Too Many Golems by Yolen, Jane; , Shleifer, Maya

Occult Philosophy

Too Many Golems

Name: Too Many Golems
Price: 19.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (2 reviews)
Author: Yolen, Jane; , Shleifer, Maya
ISBN: 9781797212142

Yolen, Jane; , Shleifer, Maya

Reader rating

4.7

(1 reviews) 67 sold

$19.00

Editorial score How we rate

In stock

Stock reported in the catalog; fulfillment is confirmed with your request.

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

A mischievous boy, ancient magic, and a houseful of clay creatures? What could go wrong?

Journey into a whimsical world where young Abi, the rabbi's son, finds himself in a most peculiar predicament. His well-meaning but impish nature leads him to 'borrow' a sacred scroll, inadvertently unleashing not one, but ten formidable golems into his home. What begins as a chaotic cascade of clay creatures soon transforms into a heartwarming adventure, as Abi discovers these seemingly monstrous beings are eager to assist. Jane Yolen masterfully blends humor and heart in this charming tale of magical mishaps and unexpected friendships, celebrating the unpredictable wonders of Jewish folklore.

Key themes

Jewish Folklore Reimagined Curious Accidents, Magical Outcomes Monstrous Friends, Helping Hands

Historical context

This work draws deeply upon Jewish folklore traditions, specifically the legendary golem mythology rooted in Eastern European history and rabbinic literature. It reimagines these ancient tales through a contemporary lens, blending sacred textual reverence with whimsical storytelling.

Difficulty

● Easy

Fans will love it

Arthur Ransome · Madeleine L'Engle · Roald Dahl · The Golem of Frankfurt

🕯️ Occult Philosophy

🏛 Chronicle Books 📅 2024 📖 40 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781797212142

Fun fact

Jane Yolen's "Too Many Golems" is a delightful, witty entry into children's folklore, expertly blending humor with ancient Jewish traditions. It excels at making complex myths accessible and engaging for a young audience, avoiding preachy tones. Those seeking a dark or deeply serious mythological exploration might be disappointed. For a charming, joyful introduction to the golem legend, it stands out as a unique and heartwarming read in juvenile fantasy.

📝 Description: Too Many Golems

Award-winning author Jane Yolen brings us a delightfully humorous tale inspired by Jewish folklore of a well-intentioned but mischievous boy who accidentally summons ten golems. "A truly original story that charmed me from start to finish. This book put a big smile on my face!"-- Lesléa Newman, author of Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail, winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and National Jewish Book Award "A delightful reimagining of Jewish folklore! Magic that will captivate children of all backgrounds."--Ruth Behar, Pura Belpré Author Award winner and author of Tía Fortuna's New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey, a Sydney Taylor Notable Book The rabbi's son, Abi, has a habit of getting in trouble. It's not on purpose, and usually, they're harmless accidents. But this time, Abi has stolen a scroll from the synagogue--to practice his Hebrew!--and is not ready for what, or rather, who will show up at his front door as a result. The golems Abi summons may look monstrous, but we soon learn they are only there to help! With beloved author Jane Yolen's signature wit and delightful illustrations by Maya Shleifer, Too Many Golems conveys the unexpected joy of magical accidents and the importance of being a good neighbor to all. A REIMAGINED JEWISH TALE: A fresh spin on a classic Jewish folktale reinvents the original narrative into one that emphasizes kindness, community, and friendship. Readers will laugh along as, instead of battling enemies, these golems tackle an even stronger foe: Hebrew lessons! ENCOURAGING MESSAGE: With a deep understanding that learning any new skill can be a difficult and even anxiety-inducing experience, this story acknowledges every struggle and reassures readers that even without the help of magical creatures, their goals can be achieved through perseverance. IMAGINATIVE & FUNNY: Brought to life by two Jewish creators, author Jane Yolen and illustrator Maya Schleifer, this comical story of a boy who means well but can't seem to stay out of trouble will delight parents and kids with its charming illustrations, witty text, and pure imagination. CELEBRATES KINDNESS: Readers will find a warm message that showcases the importance of showing kindness to everyone, regardless of where they come from or what language they speak. PERFECT FOR COMING-OF-AGE CELEBRATIONS: The outrageous tale of Abi's battle with Hebrew is one that many Jewish children will relate to as they begin Hebrew school or embark on their Bar/Bat Mitzvah journey, making this an essential pick for parents and gift-givers.

💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

While Yolen’s whimsical approach makes the golem legend accessible, readers expecting grim, traditional horror or strict historical accuracy may find it too lighthearted. The tone is distinctly playful rather than ominous, which might disappoint those seeking darker interpretations of rabbinic magic. However, for audiences open to a charming adventure focused on unexpected friendships and magical mishaps, this book delivers genuine joy. It succeeds as a bridge between ancient myth and modern family values, though its broad appeal relies on accepting the creatures as benevolent rather than terrifying. Ideal for those who prioritize warmth over tension.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Families seeking a delightful blend of humor and heart will find this tale irresistible. Young readers who enjoy mischievous protagonists will cheer for Abi as he navigates the chaos of ten clay creatures invading his home. The story offers a gentle introduction to Jewish folklore without heavy didacticism, making it perfect for bedtime reading or classroom discussions about responsibility and friendship. It appeals to those who appreciate magical realism where monsters turn out to be helpful allies. Parents looking for inclusive folklore that celebrates cultural heritage through accessible, engaging narrative will appreciate its warmth and charm.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

If you're seeking a whimsical journey blending ancient myths with modern humor, this book is for you. Ideal for young adventurers captivated by curious characters and magical mishaps, it promises smiles and wonder, perfect for readers aged 6-10.

Reader rating

4.7

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

While Yolen’s whimsical approach makes the golem legend accessible, readers expecting grim, traditional horror or strict historical accuracy may find it too lighthearted. The tone is distinctly playful rather than ominous, which might disappoint those seeking darker interpretations of rabbinic magic. However, for audiences open to a charming adventure focused on unexpected friendships and magical mishaps, this book delivers genuine joy. It succeeds as a bridge between ancient myth and modern family values, though its broad appeal relies on accepting the creatures as benevolent rather than terrifying. Ideal for those who prioritize warmth over tension.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While written for juvenile readers (ages 6-10), its charming narrative and clever humor make it enjoyable for older children and adults who appreciate folklore and lighthearted tales.

Absolutely not. The story is designed to be accessible, gently introducing elements of Jewish folklore in an engaging way that requires no previous background knowledge.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Jewish Folklore Reimagined

This narrative draws deeply from the rich tapestry of Jewish legend, specifically the golem tradition. It offers a fresh, accessible entry point for younger readers into ancient tales, transforming potentially intimidating lore into an engaging, humorous adventure while respecting its roots and cultural significance.

Curious Accidents, Magical Outcomes

The story explores the unforeseen repercussions of youthful curiosity and well-intentioned mischief. Abi's impulsive actions with a sacred text trigger a chain of events, demonstrating that even innocent exploration can lead to extraordinary, albeit initially overwhelming, magical manifestations and profound personal discoveries.

Monstrous Friends, Helping Hands

At its core, the book delves into the delightful surprise of finding aid and companionship in the most unlikely forms. Despite their imposing appearance, Abi's golems prove to be benevolent, showcasing how presumed threats can become valuable allies and sources of unexpected joy and assistance.

💬 Quotes from the book

“One moment I was just practicing my Hebrew, the next, my room was full of lumpy, clay-colored surprises. Who knew an old scroll held so much... company?”

“They might have been made of mud, but they certainly knew how to tidy up. Or, at least, they tried. That vase was an accident, I swear!”

📜 Historical context

The golem, central to this narrative, originates from medieval Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah. Traditionally, these automatons were fashioned from inanimate matter and brought to life through ritual, often as protectors. This book playfully reinterprets themes of creation, power, and responsibility, embedding ancient lore within a fresh, accessible tale.

📚 Glossary

Golem
Kabbalah
Synagogue

📔 Questions to reflect on

If you accidentally summoned a magical helper, what three tasks would you ask them to do first, and why?
Abi learned that even mischievous actions can lead to unexpected good. Can you think of a time when a mistake you made led to something positive?
What does the story teach us about judging others (or even magical creatures) by their appearance?