The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon - by Audrey Barbakoff (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Oy, Chelm. Long known as home to the 'wisest' people in Yiddish folklore. But what is Chelm like today? What if the kids were more clever than the rest of the townsfolk? When the misguided adults of modern-day Chelm believe the moon has plunged into the lake, it's up to the Schlemiel siblings to convince the grown-ups that their fears of a fallen moon are unfounded. Join Sarah and Sam in this hilarious twist on a classic Yiddish folktale as they use teamwork, innovation, and patience to save the day...and night!"--Back cover.

Book Synopsis

A joyous modern-day twist on a Wise Men of Chelm folktale written by a fresh Jewish voice filled with humor, some juicy Yiddish terms, and smart, savvy kids brimming with innovative solutions.

"An enjoyable, rollicking read. Fun by the light of the moon--or anytime."--Kirkus Reviews

Oy, Chelm. Long known as home to the "wisest" people in Yiddish folklore. But what is Chelm like today? What if the kids were more clever than the rest of the townsfolk?

When the misguided adults of modern-day Chelm believe the moon has plunged into the lake, it's up to the Schlemiel siblings to convince the grown-ups that their fears of a fallen moon are unfounded. Join Sarah and Sam in this hilarious twist on a classic Yiddish folktale as they use teamwork, innovation and patience to save the day...and night!

Here is a book that will expand young readers' knowledge of Jewish culture beyond holidays, history, and the Holocaust, including a glossary of Yiddish terms to enhance understanding.

MORE PRAISE FOR THE SCHLEMIEL KIDS SAVE THE MOON:

"Children will grin while hearing or reading this story because in this one the kids are so much smarter than the grown-ups." --San Diego Jewish World

"A multicultural winner." --Foreword Reviews

Review Quotes

"Brimming with Old World charm, yet completely contemporary, The Shlemiel Kids Save The Moon will delight wise and silly people of all ages. Both the storytelling and the pictures shine, luminous as the moon itself."--Elisa Kleven, Award-Winning Author and Illustrator

"Readers should enjoy the kids' savvy and the way the Chelmites, portrayed with various abilities and skin tones, stand in for "clueless" adults everywhere."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"The Chelm sto­ries con­tin­ue to stand the test of time . . . The Chelmites por­trayed in The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon put a new twist on an old theme: the chil­dren are wis­er, savvi­er, and far more log­i­cal than their par­ents could ever hope to be."-- "Jewish Book Council"

"Children will grin while hearing or reading this story because in this one the kids are so much smarter than the grown-ups."-- "San Diego Jewish World"

"An enjoyable, rollicking read. Fun by the light of the moon--or anytime."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Centuries-old folktales transposed into a modern setting beget a cognitive dissonance that may have little ones pointing to present-day foils of smartphones and Google. The back matter features a helpful Yiddish glossary."-- "School Library Journal"

"Smatterings of Yiddish, warm illustrations, and a diverse cast make this picture book a multicultural winner."-- "Foreword Reviews"

"This is a delightful retelling of the Yiddish story of the foolish people in Chelm. With gorgeous illustrations and humor, kids will love seeing themselves as (sometimes) being wiser than their elders!"--Misha Stone, Librarian

"Audrey Barbakoff's wonderful retelling of a classic Jewish story is a gift to children and their adults. [...] Who knew that saving the moon could be such a delight from tip to toe!" --Reb Zann Jacobrown, Pardess Jewish Community and illustrator of Palace of Pearls: The Stories of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav

"This vibrant retelling of a classic Jewish/Yiddish folktale proves everything old can be new again!"--George Shannon, award-winning author of more than 40 picture books including One Family, White is for Blueberry, and Lizard's Guest

About the Author

Dr. Audrey Barbakoff is a librarian, educator, and entrepreneur. She is the author of two picture books, The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon and Mazel Toes!, as well as several professional development books for librarians. She holds a doctorate in education and a master's degree in library and information science. As a Jewish mother, she is passionate about passing down the vibrancy of Jewish humor, language, and stories to the next generation. Audrey lives with her husband, children, and chickens on an island in Washington.

Rotem Teplow is an Israeli illustrator who lives with her husband and two sons in a small village in Israel, near the Dead Sea. She enjoys yoga, reading books, and illustrating beautiful scenery. A graduate of Shenkar College of Design, she currently illustrates for newspapers and children's books worldwide.