Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

by Eric A Kimmel (Author) Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator)

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him. But when he arrives not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. Using his wits, the clever trickster faces down one goblin after the next, night after night. But can one man alone save Hanukkah and live to tell the tale?

An original adventure featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story has been a family favorite for decades and was named a Caldecott Honor book when it was originally published. Trina Schart Hyman's leering goblins are equal parts terrifying and ridiculous as they match wits with Hershel, trying to keep him from lighting the menorah and celebrating Hanukkah. 

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This original story in the tradition of Yiddish tales about Hershel Ostropolier is welcome as a Hanukkah story and as a trickster tale. . . . Hyman's illustrations capture Hershel's humor and earthy, peasant quality.

Kirkus

Starred Review
In this splendidly illustrated, humorous tale, Hershel outwits, one by one, eight fearsome goblins who not only haunt an old synagogue, but also have been forestalling Hanukkah in a nearby village . . . Rarely are author and illustrator so in tune.

Publishers Weekly

Caldecott Medalist Trina Schart Hyman provides wonderfully creepy art for Eric Kimmel's Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, a triumphant tale of goblins outwitted and faith preserved.

Copyright 1990, Publishers Weekly, Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Hyman is at her best with windswept landscapes, dark interiors, close portraiture, and imaginatively wicked creatures. Both art and history are charged with energy."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books


Eric A Kimmel
Eric A. Kimmel, known for his retellings of Jewish folktales, is the author of more than a hundred children's books, including The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol, another classic tale also illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Eric is a five-time winner of the National Jewish Book award, and the recipient of a Sydney Taylor Lifetime Achievement award. Many of his titles have won state awards and appeared on school and library recommended lists.

One of the most distinguished and celebrated illustrators of her generation, Trina Schart Hyman (1939-2004) was awarded the Caldecott Medal for St. George and the Dragon, retold by Margaret Hodges, and Caldecott Honors for A Child's Calendar, by John Updike, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, and Little Red Riding Hood. Born in Philadelphia, she lived most of her life in New Hampshire.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780823431946
Lexile Measure
550
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Holiday House
Publication date
August 31, 2014
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV017110 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Hanukkah
Library of Congress categories
-
Caldecott
Honor Book 1990 - 1990
ALA
Notable Children's Book 1990 - 1990
NCTE
Notable Children's Book in Language Arts 1990 - 1990
Colorado
Children's Book Award 1990 - 1990
Washington Children's Choice
Picture Book Award 1990 - 1990

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