Awards
1990 Caldecott Honor Book
1989 National Council for the Social Studies Notable Book
1990 National Council of Teachers of English Notable Book
1992 Colorado Children's Book Award
1992 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award
Synopses & Reviews
It is the first night of Hanukkah. Hershel of Ostropol is walking down the road. Tired and hungry, he is looking forward to reaching the next village. He is sure that bright candles, merry songs, and platters of potato latkes will be waiting for him. But when he reaches the village, Hershel discovers that the villagers aren't celebrating Hanukkah. They're too scared of the goblins that haunt the old synagogue at the top of the hill. Hershel wants to help the village people. "If I can't outwit a few goblins," Hershel tells the rabbit, "then my name isn't Hershel of Ostropol."
Hershel comes up with several ingenious ideas for tricking the goblins in this original Hanukkah tale.
Review
"Kimmel provides a humorous, entertaining and just slightly scary story for all young readers. Hyman's illustrations emphasize all of the tension with dark scenes of the goblins and their attempts to frighten Hershel." Children's Literature
Review
"This will provide relief from the boring, candy-coated read-alouds that so often comprise holiday fare and will fit companionably with haunted castle variants." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
About the Author
Eric A. Kimmel is Professor of Education at Portland State University. In 1989 the Oregon Reading Association presented him with the Ulrich H. Hardt Award for his contributions to reading literacy throughout the state. The author of
Charlie Drives the Stage, Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock, and
The Chanukkah Tree, he is a regular contributor to the children's magazine
Cricket. Dr. Kimmel and his wife live in Portland, Oregon.
Trina Schart Hyman, a renowned American illustrator, won the Caldecott Medal for Saint George and the Dragon. Little Red Riding Hood, retold by her from the Brothers Grimm and with her illustrations, was designated a Caldecott Honor Book. Ms. Hyman lives in Lyme, New Hamphsire.