About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to bridge a generational gap or introduce your child to the wit and wisdom of Jewish culture through laughter. It is perfect for a child who feels a bit of pressure to be perfect and needs to see that making mistakes and being a bit of a fool is a universal part of the human experience. Through thirteen bite sized tales, Simms Taback captures the essence of Yiddish humor, offering stories that are as much about logical fallacies as they are about heart. While the book explores themes of shame and guilt in the context of silly mistakes, it always lands in a place of joy and family connection. It is an ideal pick for families looking to celebrate heritage or simply enjoy a clever, well illustrated read aloud that invites children to think about common sense in a brand new way.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is largely lighthearted and secular in its humor. There are references to poverty and the struggle for resources, but these are handled with a folk tale distance. The resolution of most stories is ironic or humorous rather than moralistic in a heavy handed way.
Ideal Reader
An 8 year old who loves logic puzzles or wordplay, or a child who enjoys hearing stories about 'the old days' from their own grandparents. It is perfect for a kid who enjoys 'The Stinky Cheese Man' but wants something with more historical and cultural grounding.
