Before Simon sails to America, he promises his family that he will get a job and send for them. Simon's mother knows he will need a miracle, so she reminds him to celebrate Hanukkah wherever he may be. Little does either of them know that Simon will spend the first night of Hanukkah on an ice floe after his ship sinks.The lone survivor out in the wide ocean, Simon lights the first candle, and it attracts a visitor: a polar bear. Does she eat him? No! She shares his latkes, enjoys his songs, goes fishing for him, and even keeps him warm at night. By the last day of Hanukkah, Simon has nearly given up hope of ever being rescued. But then he recounts all of the miracles that have befallen him so far. 'Perhaps it is not too much to hope for one more,' he thinks, as he lights all of the candles in the menorah. The bright glow signals a passing ship, and Simon makes it to New York after all. This fanciful Hanukkah tale-like none you've ever read before-celebrates eight miracles: family, friendship, hope, selflessness, sharing, faith, courage, and love. A retelling of the ancient Hanukkah story is included on the last page.Praise for The Golem's Latkes 'Kimmel s storytelling is effective in its use of suspense, humor, trope and repetition, making a fine read-aloud holiday treat.' ---Kirkus Reviews Praise for Zigazak! A Magical Hanukkah Night 'In the most imaginative Hanukkah book this season, Kimmel (Gershon's Monster) peoples an old-world town with mischievous demons, easily alarmed villagers and a wise and crafty rabbi. The brio of the storytelling doesn't shy from a moral: 'Sparks of goodness exist in all things, even in devils' tricks.'' ---Publishers Weekly Praise for Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins '[Hershel] successfully uses his wits to oust the eight creatures haunting the old synagogue and who are preventing the villagers from celebrating Hanukkah. Kimmel provides a humorous, entertaining and just slightly scary story for all young readers.' --Children's Litera

 

This book was recognised in the Younger Readers category by the Sydney Taylor Book Award.

There are 40 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2014 by Disney Publishing Worldwide .

Eric A. Kimmel is the author of many picture books, including Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, a Caldecott Honor Book illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. He was once a storyteller, and he loves classic tales. For more information visit Eric's website at www. ericakimmel. com. Pep Monserrat has illustrated picture book versions of such classics as The Musicians of Bremen and Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. He is delighted to have this opportunity to portray the archetypal heroes and heroines of ancient Greece. For more information visit Pep's website at www. pepmonserrat. com