New Releases by Eric A. Kimmel

The work of Creation is finished. Now is the time for the trees to select a ruler. The oak brings strength. The pine brings presence. The maple brings magnificent color. The fig and date trees provide food. What can the poor olive tree offer? She is not strong or tall or colorful. Olives, though tasty, are not as sweet and filling as dates and figs. Yet the olive tree can offer something that none of the others can. What is it? And will it be enough to qualify her to rule the trees?

Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel visits the Emperor, leaving a new housemaid to prepare for his Hanukkah party, but returns to find that she has misused the clay man he created. Includes historical and cultural notes.

"During the time period of the Hanukkah story, two boys, one Jewish and one Greek, form a lasting friendship"--

Bubba Brayna’s legendary latkes lure an unexpected visitor into her home in this playful Hanukkah tale from a master storyteller. Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation. He lumbers into town to investigate, and Bubba Brayna—who does not see or hear very well—mistakes him for her rabbi. She welcomes the bear inside to play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy a scrumptious meal. However, after her well-fed guest leaves, there''s a knock at the door—it''s the rabbi, and all of Brayna''s other friends, arriving for dinner. But there are no latkes left—and together, they finally figure out who really ate them. Lively illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka, portraying the sprightly Bubba Brayna and her very hungry guest, accompany this instant family favorite, a humorous reworking of Eric A. Kimmel’s earlier classic tale, The Chanukkah Guest. A traditional recipe for latkes is included in the back matter, along with interesting, digestible facts about the history and traditions of Hanukkah. A 2013 National Jewish Book Award Winner, this book is perfect for a holiday story time with children— either in the classroom or at home, as an introduction for young readers to the traditions and customs of Hanukkah, and as a classic to return to year after year.

Kar-Ben Read-Aloud eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to bring eBooks to life! Set in biblical times, the story of Nicanor''s Gate—one of the entrances to the Temple in Jerusalem—shows how a man''s faith is important to living a happy, fulfilled life. Nicanor, a wealthy merchant from Alexandria, is thrilled when King Herod calls on him to assist in rebuilding the ruined Temple in Jerusalem. Nicanor orders massive, beautifully intricate doors to be built, especially for the Eastern Gate of the Temple, but disaster strikes while the gates are being shipped from Alexandria to Jerusalem. To escape sinking, the ship must reduce its load, and one of the doors is pushed into the sea. But a miracle happens: the heavy door surfaces, is recovered from the sea, and installed as an entrance to the Temple area.

Scarlett and Sam are back again in a twist on the biblical adventure tale of Jonah and the whale. When the twins take Grandma Mina''s special carpet to be cleaned and repaired, they encounter a strange person who steps on the rug and disappears! Scarlett and Sam follow him back through time to ancient Israel, where they find themselves on a ship. Why have they been sent back in time to this ship on a stormy sea? Soon the answer comes. The man is Jonah and they''re in the story of Jonah and the whale! Sam and Scarlett know that they must do what the ship''s captain cannot—get Jonah overboard—even if that means that they must go overboard, too!

The Wise Men of Chelm stories are retold for a new generation by award-winning author Eric Kimmel. An appealing chapter book format and humorous, edgy illustration combine with a timeless old country setting and a modern gender balance to appeal to today''s young readers.

Told through soft, gorgeous color illustrations, Why Worry is a gentle story of two friends swept into the unpredictable wilderness and how, despite feeling anxiety and worries, they find peace and calmness together. Once upon a time there were two good friends, Cricket and Grasshopper. Cricket always worried. Grasshopper never did. Cricket and Grasshopper go on a high-flying, wild adventure and encounter a large crow, a hungry fish, powerful winds, and more. But while Grasshopper is having the time of her life, Cricket can’t help but worry if they’ll be safe, where they’re going, and how they’ll return home. Though the two have differing perspectives, Grasshopper and Cricket find support in each other through acceptance and patience. Originally published in 1979, Why Worry? is a soothing tale that teaches understanding and empathy of people who experience anxiety, and how to support and alleviate those worries.

Ten tall tales about a legendary Ukrainian trickster who can outwit anyone—from the team behind the award-winning Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Quick-thinking, funny, and always clever, the Jewish folk hero Hershel—based on an historical figure who lived in Ostropol, Ukraine—is one of folklore''s greatest tricksters. In this classic volume by the creators of the award-winning and much-beloved Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, a Caldecott Honor Book and Sydney Taylor Award Honor Recipient, Hershel down faces a stingy innkeeper, fierce bandits, and more, armed with nothing more than his own quick thinking. Based on tales passed down through oral histories, Yiddish anthologies, and other collections of Jewish folklore, The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol offers a glimpse into the shtetl village community of nineteenth-century Ukraine, and is a perfect introduction to a little-known but much-beloved folk hero. A perfect gift for any occasion, including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Hanukkah, or graduations, The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol will delight all readers who love a clever twist.

Anansi the Spider''s plan to trick his friend Turtle into doing all the work while he teaches Anansi to catch fish somehow gets turned around. While Anansi doesn''t learn his lesson, he does learn the invaluable skill of weaving.

"Anansi the Spider, a master trickster, uses the powers of a magical rock to dupe his neighbors...a musical introduction sets the mood...the text of the book is read clearly and expressively."-Booklist

"Terheyden''s narration makes the characters come alive. A truly delightful addition to any collection." - School Library Journal

"The expressive male narrator charms the listener by impersonating the characters...Short segments of music and brief sound effects add interest...useful for all reading and listening situations." - Booklist

Convinced that he can outrun any danger, the freshly-baked gingerbread man fails to appreciate that a very fast runner is no match for a very sly fox.

