Best Selling Books by Eric A. Kimmel

Why does a bar mitzvah (BM) happen at age 13? Where did the elaborate rituals come from and how are they relevant today? What does it feel like to experience a BM? Kimmel answers these questions and more, providing historical background, explanations of rituals, and real-life bar mitzvah stories. This is a book not only for every pre-bar mitzvah boy, but for anyone who wants to learn about the beliefs, philosophies, and history of the Jewish religion. Illustrated with woodcuts. "A thorough well-written account of the ceremony and rituals involved in a 13 year-old boy''s confirmation in the Jewish faith. interspersed with fascinating and sometimes deeply moving vignettes in which boys and men of various ages share memories of their own bar mitzvah experiences."

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.

Explanation of the Biblical roots of the caduceus, the coiled serpent symbol seen on doctors'' office walls.

Omar wants a snake more than anything, but his mom is unenthusiastic to say the least. However, the family strikes a compromise: Omar can get a corn snake; but it must stay inside his room, where his mom will not have to set eyes on it. So when Arrow escapes, Omar has to keep it a secret. But with an inquisitive little sister and parents mindful of odd behavior, it''s not easy.

While trying to play the games at a seemingly harmless Website, Jess and her friend Matt are sucked into a cyberworld filled with characters from familiar fairy tales, all controlled by the evil Granny Goose.

A skeptical visitor to the village of Nemirov finds out where its rabbi really goes just before the Jewish New Year, when the villagers claim he goes to heaven to speak to God.

From award-winning author Eric A. Kimmel with gorgeous, brightly patterned illustrations from artist Mara Penny, Hank and Gertie brings a modern twist to the classic Hansel and Gretel folktale combined with the high-adventure landscape of the Oregon Trail. While taking a break from their journey out west, Hank and Gertie lose their way back to their covered wagon and stumble upon the most glorious house made of candy. Little do they know there’s a dangerous witch lurking nearby, and she’s got her eye on the two hungry and vulnerable children.

Three inspiring stories illuminate the mitzvot of the High Holy Days: Charity, Repentance, and Prayer, in a strikingly illustrated new edition Award-winning folklorist Eric A. Kimmel tells stories to dramatize the meaning of each pillar of the holiday-a couple who share what they have, only to find that their samovar keeps refilling, a shepherd who loves God so much that he makes up his own prayers to Him, and a beggar and a Rabbi who together experience the power of repentance. Sarah Green''s striking fresh illustrations set the tone for these stories which help share the most moving days in the Jewish calendar.

The way of the Warrior The samurai warriors of ancient Japan were taught to fight with their hearts and minds as well as with their swords. But even the best of training doesn''t prepare a samurai for every situation... A lone samurai is attacked by two Ronin--can he keep his head and come out of it alive? Can a samurai with a reputation for being unlucky to defeat a ferocious dragon and regain his honor? A brave girl fights tradition to learn swordmanship, but can she master the arts of the samurai?

A retelling of some classic Greek myths for younger readers.

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.

When her newly bought pig won''t go over the stile, an old woman tries to enlist the aid of some reluctant helpers so that she can get home that night.

This swashbuckling tall tale of seafaring adventure will appeal to sailors and landlubbers alike. Eric A. Kimmel''s original tale of the Pacific Northwest is beautifully illustrated by Michael Steirnagle''s colorful pastels. Full color.

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!

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!

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.

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

Rip Van Winkle is an idler who would rather starve for a penny than work for a pound, and his wife is constantly nagging him. In search of peace, Rip heads off to the woods one day with his faithful dog, Wolf. High up in the Catskill Mountains, Rip meets an unusual group of little men. He drinks their strong beverage and falls into a deep sleep. When he awakens, he finds that twenty years have passed – the world has changed and so has he. With vibrant paintings by Leonard Everett Fisher, Eric A. Kimmel’s adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic “Rip Van Winkle” introduces a Rip who reforms as a result of his experience. Rip Van Winkle''s Return is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children''s Book of the Year.

The King of Spain''s fondness for a louse that bit him leads to good fortune for a clever peasant.

Two evil spirits wreak havoc on the town of Brisk''s Hanukkah celebration, until the town''s wise rabbi puts a stop to their mischief.

A retelling of a Russian fairy tale in which an archer assigned many dangerous quests by the greedy, cruel czar wins a crown and the woman of his dreams.

Rosalia is in debt to the strange little snake man Rattlestiltskin after he teaches her how to make tortillas so light they float in the air! Can she outsmart the trickster and keep her freedom? From renowned children''s book author Eric A. Kimmel comes this delightful reimagining of the classic RUMPELSTILTSKIN with a Southwestern setting and Spanish vocabulary.

Rose Zar was 19 years old when the Nazis invaded her native Poland. Her father urged her to save herself by hiding “in the mouth of the wolf”—or within the enemy itself. She managed to obtain false papers, secretly changing her identity and surviving the Holocaust as maid and nanny for a Nazi SS colonel.

As Stormy, a railroad engineer, searches for the perfect hat--one that will not blow off, get too hot, or shade his eyes too much--his wife, Ida, becomes increasingly annoyed that he will not let her help. Includes a historical note about the real Stormyand Ida Kromer.

Includes a Spanish-English glossary and pronunciation guide.

With the aid of a perfect peach, a silver fife, and his own resources, Petit Jean outwits a dishonest king and wins the hand of a princess.

The foolish people of Chelm are tricked by a peddler into buying and decorating a Chanukkah tree on Christmas Eve, but after becoming disillusioned they rediscover its worth and beauty.

Four stories about a clever man who lived by his wits as his pockets were always empty.

An unforgettable story -- for the Jewish New Year, or any time of year -- about facing our own monsters and beginning anew. Gershon sometimes made mistakes. But unlike most people, he never regretted them or asked anyone¿s forgiveness. Why should he? He merely swept them up and tossed them into the cellar. Then, every year on Rosh Hashanah, he would put them into a sack and cast them out to sea. Little did he know that his thoughtless behavior would come back to haunt him. Was there a still a chance for him to change? Kimmel¿s skillfully crafted text and Muth¿s sensitive, expressive watercolors capture all the drama and wonder of this traditional Hasidic legend. An Assoc. of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Winner. Reinforced binding.

In this version of the Gingerbread Man, a little tortilla jumps off the griddle and runs into the Texas desert.

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

A traditional Russian tale about a sturdy, charming hero, an intriguing frog/sea-monster goblin who''s more debonair than appalling, and an oddly vulnerable-looking witch.

A young girl brings her pets to the library--with predictably disastrous results.

A clever rooster retrieves his diamond button from a thieving sultan.

In this tale, retold by Eric Kimmel & colorfully illustrated by Katya Arnold, there lived a merchant who had 3 sons. Like their father, the 2 oldest were good merchants. They bartered by land & by sea. The youngest, Getzel, was too kind-hearted to make a good tradesman. Much to his sorrow, his father kept him at home. One day Getzel asked his father to give him some goods of little value. He hoped to trade them for a profit. If he was unsuccessful, his father would lose hardly anything. His father agreed & gave him a sack of onions. Getzel sailed away with his onions, but as he traveled from port to port, nobody wanted to buy them. Then one day, Getzel became shipwrecked & his fortune changed forever. Reinforced binding.

A Ukrainian boy in 1623 joins the Cossacks with the hope of freeing his people from Polish rule.

Collects twelve read-aloud stories offering a range of themes from whimsical and fun to inspirational and mystical.

Examples of Eric Kimmel''s work illustrate some of the steps an author goes through before publication, including draft revision and working with editors.