Most Popular Books by Eric A. Kimmel

Joha finds a magic stick and learns that you don''t always get what you wish for

Bubba Brayna’s legendary latkes lure an unexpected visitor into her home in this playful Hanukkah tale from a master storyteller. Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation. He lumbers into town to investigate, and Bubba Brayna—who does not see or hear very well—mistakes him for her rabbi. She welcomes the bear inside to play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy a scrumptious meal. However, after her well-fed guest leaves, there''s a knock at the door—it''s the rabbi, and all of Brayna''s other friends, arriving for dinner. But there are no latkes left—and together, they finally figure out who really ate them. Lively illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka, portraying the sprightly Bubba Brayna and her very hungry guest, accompany this instant family favorite, a humorous reworking of Eric A. Kimmel’s earlier classic tale, The Chanukkah Guest. A traditional recipe for latkes is included in the back matter, along with interesting, digestible facts about the history and traditions of Hanukkah. A 2013 National Jewish Book Award Winner, this book is perfect for a holiday story time with children— either in the classroom or at home, as an introduction for young readers to the traditions and customs of Hanukkah, and as a classic to return to year after year.

"Anansi the Spider, a master trickster, uses the powers of a magical rock to dupe his neighbors...a musical introduction sets the mood...the text of the book is read clearly and expressively."-Booklist

Through an adventure, Medio Pollito discovers that even though he is a half chick, he has a whole heart.

When Bridgett brings her pets to the library, the hyena laughs so loudly nobody can hear the story, the giraffe tries to read over everybody''s shoulder, and the frog jumps onto the checkout desk, scaring the librarian. But it''s the well-behaved elephant who causes the biggest problems of all! Full-color throughout.

"Terheyden''s narration makes the characters come alive. A truly delightful addition to any collection." - School Library Journal

"The expressive male narrator charms the listener by impersonating the characters...Short segments of music and brief sound effects add interest...useful for all reading and listening situations." - Booklist

The classic Hanukkah tale, shared by families all around the world-- now available in a beautiful anniversary edition. A Caldecott Honor book. A gift edition of this title is also available, featuring a slipcase and fold-out poster. (ISBN: 9780823452552) An original tale featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story, which received a Sydney Taylor Honor, has been a family favorite for decades! On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him. But when he arrives not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. Using his wits, the clever trickster faces down one goblin after the next, night after night. But can one man alone save Hanukkah and live to tell the tale? Trina Schart Hyman’s leering goblins are equal parts terrifying and ridiculous as they match wits with Hershel, trying to keep him from lighting the menorah and celebrating Hanukkah. This beautiful 25th Anniversary Edition includes an insightful afterword from the author and publisher explaining the book''s origins, and remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator who brought the tale to life. This classic picture book is a perfect Hanukkah gift and a wonderful read-aloud. For more tales of this clever folk hero, read The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol— another collaboration between master storyteller Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman. Caldecott Honor Book ALA Notable Children’s Book NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book Colorado Children’s Book Award Washington Children''s Choice Picture Book Award

A clever little girl outwits seven rattlesnakes

In this variation of "The Three Little Pigs" set in the Southwest, three little tamales escape from a restaurant before they can be eaten, and set up homes in the prairie, cornfield, and desert.

Scarlett and Sam go back to ancient Israel, where they find themselves on a ship with Jonah, who is determined not to be a prophet.

A picture book highlighting scenic rides through some of Oregon''s most beautiful sites, I Want a Real Bike in Oregon is the perfect book for the young cyclist who is ready for a new bike. From award-winning author Eric A. Kimmel with whimsical art by Josh Cleland, the book includes illustrations of popular bikes, including the tandem bike, the road bike, the folding bike, and more, plus tips on how to choose your first real two-wheeler.

Anansi the Spider''s plan to trick his friend Turtle into doing all the work while he teaches Anansi to catch fish somehow gets turned around. While Anansi doesn''t learn his lesson, he does learn the invaluable skill of weaving.

