Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins facts for kids
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| Author | Eric Kimmel, Trina Schart Hyman |
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| Country | United States of America |
| Language | English |
| Published | 1989 |
| Publisher | Holiday House |
| ISBN | 9780823431649 |
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is a popular children's picture book from 1989. It was written by Eric Kimmel and beautifully illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. The story features a famous Jewish folk hero named Hershel of Ostropol. He is known as a trickster who uses his cleverness to solve problems. In this book, Hershel faces a challenge: he must defeat a series of scary goblins over the eight nights of Hanukkah. The adventure builds up to a big showdown with the King of the Goblins on the last night. This book was so good that it won a Caldecott Honor award in 1990.
The Story of Hershel and the Goblins
The book tells the exciting tale of Hershel of Ostropol. He arrives in a village where goblins have taken over the old synagogue. These mischievous creatures are trying to stop the villagers from celebrating Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a special Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights.
Hershel, being very clever, decides to help the villagers. Each night, he faces a different goblin. He doesn't use strength to beat them. Instead, he uses his sharp mind and funny tricks. For example, he might trick a goblin into eating a pickle, or he might outsmart another with a clever riddle.
The story gets more exciting each night. Hershel keeps defeating the goblins one by one. Finally, on the eighth and last night of Hanukkah, he must face the most powerful goblin of all: the King of the Goblins. Hershel uses his best trick yet to make sure Hanukkah can be celebrated in peace.
Why This Book is Special
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is loved for its fun story and amazing artwork. In 1990, the book received a Caldecott Honor. This is a very important award given to the artist of the most outstanding American picture book for children. It shows how special Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations are in bringing the story to life. The book teaches about courage, cleverness, and the importance of traditions.
From Book to Stage
The popular story of Hershel didn't just stay in a book! In 1999, a person named Shari Aronson got permission from Eric Kimmel to turn the book into a play. Shari works with a puppet theater company called Z Puppets Rosenschnoz.
This stage version of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins has been performed many times. The Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company has put on the show four times. The puppets used in their 2009 show, created by Chris Griffith, even won a special award called an MN Ivey Award. Other theater groups across the United States have also performed this fun adaptation.
