From two masters who need no introduction comes a handsome reprint of the classic Newbery Honor book Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories. With wit and whimsy, Maurice Sendak illustrates seven tales about the legendary village of fools, Chelm, written by Isaac Bashevis Singer. Silly, outrageous, and sometimes poignant, the stories (translated from the Yiddish) reflect the traditions, heroes, and villains of middle European folklore. The devil makes an appearance more than once, as do the ever-so-foolish yet highly revered Elders of Chelm. In "The Mixed-Up Feet and the Silly Bridegroom," four sisters wake one morning to discover that their feet have become mixed up in the bed they share. A wise Elder advises their mother to whack the bed with a big stick, thus causing each girl to grab her own feet in pain and surprise. When their feet are sorted out, he then recommends, the sisters should be married off as soon as possible, to reduce the possibility of similar mix-ups in the future. Of course, none of them count on the breathtaking stupidity of the first bridegroom. Another not-so-clever fellow stars in "The First Shlemiel." When this man's wife asks him to do three things for her, he promptly and accidentally proceeds to breach each one of his promises, resulting in a baby with a bump on his head, an escaped rooster, and an emptied pot of jam. Somehow, though, possibly because ignorance is bliss, fools always come out on top in these wonderful stories, making for terrific read-aloud, laugh-aloud fun for the entire family. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter


"Beautiful stories for children, written by a master."


"Timeless tales with their subtle wisdom and universal appeal. Perfect read -- aloud fare for families."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Chelm is a village of fools. The most famous fools -- the oldest and the greatest -- are the seven Elders. But there are lesser fools too: a silly irresponsible bridegroom; four sisters who mix up their feet in bed one night; a young man who imagines himself dead. Here are seven magical folktales, spun by a master storyteller, that speak of fools, devils, shlemiels, and even heroes -- like Zlateh the goat.

FROM THE CRITICS

Parents Magazine

Timeless tales with their subtle wisdom and universal appeal. Perfect read — aloud fare for families.

New York Times

Beautiful stories for children, written by a master.

Parents' Magazine