The Peddler's Gift [Hardcover]

Kimberly Bulcken Root (Author), Kimberly Root (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

A young boy in turn-of-the-century rural Russia learns that appearances are often deceiving after he steals and then tries to return a dreidel to the traveling peddler Shnook.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The shtetl is also the setting for this atmospheric tale, which goes beyond Hanukkah in its poignantly handled themes about forgiveness. Narrator Leibush can't resist the temptation to pocket a dreidel that has fallen from the bags of a bumbling peddler, dubbed Shnook for his ineptitude. The lessons here are predictable (a repentant Leibush learns that the so-called simpleton is wise indeed), but Schur's (Sacred Shadows) colorful delivery and scene-setting give her message a fresh impact. Likewise, Root's (Hugh Can Do) watercolors make the quaintness of the shtetl secondary to the vulnerability of the characters. Ages 5-9. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-In the Russian village of Korovenko, the children think that Shimon is a real noodle head. Unlike the other flamboyant peddlers who roam the route from Moscow to Minsk, Shimon-or "Shnook" as the children call him-is thin, reticent, and prone to bad luck. He gives the village boys plenty to laugh about, including young Leibush, who narrates this heartwarming tale. Among Shnook's wares are some exquisite, hand-carved Hanukkah dreidels that Leibush knows are too costly to buy, but when one inadvertently falls to the floor unnoticed, he keeps it as his own. Later that night, his conscience burns, and he runs to the synagogue hoping to find the peddler and ask his forgiveness. Shnook's kind and generous heart transforms Leibush forever, particularly after the coveted dreidel mysteriously appears as a gift the following Hanukkah. This gentle story is written with a fine folkloric tone that evokes both the richness and simplicity of a time long past. Charming watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations re-create the dusty palette of a rural turn-of-the-century Russian village, enhancing both the voice and spirit of the story. Broader in theme than a typical "holiday book," this is a fine choice to be read year-round.-T.M.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803719787
• ISBN-13: 978-0803719781
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 9.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,144,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Award Winner, April 18, 2000

By 

Heidi Estrin (The Book of Life podcast, www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Peddler's Gift (Hardcover)

I'd like to note that The Peddlar's Gift is the winner of the 1999 Sydney Taylor Award in the category of books for younger readers. This is an annual literary prize awarded by the Association of Jewish Libraries for excellence in children's books with strong Jewish content. The award is named after the late Sydney Taylor, the author of the All-of-a-Kind Family books.... Heidi Estrin, Association of Jewish Libraries, South Florida Chapter

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Peddler's Gift is truly a gift...., May 28, 2000

By 

Janael McQueen (Boston, Massachussettes, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Peddler's Gift (Hardcover)

This book is even more than just a wonderful tale of morality. It gives a hint of the joy of the ineffable that can hardly be spoken of in words. It can be felt--through the beautiful story, through the illustrations, and through something "between the lines".