Convinced that he can outrun any danger, the freshly-baked gingerbread man fails to appreciate that a very fast runner is no match for a very sly fox.

"....Jerry Terheyden''s narration alternates between the slow pace of a turtle and the bounce of an exuberant spider.... Balloons filing with air and underwater bubbles are among the fitting sound effects." -AudioFile Magazine

Retells the story of Joseph, who is rewarded for honoring the Sabbath by being generous to others even after he, himself, becomes poor.

Told through soft, gorgeous color illustrations, Why Worry is a gentle story of two friends swept into the unpredictable wilderness and how, despite feeling anxiety and worries, they find peace and calmness together. Once upon a time there were two good friends, Cricket and Grasshopper. Cricket always worried. Grasshopper never did. Cricket and Grasshopper go on a high-flying, wild adventure and encounter a large crow, a hungry fish, powerful winds, and more. But while Grasshopper is having the time of her life, Cricket can’t help but worry if they’ll be safe, where they’re going, and how they’ll return home. Though the two have differing perspectives, Grasshopper and Cricket find support in each other through acceptance and patience. Originally published in 1979, Why Worry? is a soothing tale that teaches understanding and empathy of people who experience anxiety, and how to support and alleviate those worries.

Grandma Mina''s Persian carpet sends twins Scarlett and Sam to Jerusalem in Solomon''s time, where they must obtain from the demon Asmodai the tool needed to build the Temple.

Grandma Mina''s Persian carpet sends twins Scarlett and Sam to Egypt in the time of Moses, where they come to understand that every Jew was part of the first Passover, and just what made it different from all other nights.

Neither avalanche, nor Indians, nor flooding river can keep a daring young stage coach driver from delivering Senator McCorkle to the train station on time.

Once upon a time three cabritos (little goats) decide to go to a Mexican fiesta. But their mother is worried. She warns them about Chupacabra, the goat-sucker who lives beneath the bridge. And sure enough, as the goats cross the bridge, he jumps out "Say your prayers. I''m going to eat you," he tells the goats. But they are clever. And they know how to play music--music that finally gets rid of that old goat-sucker forever Pleasant illustrations rendered in pencil and digital techniques by Stephen Gilpin add to the story of the legendary creature, Chupacabra. An author''s note, glossary, and pronunciation guide are included.

Boxed Poster and Book Gift Set The perfect Hanukkah gift for the whole family! This beloved Caldecott Honor classic will delight readers each night of the holiday. "A masterpiece."—Jason Chin, Caldecott Medal Winning Illustrator of Watercress For more than thirty years, this clever story of a folk hero outwitting dreadful goblins has been a staple of family Hanukkah celebrations. Celebrate the holiday and family tradition this season by sharing this elegant gift edition of the treasured classic with beautiful foil detailing and slipcase. Unfold a poster showcasing the evocative artwork, and read the insightful afterword from the 25th Anniversary Edition explaining the book''s origins and remembering Trina Schart Hyman. Adapted from a Ukrainian folktale, with an imaginative twist from master storyteller Eric Kimmel and featuring the timeless illustrations of Caldecott Medalist Trina Schart Hyman, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is a true classic of children''s literature. A haunting tale with a warm heart, Hershel of Ostropol arrives at a village on the first night of Hanukkah but finds the villagers too afraid to light a single candle! Goblins with spindly claws and twisted faces are haunting the synagogue. Hershel vows to break the curse. The clever trickster faces down one goblin after the next, night after night, until he meets the terrifying King of Goblins. It will take all of Hershel’s wits to trick the King of Goblins to light the Menorah himself. This classic picture book is a perfect Hanukkah gift and a wonderful read-aloud. Caldecott Honor Book ALA Notable Children’s Book NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book Colorado Children’s Book Award Washington Children''s Choice Picture Book Award

To avoid paying the Widow Macrae the four dollars and fifty cents he owes her, deadbeat cowboy Shorty Long plays dead and almost gets buried alive.

