Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

By Eric A. Kimmel

Book Overview

The classic Hanukkah tale, shared by families all around the world-- now available in a beautiful anniversary edition. A Caldecott Honor book.

An original tale featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story, which received a Sydney Taylor Honor, has been a family favorite for decades.

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?

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.

This beautiful 25th Anniversary Edition includes an insightful afterword from the author and publisher explaining the book's origins, and remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator who brought the tale to life. This classic picture book is a perfect Hanukkah gift and a wonderful read-aloud.

For more tales of this clever folk hero, read The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol-- another collaboration between master storyteller Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman.

Caldecott Honor Book
ALA Notable Children's Book
NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts
A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book
Colorado Children's Book Award
Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823431649
• ISBN13: 9780823431649
• Release Date: August 2014
• Publisher: Holiday House
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.4" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

K teacher loves this book

This is a great book to read aloud to children. The language flows and there are lots of opportunities to use funny voices. I use it to teach about Chanukah and math lessons with dreidels. BTW, it is in print and available for about 7.00 from Barnes & Noble!

AN ARTISTIC GEM IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

Every year I read this story to as many children as I can. AS a music teacher I have my captive audience:) I have sometimes 9 classes a day(3 too many, but that's another review of another kind)and I use the reading of the story as an acting exercise for me and total delight for the children.It usually falls into two sections of reading. I use different voices for each of the exquisite creatures and the children delight in the imagery and ultimately the universal lesson. In fact, after reading, the group and I recognize that when Hershel was faced with a problem..."He didn't get a gun, he didn't get a knife...(we point to our heads)...he used his ooold brain". Indeed this intelligent, brilliantly written and beautifully illustrated book is a gem.I also use the opportunity at the time of Halloween to explore and explain about Hanukkah so that by the time that holiday rolls around they know all about it.

This is one of the best, most inspiring childrens books ever

When I was I think 7, I read Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins for the first time. I checked it out from my school library. I must of checked that book out from there at least a thousand times. Hershel gave his town hope and at the time they needed it most. He took the only things that the villagers had left to give him (an egg, a dreidal, and a pickle jar) and he climbed the mountain where the goblins were yet nobody had faith in him to come back. Read Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins and learn how Hershel out smarts the goblins. It's a great book for all ages and I hope that you enjoy the book as much as I do.

Best Hanukkah book we've read, and great for Halloween.

We check this out every year, and now that it's in paperback, we're buying it! The text and vocabulary are suitable for preschool/kindergarten, yet interesting to parents as well. The wonderful drawings cover the pages. The goblins are horrible, yet not frightening. The main character, Hershel, defeats the goblins with brains, not brawn. Just great