How does Big Sam make a GIANT-sized challah for Rosh Hashanah? He digs an enormous hole in the ground to use as a mixing bowl. (It''s still there today - we call it the Grand Canyon.) He adds mountains of flour, thousands of eggs, and other good things. He whittles a massive California redwood tree into a mixing spoon. He flattens the hills of West Texas as he kneads the dough. And he bakes it inside Mount Saint Helens. But when it''s time to celebrate the holiday, the eagles call out, "Not so fast, Big Sam " Rosh Hashanah is about fixing the world, and Big Sam has some MAJOR cleaning up to do.

Enjoy a Hanukkah tale full of wonder and miracles from the author of the classic Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Before Simon sails to America, he promises his family that he will get a job and send for them. Simon''s mother knows he will need a miracle, so she reminds him to celebrate Hanukkah wherever he may be. Little does either of them know that Simon will spend the first night of Hanukkah on an ice floe after his ship sinks. The lone survivor out in the wide ocean, Simon lights the first candle, and it attracts a visitor: a polar bear. Does she eat him? No! She shares his latkes, enjoys his songs, goes fishing for him, and even keeps him warm at night. By the last day of Hanukkah, Simon has nearly given up hope of ever being rescued. But then he recounts all of the miracles that have befallen him so far. Perhaps it is not too much to hope for one more, he thinks, as he lights all of the candles in the menorah. The bright glow signals a passing ship, and Simon makes it to New York after all. This fanciful Hanukkah tale -- like none you''ve ever read before -- celebrates eight miracles: family, friendship, hope, selflessness, sharing, faith, courage, and love. From the author of the Caldecott Honor-winning classic Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins comes a gorgeously illustrated fantasy Hanukkah tale full of miracles, from sharing latkes with a polar bear to surviving a Titanic-like sinking. The story behind the ancient holiday is included at the end.

In this playful version of The Little Red Hen, a young girl enlists her bird friends to help make the challah and host a house full of guests for Rosh Hashanah.

A hot pepper pie exposes the big bad wolf in this southwestern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.

Grandma Mina''s Persian carpet sends twins Scarlett and Sam to Egypt in the time of Moses, where they come to understand that every Jew was part of the first Passover, and just what made it different from all other nights.

Relates how Hershel outwits the goblins that haunt the old synagogue and prevent the village people from celebrating Hanukkah.

Cuando un grupo de soldados a caballo llegan al pueblo de San Miguel, los pobladores no se alegran al verlos. Los habitantes del pueblo esconden los alimentos, se untan la cara con barro y se visten con ropa rasgada, asi parecen pobres. Pero los soldados no se dejan enganar. Cuando quieren una buena comida, saben como conseguirla!

Joseph always welcomes guests to his Sabbath table, while his greedy neighbor Judah scoffs at Joseph’s generosity. Even as his fortunes decline, Joseph’s door remains open. But times change and Judah turns to his Joseph for help. A very special fish helps Joseph save the day.

What if the Middle Ages weren''t so medieval? What if, along with knights, wizards, and dragons, they had sports cars, cell phones, computers, and the internet? What if a wizard and a minstrel could provide princesses, knights, ogres, and even dragons with total makeovers? That would be magical. More than that, it would be...MAGIC, UNLIMITED!

AHOY! Come with us aboard the Pequod. We search for Moby Dick, the Great White Whale! Along with Captain Ahab, you''ll meet danger face to face, hunting the fiercest creature the seas have ever known! Are you brave enough— and bold enough— for the adventure of your life? The award-winning author and illustrator team of Eric A. Kimmel and Andrew Glass introduce a new generation of readers to a magnificent and memorable retelling of Herman Melville''s masterpiece, Moby Dick.

Harry Weiss—later known as Harry Houdini—is enthralled when the circus comes to his Wisconsin town. He loves all the acts, but his favorites are the tightrope and the amazing trick where a man hangs from a rope by his teeth! Harry and his brother decide to try circus tricks in a nearby barn, and although Harry’s headstrong determination leads him into trouble, it also opens up a whole new world. In this evocative story, Eric A. Kimmel tells how Harry Weiss discovered his love for performing, many years before he became world famous. History Stepping Stones now feature updated content that emphasizes Common Core and today’s renewed interest in nonfiction. Perfect for home, school, and library bookshelves!

Joha finds a magic stick and learns that you don''t always get what you wish for

Through an adventure, Medio Pollito discovers that even though he is a half chick, he has a whole heart.

How did famous New Orleans jazz trumpet player Louis Armstrong get his first horn? Seven-year-old Louis Armstrong was too poor to buy a real instrument. He didn’t even go to school. To help his mother pay the rent, every day he rode a junk wagon through the streets of New Orleans, playing a tin horn and collecting stuff people didn’t want. Then one day, the junk wagon passed a pawn shop with a gleaming brass trumpet in the window. . . . With messages about hard work, persistence, hope, tolerance, cooperation, trust, and friendship, A Horn for Louis is perfect for aspiring young musicians and nonfiction fans alike! History Stepping Stones now feature updated content that emphasizes Common Core and today’s renewed interest in nonfiction. Perfect for home, school, and library bookshelves!