Things That Go Bump in the Night
We’re getting into the “spirit” of things this month. YeLAdim loves a good scary story, so we asked our friends at the Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles to suggest some of their favorites.
“Golem” by David Wisniewski (Clarion Books, 1996)
This book, which won the Caldecott Medal, tells the story of a rabbi in Prague who made a man from clay (think Frankenstein’s monster) to protect the people who lived in the ghetto. But what happens when the Golem comes to life? Lots of pictures help tell this story of good vs. evil. (Ages 4-8)
“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” by Eric Kimmel (Holiday House, 1994)
Every year, nasty hobgoblins ruin Chanukah for the villagers by blowing out the candles on the menorah, destroying dreidels and making a mess of the latkes. But Hershel of Ostropol has a plan to get rid of the little creatures. Find out what it is in this award-winning book full of warmth, humor and really cool illustrations. (Ages 4 to 8)
“Shlemiel Crooks” by Anna Olswanger (NewSouth Books, 2005)
Wonder what happened to Pharoah after the Israelites left Egypt? He moved to St. Louis. Well, sort of. His ghost tries to get two thieves to steal Reb Elias’ special Passover wine and ruin the holiday. Will Elijah come to the rescue? Yiddish humor, history, colorful pictures and a bit of magic make this a fun tale for the whole family. (Ages 9-12)
Off the Page
, Diane Levin Rauchwerger (“Dinosaur on Hanukkah”), Debbie Robins (“Where Peace Lives”), Sylvia Rouss (The “Sammy Spider” series), Joel Stern (“Jewish Holiday Origami”) and Judith Viorst (“Alexander and the Wonderful, Marvelous, Excellent, Terrific Ninety Days” — sequel to “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”).</p>
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There are also tons of activities going on all day. You can see a puppet show with Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop, clap along to the music of Ralph’s World, visit a life-size replica of the secret attic from the Anne Frank House, eat some yummy food and take a great adventure with a new book. $10 (adults), $5 (children). For more information on times and locations of readings and signings, visit http://celebrationofjewishbooks.com/children.asp.</p>
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<b>Reporter for a Day<br />
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All kids are invited to stop by The Jewish Journal’s booth during the Sunday Family Festival to pick up a “YeLAdim Press Pass.” Then put on your reporter hat and write about your day at the festival. What did you see? What did you do? What was your family’s favorite part? E-mail us your story at <a href=)
kids@jewishjournal.com and you could find your article on next month’s YeLAdim page.
