Book Review | The Golem’s Latkes

The Golem’s Latkes

Adapted by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Aaron Jasinski

Marshall Cavendish Children’s, 2011 (October)

The good stuff

• A new take, a new classic — A new take on the classic tale of the Prague Golem. This could become a classic itself. It doesn’t get into how the Golem allegedly saved the Jews of Prague during anti-Semitic times and has a lighter feel as a result.
• Quality — Well written and illustrated. The piles of latkes add distinctive visual appeal that kids will remember. The addition of the cat in each spread is a great leitmotif.
• Repetition — A refrain kids can remember: Peel. Chop. Mix. Fry.
• Consequences — Kids will know that Basha is disobeying the rabbi’s orders. They will know something “bad” will happen as a result.
• Author’s note — Kimmel pays homage to the legend and the history, thereby lending credence.

The not-so-good stuff

• Would the rabbi really have so many onions and potatoes to make so many latkes to fill the city?
• If you saw the size of Rabbi Lev’s seat at the Old New Synagogue in Prague, you’d see it’s huge. So, I’m surprised to see that here Rabbi Lev is petite.

Overall rating

4.5 out of 5.0