A mischievous goblin plays havoc with preparations forShabbat in this playful take on Jewish folklore.Rose and Benny, Jewish siblings who are light-skinned withdark hair, are braiding challah for Shabbat dinner, trying to be quiet so Mamacan rest after a hard day at work in the village. They are interrupted by loudrumbling noises. They check outside to see their yard a mess and strange tracksall around. Both children attribute the damage to a goblin, for everyone in thevillage knows of these invisible creatures with rooster-like tracks. Theynervously continue working on the challah. Suddenly Rose’s kerchief is yankedoff her head and flies across the room and up the chimney. Then their Shabbatcandlesticks and kiddush cup go flying and crashing to the floor. Rose comes upwith an ingenious plan, and the siblings work together to capture the goblin.Focusing on Jewish folklore—something not seen as commonly in kid lit—this talecenters on a loving, kind, and resourceful sibling pair. They are never in anyreal danger, as Jules keeps the tale light and lively, providing sound effectsin uppercase letters to enliven the action. Borlasca’s bright cartoons set thescenes in an old-style kitchen with no modern appliances in sight and with theShabbat accouterments prominently displayed. The children are expressive, andthe action is depicted with humor and charm. (This book was revieweddigitally.) Joyful and entertaining, with a glimpse into a differentaspect of Judaism. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8) --Kirkus ReviewsThe Porridge-Pot Goblin is a charming picture book in whichan invisible goblin disrupts the Shabbat preparations of two village children.After several mishaps and some chaos, the children outsmart the goblin and savethe Shabbat meal (and their mother’s nap).The story focuses on Shabbat preparations, and the chaos ofthe goblin’s mischief is contrasted to the peace and happiness of the Fridaynight meal, in a way that makes the atmosphere of Shabbat feel almost tangible.The well-written text and delightful illustrations work together to bring thisfun, humorous story to life. It should be a strong contender for the SydneyTaylor Book Award. --Leah Cypess for The Sydney Taylor ShmoozeWhile Rose and Benny help prepare for Shabbat, they have themisfortune to be visited by none other than a goblin. It’s invisible, but stillleaves tracks and a mess in its wake. The siblings have to fix up a solution sothat their Shabbat will be a peaceful one.There are so many delightful parts to The Porridge-PotGoblin. Benny and Rose’s relationship is one of those highlights. They are kind to eachother, helpful to their hardworking mom, and brainstorm together. And the factthat their mom works as a midwife/doula/OB is such a fantastic little element. The art is so bright and sharp, it works well to accentuate the action andvibrance of the story. And they’re funny! The little foot sticking out fromunderneath something (from where might give the end away) was entirelygiggle-worthy. The invisibility is part of the authentic representation of goblins in Jewishfolklore, and that fact also made the story feel more universal. Kidseverywhere feel a connection to characters dealing with troubles that can’t beseen. And the way the story weaves in showing and teaching about Shabbat traditionswithout slowing the pace of the action was well done. The backmatter is theright length to read all the way through with children, and it is a wonderfulencouraging and educational addition. With characters determined to work together to find asolution to their goblin-y problem (and good doses of humor and learning thrownin), this is a book that would be a great read aloud to share with kids 4 andup. --Katie Fischer, For the Love of Books, Old and NewIn The Porridge-Pot Goblin, siblings Benny and Rose are frightened by aninvisible goblin, only known by his pranks and his tracks. They fear the goblinis too big for them to stop. But working together, Benny and Rose learn theyare much braver than they think. This tale, drawn from Eastern Europeanfolklore, includes a working single mom and two siblings who want to let herrest while they get ready for Shabbat. An end note explains the Jewish originof goblins. Why I Love This Book: 1. I always loved folktales and, like most folktales, this one is entertaining,engaging, and has a message we all can embrace. 2. I love the ingenuity and bravery of the two children. 3. The illustrations are perfect and help bring the characters to life. --Vivian Kirkfield. Picture Books Help Kids SoarRead some 5-Star Reviews from Goodreads!The Porridge-Pot Goblin by Jacqueline Jules is a suspenseful and engaging story that incorporates a charming folk tale to illustrate the significance of Shabbat. The children at the center of this story assume the responsibilities for preparing Shabbat for their family as their busy mother is engaged in helping others in their community. This elevates the role of the children as guardians of the weekly celebration of Shabbat. The illustrations are delightful and serve to further draw the reader into the story. Parents and children will enjoy this book and want to read it again and again. --Marcia Lawson, from GoodreadsAnother lively story from author Jacqueline Jules! --Liz, from GoodreadsIt is a fun, sweet, gentle book about rising to the situation and saving the day. --Terry Jennings, from GoodreadsFolktales are often morality plays, and The Porridge-Pot Goblin gives the child protagonists a sense of pride and accomplishment when they use their ingenuity to stop the goblin as well as a streak of kindness in freeing him. At the end there is a brief but welcome explanation of Jewish Shabbat traditions. The story could inspire family conversations not only about Shabbat but resourcefulness, helpfulness and family. Hector Borlasca’s sprightly, colorful illustrations in a folk-art style are a perfect complement to the silly and the serious in the tale. The publisher’s Behrman House Blog noted that “story-telling goes beyond preserving the old, familiar folktales. It embraces the creation of new interpretations of our ancient traditions and texts.” Jacqueline Jules has indeed provided a fun and meaningful new interpretation of the goblin tradition. --Karen Leggett, from Goodreadsa fun book that will connect both with children who celebrate Shabbat and children who know nothing about Jewish traditions--Anna, from Goodreads
