Eric Kimmel

Eric A. Kimmel is an American author and educator who has written over 150 children's books, with particular recognition for his Jewish-themed stories and folktale adaptations. His most celebrated work, "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins," received the Caldecott Honor, while several other books have earned the Sydney Taylor Book Award. Born in Brooklyn in 1946, Kimmel built a strong academic foundation with degrees from Lafayette College, New York University, and a PhD in Education from the University of Illinois. He served as a professor at Indiana University at South Bend and Portland State University, where he became Professor Emeritus of Education. Throughout his career, Kimmel has garnered numerous accolades for his contributions to children's literature, including National Jewish Book Awards for "Wonders and Miracles: A Passover Companion" and "The Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story." His works often incorporate Jewish folklore, holiday traditions, and cultural elements, making complex themes accessible to young readers. His storytelling consistently weaves together traditional elements with engaging narratives, as demonstrated in works like "The Chanukkah Guest," "Gershon's Monster," and "Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale." These books have become staples in both Jewish and secular children's literature collections.

Readers consistently highlight Kimmel's ability to make cultural traditions engaging for children. Parents and teachers praise his clear, accessible writing style and the educational value of his folk tales. What readers liked: - Rich cultural details that teach without being didactic - Engaging storytelling that holds children's attention - High-quality illustrations that complement the narratives - Books serve as effective teaching tools for holidays and traditions What readers disliked: - Some find certain stories too scary for young children - A few readers note repetitive themes across multiple books - Occasional criticism of historical/cultural accuracy in folktale adaptations Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) - Amazon: Most titles maintain 4.5+ stars - Common Sense Media: Parent reviews average 4/5 One parent reviewer noted: "My kids request these stories year after year - they're captivating without losing the cultural significance." A teacher commented: "His books make teaching cultural traditions natural and fun."

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins A clever peddler outsmarts a group of goblins who have been preventing the villagers from celebrating Hanukkah.

The Chanukkah Guest An elderly woman mistakenly serves latkes to a visiting bear, thinking it's the rabbi.

Gershon's Monster A man learns about repentance when his past misdeeds, which he cast into the sea, return to haunt him.

Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale A young immigrant's journey to America becomes a story of survival when he becomes stranded on an iceberg with a polar bear.

Wonders and Miracles: A Passover Companion A comprehensive exploration of Passover traditions, stories, and customs throughout history.

The Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story Three mysterious visitors teach a wealthy man about hospitality and kindness during the harvest festival of Sukkot.

Isaac Bashevis Singer wrote numerous children's stories that blend Jewish folklore with moral lessons, similar to Kimmel's approach. His works like "Zlateh the Goat" and "The Fools of Chelm" share the same cultural foundation and storytelling tradition that appears in Kimmel's books.

Patricia Polacco creates picture books that draw from her multicultural background and family stories, including Jewish themes. Her work combines personal narrative with cultural traditions in books like "The Keeping Quilt" and "Mrs. Katz and Tush."

Howard Schwartz specializes in Jewish folklore and has compiled numerous collections of traditional tales for children. His work preserves and adapts Jewish stories and legends in the same spirit as Kimmel's folktale adaptations.

Jane Yolen writes across multiple genres with a focus on folktales and cultural stories, including Jewish themes. Her extensive body of work includes retellings of traditional tales and original stories that incorporate folklore elements.

Syd Hoff created stories that capture Jewish immigrant experiences and everyday life in New York, sharing Kimmel's Brooklyn roots. His books combine cultural elements with accessible storytelling in works like "Danny and the Dinosaur" and "Sammy the Seal."