! This book is a rollercoaster of wit and comedy with a gripping adventurous plot. The author grabs your attention at once and never lets you go till the final page.