Customer Reviews

Zigazak! A Magical Hanukkah Night

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One winter night during Hanukkah, two devils flew over the old-world village of Brisk, and decided to wreak a little havoc on the poor townspeople. With the magic word of ZIGAZAK, dreidels sprouted arms and legs and began to dance, latkes flew off their platters and soared around the room, Hanukkah candles exploded like fireworks, and musical instruments began to play songs all by themselves. The villagers were terrified, and ran to the Rabbi's house for help. The Rabbi looked at all that was going on and laughed. A little holiday mischief didn't scare him, for he was a very wise and holy man, with a few tricks of his own up his sleeve..... Eric Kimmel has written a very entertaining and satisfying Hanukkah fable, with a simple message that won't be lost on young readers. His engaging and amusing text is only outdone by Jon Goodell's bold and expressive illustrations that will mesmerize youngsters with their wonderfully busy detail. Together, this dynamic duo teaches all of us that "sparks of holiness exist in all things, even in devils' tricks." Perfect for children 5-10, Zigazak is an enchanting tale, and definitely one of the best new Hanukkah stories, this year.

It just isn't a Jewish holiday without a new book by Mr Kimmel. Kimmel (the author of Gershon's Monster) tells the story of how there are sparks of good and "light" in all things. It is an unusual Hanukkah tale of magic and mischief. As the residents in the shtetl of Brisk prepare to celebrate the start of the eighth day of Hanukkah, two mischievous creatures descend upon the town. They recite the magic word of ZIGAZAK and they make dreidels dance and latkas fly. The town's residents, rich and poor, young and old, run to the rabbi, who helps them to understand that when life gives you bad-apples, you make applesauce. The monsters do not scare the rabbi, and flying latkas are just as tasty as ones that are still. Using reverse psychology the rabbi might beat the monsters at their own game, and teach everyone that one should bring light from darkness... thus the message of the holiday.

As a Catholic committed to multiculturalism and to multidenominational appreciation, I enjoyed this story and its lessons immensely. It reflects the power of faith and love over evil through the words and actions of a Rabbi who teaches Jews of all ages that nothing is completely evil and that there is good in everything and in everyone. Although written for ages 4-8, this book is as well-written and beautifully illustrated as it is meaningful for readers of all ages. After reading it, I ordered two more copies for gifts.

this book was wonderful! My five year old granddaughter had me read it over and over again! We are not Jewish but ARE Messianic, so we celebrate Hanukkah and this helps in establishing the whole feeling of Hanukkah to the children. As Arrin says to everyone..."We don't do Chwismas...we do Honk A Nah."

A wonderfully illustrated and written hannukah Tale. Enthralled my granddaughter so much that I purchased more for nieces and nephews.
A must in the children's library!