Amazon.com Review
The Klein family--little people reminiscent of
The Borrowers--live behind the walls of the famous Eldridge Street Synagogue in New York City at the turn of the century. On the day before Hanukkah, Papa ventures out to "borrow" a candle from the synagogue so it can be melted down into tiny candles for the family's miniature menorah. What a disaster! The synagogue's new cat ("a fierce Antiochus of a cat!" Papa claims) pounces on him, leaving him wounded and shaken. How will the Kleins obtain a holiday candle with this killer cat on the loose? Despite the borrowing of a familiar premise (little folks furtively living among humans), award-winning author Eric A. Kimmel (
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins) offers a playful and original springboard for introducing children to the characters, historical landmarks, and symbols of Judaism. For example, when young Mindy volunteers to save Hanukkah (risking an encounter with the cat), she climbs a "lulav" (a palm branch left over from Sukkot) in order to find the candles. When Mindy's wee grandfather saves her from the cat's claws, he is compared to Maccabee, the leader who recaptured Jerusalem from the Greeks. Barbara McClintock's old-fashioned black ink and watercolor paintings, evocative of turn-of-the-century book illustrations, are the perfect accompaniment to this lively, suspenseful tale. (Click to see a
sample spread. Text copyright ©1998 by Eric A. Kimmel. Illustrations copyright ©1998 by Barbara McClintock. Permission by Scholastic Press.) (Ages 3 to 8)
--Gail Hudson
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3?The miniature-sized Kleins live behind the walls of the Eldridge Street Synagogue. It's the day before Hanukkah and the family is preparing for its holiday celebration. When Papa stumbles through the door, his clothing torn and without a candle, they learn that the synagogue has gotten a cat. Brave little Mindy then volunteers to venture out to find a candle, despite the danger. Eventually, the child encounters the dreaded beast, but is able to escape, thanks to the help of her resourceful grandfather.The human-sized candle is melted down to provide the family with ample lights to observe Hanukkah. The story and pictures are a perfect combination; with a humorous text and exquisite watercolor, black-ink, and gouache illustrations. Minute details and clever touches abound. The Kleins make use of human-sized objects?a pocket watch serves as a clock, and stamps make lovely pictures. The double-paged inside view of the synagogue is breathtaking. A spirited story with a diminutive heroine whose courage speaks volumes.?MMH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
