Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories facts for kids
Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories is a collection of short stories written by Isaac Bashevis Singer. He was a Polish-American author. The book came out in 1966. Singer wrote his stories in Yiddish, a special language. He worked with Elizabeth Shub to translate them into English. Maurice Sendak drew the pictures for the book.
This book won an important award. It was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal in 1967. This means it was a "Newbery Honor Book." Many people around the world enjoy these stories. The book has been translated into many different languages.
Contents
What Stories Are Inside?
This book has eight interesting stories. They are:
- Foreword
- Fool's Paradise
- Grandmother's Tale
- The Snow in Chelm
- The Mixed-up Feet and the Silly Bridegroom
- The First Shlemiel
- The Devil's Trick
- Zlateh the Goat
The Story of Zlateh the Goat
The last story in the book is called "Zlateh the Goat." It takes place in a Jewish village in Poland. The time is around Hanukkah, a special holiday.
Reuven's Problem
Reuven is a furrier, someone who makes things from animal fur. Winter has been warm, so people do not need warm furs. Reuven is not making much money. He needs money to buy food and supplies for his family's Hanukkah celebration.
His family also has an old goat named Zlateh. Zlateh gives them milk, but she is getting old. She does not make as much milk as she used to.
A Difficult Choice
Feivel, the town butcher, offers to buy Zlateh. He wants to buy her for eight gulden, which is a type of money. He plans to use her for meat. Reuven's wife, Leah, and his daughters, Anna and Miriam, do not want to sell Zlateh. But Reuven thinks the money is more important for his family.
He tells his son, Aaron, to take Zlateh to the butcher in town. Zlateh trusts her family. She does not know what is happening. Aaron feels sad about taking her. He has to obey his father.
Lost in a Blizzard
On the way to town, the weather suddenly changes. A hail storm starts, then a big blizzard. Aaron and Zlateh get lost in the heavy snow. They are in great danger. Aaron looks for a safe place.
He finds a large pile of hay in a field. He digs a hole inside the hay. This makes a warm, safe shelter for him and Zlateh. He pokes a small hole for fresh air.
Survival in the Haystack
Aaron brought some food, but it runs out quickly. He is worried about starving. Luckily, Zlateh can eat the hay around them. She can still make milk. Aaron drinks Zlateh's milk to stay alive.
They stay in the haystack for three days. The snow keeps falling outside. During this time, Aaron and Zlateh become very close. Aaron starts to see Zlateh not just as a pet. He feels she is "like a sister" to him.
Family's Worry and Happy Return
Back home, Aaron's family is very worried. They send people to look for him. Reuven, Leah, and the sisters fear the worst. They think Aaron and Zlateh have frozen in the snow.
On the fourth day, Aaron decides not to sell Zlateh. He starts looking for a way home. A farmer on a sleigh helps him find the way back to the village. Aaron and Zlateh return home. His family is so happy to see them both alive!
Zlateh Becomes a Hero
The family hears Aaron's story. They learn how Zlateh's milk kept him alive. They also hear how snuggling with her kept him warm. They decide not to sell Zlateh. They give her a special treat to thank her.
The winter is now very cold. Reuven's fur business gets much better. People need warm clothes. He makes enough money for his family's needs. Zlateh becomes an even more loved part of the family. She often reminds Aaron of their time together by simply bleating.
Awards and Recognition
Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories received several honors:
- Newbery Honor Book, 1967
- Horn Book Fanfare list, 1967
- School Library Journal "One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century," 2000
Images for kids
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First edition (publ. Harper & Row)
