Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins - 25th Edition by Eric A Kimmel (Paperback)

About the Book

Relates how Hershel outwits the goblins that haunt the old synagogue and prevent the village people from celebrating Hanukkah.

Book Synopsis

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

A gift edition of this title is also available, featuring a slipcase and fold-out poster. (ISBN: 9780823452552)

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

Review Quotes

★ "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."--Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"This, my friends, is our Hanukkah pop-culture icon. Judaism's very own A Christmas Carol, if you will. . . . Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins has become a holiday staple not only because it creates a compelling story that mimics the historical tale, but largely because it brings fun and magic to the season outside of the holiday's original traditions."--Aliza Pelto, heyalma.com

"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

"This is a story whose essentials--cleverness, bravery, and otherworldly happenings-- always attract readers."--Booklist

"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."--The Horn Book

"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."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

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.