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Jewish Folklore in Picture Books

Cover art for THE ROOSTER PRINCE OF BRESLOV
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star THE ROOSTER PRINCE OF BRESLOV
by Ann Redisch Stampler, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
"Stampler's touching note demonstrates this layered tale's openness to multiple interpretations. (author's note) (Picture book/folktale. 4-7)"
This exuberantly rendered Yiddish folktale is bright in hue and spirit. Read full book review >
Cover art for BAGELS FROM BENNY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2003
BAGELS FROM BENNY
by Aubrey Davis, illustrated by Dušan Petricic
"Even younger readers will have no trouble appreciating either the wisdom that Grandpa offers, or the close relationship between him and his devout grandson. (Picture book/folktale. 6-10)"
A heartfelt gesture of gratitude takes a surprising but altogether proper twist in this retold folktale. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHEN THE CHICKENS WENT ON STRIKE
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2003
WHEN THE CHICKENS WENT ON STRIKE: A ROSH HASHANAH TALE
adapted by Erica Silverman, illustrated by Matthew Trueman
"Satirical and absurdly appropriate for this ludicrous and outdated rite. (Folklore. 5-9)"
Silverman adapts a story from Sholom Aleichem featuring Kapores, the old Eastern European Jewish ceremonial custom of twirling a chicken in order to erase one's bad deeds on the last day of Rosh Hashanah. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BACHELOR AND THE BEAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 10, 2003
THE BACHELOR AND THE BEAN
by Shelley Fowles, illustrated by Shelley Fowles
"A much-used theme with a clever twist that will bring smiles during each reading. (Picture book/folktale. 4-10)"
Fowles illustrates her first picture book, a magic-pot variant, with luminous watercolors that simply glow on the page like stained glass. Read full book review >
Cover art for GOLEM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 18, 1996
GOLEM
by David Wisniewski, illustrated by David Wisniewski
"A fact- filled final note concludes this mesmerizing book. (Picture book/folklore. 6-10)"
 The much honored cut-paper master (Sundiata, 1992, etc.) turns his attention to a retelling of the story of the Golem, created by a chief rabbi, Judah Loew, to defend the Jews against the ``Blood Lie'' (that Jews were mixing the blood of Christian children with the flour and water of matzoh) of 16th-century Prague. Read full book review >
Cover art for JUST STAY PUT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 1996
JUST STAY PUT
Gary Clement
"Clement's witty illustrations depict Mendel sometimes towering over the village, sometimes in miniature among giants, always slightly dazed. (Picture book/folklore. 4-8)"
 Chelm, that village of ``extremely silly'' (as Clement words it) folk, is the setting of a splendidly idiotic tale of Mendel, a lazy man with his head literally in the clouds. Read full book review >