When the mayor of Lublin presents the people of Chelm with a giant menorah, the adults try and fail to come up with a suitable thank you gift. Can young Yitzi find a solution before Chanukah is over?
The foolish inhabitants of Chelm are well known from Eastern European Jewish folk tales, and here they are introduced to a new generation. The silliness of Yitzi’s father will amuse readers of 5 and 6 (and their parents), and the humorous -- and ultimately moving -- text is counterpointed by detailed line drawings and colourful Van Gogh-esque paintings.
With Jewish folk culture, Chanukah, cross-generational humour and stunning artwork, Yitzi and the Giant Menorah has something for everyone and is sure to become a classic.
Author-illustrator Richard Ungar has produced a video diary for PJ Library about how he made the artwork for the book.
November 30, 2016