The Golem of Prague
- Publisher
- Annick Press
- Initial publish date
- Mar 2017
- Category
- Jewish, Religion & Faith, General
- Recommended Age
- 9 to 12
- Recommended Grade
- 4 to 7
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781554518883
- Publish Date
- Mar 2017
- List Price
- $24.95
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781554518906
- Publish Date
- May 2017
- List Price
- $19.99
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
This retelling of an ancient Jewish legend will capture a new audience with its powerful illustrations and timeless text. The legend of the Golem dates back to the 1500s when the Jews of Prague were being viciously persecuted. Their spiritual leader, Rabbi Loew, also known as The Maharal of Prague, created a formidable creature out of clay whose mission it was to protect the Jews of the city. This beautiful picture book with its lyrical text and evocative illustrations, retells the story of the Golem through the eyes of a young boy, Frantz. Despite warnings to never enter the attic in the synagogue, Frantz climbs up. There, he is transported back to the time when the Golem was created, and eventually destroyed. A blend of mysticism, the supernatural, and even romance makes this a haunting picture book for children ages 8 to 12.
About the authors
IRÈNE COHEN-JANCA is a multi-award-winning author of novels and picture books for children. She lives in France.
Irène Cohen-Janca's profile page
Maurizio Quarello lives in Italy and has illustrated over thirty books. His previous collaboration resulted in multiple awards and has been translated into nine languages.
Maurizio A.C. Quarello's profile page
Brigitte Waisberg has worked in children's book publishing since 1980. She has also translated books from French to English, including The Biggest Poutine in the World and The Golem of Prague. The Big Kid books are the first she has authored.
Excerpt: The Golem of Prague (by (author) Irène Cohen-Janca; illustrated by Maurizio A.C. Quarello; translated by Brigitte Waisberg)
The Golem took a step forward. His head reached up to the second-story windows. His body was as large as the houses. Calmly, he moved through the frenzied crowd. He lifted up men and beasts as if they were wisps of straw and used his fists to destroy anything that blocked his way. Paralyzed with fear, some people did not try to run away but closed their eyes, waiting for death. Others ran as fast as they could. All around him, men and animals rushed around like insects. The Golem flattened them with his hand. Some people tried to fight him, but the arrows launched at the Golem slid down his body like thin rivulets of water. Spears barely pierced the clay before falling to the ground. Soon, the terrified attackers drew back, realizing they could neither kill nor wound the Golem. He was indestructible. The Golem turned and walked toward the Maharal, who had not budged. With his eyes cast down, he was waiting for the creature. Together, they went through the Paryska Gate while, one after another, the Jews came out of their homes through the barricaded windows and doors. A long and joyful cry arose, “Golem! Golem” But the Golem’s face showed no emotion; he had a strange look that made those who came near him uneasy...
Editorial Reviews
Mister Doctor, written and illustrated by the same team, received the following awards: USBBY’s Honor List of Outstanding International Books Sydney Taylor Book Award, Notable Book National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA), Bronze Independent Publishers Book Award, Gold Praise for Mister Doctor “Haunting and memorable.” —Kirkus Reviews, *starred review “The remarkable true story of Dr. Janusz Korczak is told through text and stunningly somber illustrations.” —Literacy Daily, International Reading Association “This sensitively written history … belongs in all Holocaust collections.” —Association of Jewish Libraries “Emotionally evocative and haunting illustrations enhance this beautiful book.” —Jewish Book Council, *starred review
