Traditional Literature Review: Golem's Latkes by Eric Kimmel

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Golem’s Latkes
1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kimmel, Eric.  2011. GOLEM’S LATKES.  Ill. by Aaron Jasinski. New York: Marshall Cavendish. ISBN  978-0-7614-5904-0
2.  PLOT SUMMARY
GOLEM’S LATKES is inspired by the original legend of the Golem, and also by the old tale, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. In this story, Rabbi Judah creates a giant out of clay, and through kabbalistic rituals, brings him to life and names him Golem. Golem will do whatever is asked of him, however, he must be told when to stop. With Hannukkah approaching, Rabbi Judah has much to do and little time to do it. He recruits his maid, Basha, to help make latkes while he goes into town, and allows her to use Golem to assist her. He warns her to never leave the house while Golem is working, because he must be told to stop. While Golem is making latkes, Basha decides to visit her friend. Without being told to stop making the latkes, Golem makes so many that there are latkes pouring into the streets. Basha and the Rabbi must think quickly to rid the town of all the latkes.
3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS
GOLEM’S LATKES contrasts the naivety of the housemaid, Basha, with the wisdom of the Rabbi Judah. While the book is written from a Jewish perspective and uses Jewish cultural terms such as “latke”, “Rabbi”, and “Hanukkah”, the story demonstrates cross cultural interactions as shown when the Roman Emperor is included in the Hanukkah feast. The style of writing captures the essence of traditional oral folktales by using repeated rhythmic chanting “Peel. Chop. Mix. Fry”. The washes of warm yellow and orange tones transports the reader to 16th century Europe.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Kimmel has the pacing of a comic, and the illustrations by Jasinski (The Heart’s Language) are richly detailed”
SHELLY FEIT, JEWISH BOOK COUNCIL: “A note from the author explaining the historical facts and some of the Jewish content appears at the beginning of the book.  This makes the story non-parochial and universally appealing for all readers”
JUDITH SHULEVITZ, NEW YORK TIMES:“Aaron Jasinki’s expressive illustrations bring a sly raffishness to the characters”
5. CONNECTIONS
*This story would be great to use for reader’s theater. It is simple enough that even very young children could participate. The Golem character would surely get tons of laughs!
*More stories about Hanukkah
Chanukah Lights

Rosen, Michael J.  2011. Chanukah Lights.  Ill. by Robert Sabuda. Massachusetts: Candlewick Pres. ISBN  9780763655334
The Story of Hanukkah
Adler, David A. 2011. The Story of Hanukkah. Ill. by Jill Weber. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 978-0823425471

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