1990 Caldecott Honor Book, 1989 National Council for the Social Studies Notable Book, 1990 National Council of Teachers of English Notable Book, 1992 Colorado Children's Book Award, 1992 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award
What are the poor villagers to do? The holiday-hating, hill-dwelling hobgoblins are bound and determined to ruin yet another Hanukkah for them. Every year the beasties snuff out the menorah candles, destroy the dreidels, and pitch the potato latkes on the floor. But these wicked wet blankets never counted on someone as clever as Hershel of Ostropol showing up. Using his wits and a few props--pickles, eggs, and a dreidel (a square-shaped top with Hebrew letters on each side)--Hershel manages to outwit all the creepy critters and break the spell. This fabulously creative adaptation of the ancient Hanukkah story in which the Syrians forbade the Jews to worship as they wanted, keeps the spirit of the original while adding a spine-tingling twist. Warmth and humor prevail, even in the midst of hopeless-looking circumstances. Award-winning illustrator Trina Schart Hyman creates lively and witty pictures that pair perfectly with Eric Kimmel's words to create this Caldecott Honor Book. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Best book ever for read alouds!:
I've read this story to elementary age children for years. First graders to fifth graders,they are captured from the very first word and sit spell bound till the last. I guess the secret is that I love reading it as much
as they love listening.
Second grade class gives a rave review:
I recently read this to a spellbound group of second graders. They so obviously enjoyed it and hung on the plot and dialogue, page after page. The teacher smiled a broad smile throughout and I have to say, it was a pleasure for me to reread it while I read it to them. So add about 20 more high marks to this WINNER from Eric Kimmel. I'm about to check out his other Hershel story as well.
Excellently written, but too scary for my 4 year old:
I had ordered this for Hanukkah 2006, but luckily I took a sneak peak first. My daughter, aged 4, would find this far too scary. Despite its inappropriateness for the younger, more sensitive reader, it is excellently written and very well illustrated. I have not returned it, but it'll be a while before it comes down from my shelf.
Hear what the author has to say!:
I had the opportunity to interview Eric Kimmel for my podcast, The Book of Life. He is a very fun guy and I'm sure you'd enjoy hearing what he has to say about Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. You can listen to the interview at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com - click on the December 2005 episode.