Although Bubba Brayna is almost blind and deaf, she makes the best potato latkes in the village. On the first night of Chanukkah, she cooks a special batch for the rabbi, who is coming to visit her. When she hears a thumping at the door, she lets in her guest. Only later does she realize she has served a bear her delicious latkes. Full-color illustrations.

A retelling of the Grimm tale about the fisherman''s greedy wife, set in the land of the Aztecs.

A sassy tortilla, so light she jumps off the griddle, leads an elaborate game of chase through the desert while taunting a passel of critters—two horned toads, three donkeys, four jackrabbits, five rattlesnakes, and six buckaroos. But has she met her match in Señor Coyote?

Marc, an imaginative Russian boy, discovers his talent for drawing and, with the encouragement of a friend and an art teacher, decides to become an artist, in a delightful story that is based loosely on the childhood of Marc Chagall. Reprint.

When Jack''s mother tells him how his father died when a giant stole his barbecue recipes, Jack vows to find the giant and retrieve the book. Includes an author''s note about Texas barbecue.

A mysterious soldier appears at the door hands Gabriel a tarnished horn, and disappears. As the years go by, Gabriel''s family prospers and they, in turn, help their neighbors. Could their good luck have something to do with the soldier or the horn?

Jess and her friend Matthew find themselves drawn into a computer game in which they must defeat an evil wizard in order to save a friendly centaur, an elf, as well as King Arthur and some of his companions.

When an old lady swindles him out of his magic dreidels, Jacob tries to get them back in time for the family''s Hanukkah celebration.

Once upon a time there were three latkes, a red latke, a yellow latke and a gold latke. On the first night of Hanukkah they began talking excitedly. When three Hanukkah latkes fight over which of them tastes the best, the winner is decided by the family cat. Which will he choose? The excited latkes can’t wait to find out, but perhaps they should be careful what they wish for!

During the Mexican Revolution, when a troop of hungry soldiers comes to a town where all the food has been hidden, they charm the townspeople into helping make a soup from water and a cactus thorn.

Tells the story of why snakes have no legs, have a forked tongue and why the shed their skin.

Don Aurelio falls in love with a witch who has a beautiful face but fails to heed her special instructions.

Enjoy a Hanukkah tale full of wonder and miracles from the author of the classic Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Before Simon sails to America, he promises his family that he will get a job and send for them. Simon''s mother knows he will need a miracle, so she reminds him to celebrate Hanukkah wherever he may be. Little does either of them know that Simon will spend the first night of Hanukkah on an ice floe after his ship sinks. The lone survivor out in the wide ocean, Simon lights the first candle, and it attracts a visitor: a polar bear. Does she eat him? No! She shares his latkes, enjoys his songs, goes fishing for him, and even keeps him warm at night. By the last day of Hanukkah, Simon has nearly given up hope of ever being rescued. But then he recounts all of the miracles that have befallen him so far. Perhaps it is not too much to hope for one more, he thinks, as he lights all of the candles in the menorah. The bright glow signals a passing ship, and Simon makes it to New York after all. This fanciful Hanukkah tale -- like none you''ve ever read before -- celebrates eight miracles: family, friendship, hope, selflessness, sharing, faith, courage, and love. From the author of the Caldecott Honor-winning classic Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins comes a gorgeously illustrated fantasy Hanukkah tale full of miracles, from sharing latkes with a polar bear to surviving a Titanic-like sinking. The story behind the ancient holiday is included at the end.

When Pecos Bill''s daughter gets two pet hamsters, they soon multiply into the hundreds, so Bill decides to take them all to Chicago where lots of boys and girls want pet hamsters.

Presents the steps performed in a traditional Passover Seder, plus stories, songs, poetry, and pictures that celebrate the historical significance of this holiday to Jews all over the world.