Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

 

Bibliography
Kimmel, Eric, 1985. HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS. Ill. by Trina Schart Hyman. New York, NY: Holiday House. ISBN 9780823431946. 

Plot Summary
Hershel of Ostropol is ready to celebrate the tradition and customs of Hanukkah when he arrives to a village. However, there is no sight of Hanukkah being celebrated at all. Hershel is soon warned by the villagers of the dreadful goblins who detest any celebration of Hanukkah. In order to break the goblin curse, Hershel must spend eight nights in the synagogue and light the Hanukkah candles. But on the eighth night, the king of the goblins must light the candle himself to break their power. Hershel soon embarks on this brave journey, quickly facing the tricky goblins each night and outwitting them in order to save Hanukkah. 

Critical Analysis
Kimmel has created an engaging, adventurous tale that has embedded Hanukkah traditions for readers to enjoy and learn. Kimmel uses the brave character, Hershel of Ostropol, who begins his journey traveling to the old synagogue to save Hanukkah. For seven nights, Hershel encounters dreadful, ugly goblins who do their best to prevent Hershel from lighting candles in the menorah. Come the seventh night, the goblin king begins to make it clear that Hershel will not be successful in his quest. However, clever Hershel manages to trick the goblin king into lighting the final candle in the menorah, destroying the goblin powers. 
Tina Schart Hyman's illustrations are a great addition to this trickster tale, as they set the tone of the dark, ominous setting with goblins terrorizing the village. The careful details to illustrate the menacing goblins, the watercolor backgrounds to create engaging settings, and shadowy style to set darkness of the adventure. Eric Kimmel and Tina Schart Hyman make a great team in creating an interesting, traditional Hanukkah tale. 

Review Excerpt(s)
Caldecott Honor Book - 1990
ALA Notable Children's Book
NCTE Notable Children's Book in Language Arts
A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book
Colorado Children's Book Award
Washington's Children's Choice Picture Book Award
- Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This is a wonderful presentation that will have little ones on the edge of their seats. It deserves to be a staple for all Hanukkah celebrations."
- Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: " This book is welcome both as a Hanukkah story and as a trickster tale."

Connections
- A great read aloud opportunity to support learning about the tradition and customs of Hanukkah. 
- For any fans of trickster tales with smart, witty characters.
- Similar book recommendations: 
Kimmel, Eric & Wohnoutka, Mike. HANUKKAH BEAR. ISBN 9780823431694
Kimmel, Eric & Hyman, Tina Schart. THE ADVENTURES OF HERSHEL OF OSTROPOL. ISBN 9780823442447

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