Too Many Golems
-
- $8.99
-
- $8.99
Publisher Description
Award-winning author Jane Yolen brings us a delightfully humorous tale inspired by Jewish folklore of a well-intentioned but mischievous boy who accidentally summons ten golems.
“A truly original story that charmed me from start to finish. This book put a big smile on my face!”— Lesléa Newman, author of Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail, winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and National Jewish Book Award
"A delightful reimagining of Jewish folklore! Magic that will captivate children of all backgrounds."—Ruth Behar, Pura Belpré Author Award winner and author of Tía Fortuna's New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey, a Sydney Taylor Notable Book
The rabbi’s son, Abi, has a habit of getting in trouble. It’s not on purpose, and usually, they’re harmless accidents. But this time, Abi has stolen a scroll from the synagogue—to practice his Hebrew!—and is not ready for what, or rather, who will show up at his front door as a result.
The golems Abi summons may look monstrous, but we soon learn they are only there to help! With beloved author Jane Yolen's signature wit and delightful illustrations by Maya Shleifer, Too Many Golems conveys the unexpected joy of magical accidents and the importance of being a good neighbor to all.
A REIMAGINED JEWISH TALE: A fresh spin on a classic Jewish folktale reinvents the original narrative into one that emphasizes kindness, community, and friendship. Readers will laugh along as, instead of battling enemies, these golems tackle an even stronger foe: Hebrew lessons!
ENCOURAGING MESSAGE: With a deep understanding that learning any new skill can be a difficult and even anxiety-inducing experience, this story acknowledges every struggle and reassures readers that even without the help of magical creatures, their goals can be achieved through perseverance.
IMAGINATIVE & FUNNY: Brought to life by two Jewish creators, author Jane Yolen and illustrator Maya Schleifer, this comical story of a boy who means well but can't seem to stay out of trouble will delight parents and kids with its charming illustrations, witty text, and pure imagination.
CELEBRATES KINDNESS: Readers will find a warm message that showcases the importance of showing kindness to everyone, regardless of where they come from or what language they speak.
PERFECT FOR COMING-OF-AGE CELEBRATIONS: The outrageous tale of Abi's battle with Hebrew is one that many Jewish children will relate to as they begin Hebrew school or embark on their Bar/Bat Mitzvah journey, making this an essential pick for parents and gift-givers.
Perfect for:Parents and grandparentsTeachers and librariansBar/Bat Mitzvah gift-giversAnyone looking for picture books celebrating Jewish cultureFans of Jane YolenFans of such classics as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and Where the Wild Things Are
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Golems come to the rescue of a boy struggling to learn Hebrew in this spin on the folkloric. Blonde-haired Abi, a rabbi's son, is often accidentally in trouble—for forgetting to pay for a bagel ("He was reading a comic book"), for saying a bad word ("He didn't know it was a bad word"). And when he takes an ancient scroll from the synagogue basement in order to practice his Hebrew pronunciation, he inadvertently summons 10 golems to the family's front door. While the beings are ready to use physical force to help Abi, the protagonist persuades them to serve as tutors instead: "They never threatened him—but oh, did they yell and shake their fists at the grammar." Shleifer's pencil and wax crayon illustrations emphasize Abi's youthful logic and the golems' earnest efforts, culminating in a final scene of the golems cutting it up on the dance floor at Abi's bar mitzvah. An end note, "Rabbi Loew and His Golem," contextualizes the story. Ages 5–8.
