Description
"This sweet, humorous tale conveys the meaning of this important Jewish holiday in a way that's understandable for children. Its premise proves it's easy to err on the side of good; each of us has kindness within, and it's satisfying to let it show." --Kirkus Reviews
In this fractured fairy tale mash-up that explains the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, Bid Bad Wolf struggles to understand whether he has the capacity for change, and in the process discovers friendship among those he once thought of only as tasty snacks.
When Racoon invites the Big Bad Wolf to Yom Kippur services, Wolf agrees to go. While he is there, he hears how everyone can use Yom Kippur as a day to become better and brighter. Wolf's not so sure...a big bad wolf can't become good! Can he? Will helping the girl in a red hood, her granny, and the three little pigs show him the way?
It is a regular morning, and Big Bad Wolf is just getting ready for another day full of bad, when something very different happens. Raccoon knocks on his door to apologize for rummaging through his garbage and invites him to synagogue services. What first appears to Wolf as an opportunity for a giant lunch buffet becomes, instead, an opportunity for Wolf to experience a change of heart. Warmly welcomed by the rabbi, who claims anyone can become better and brighter just like the leaves in the forest as they change color in the fall, Wolf, wrapped in a peaceful moment, begins to wonder if he could do the same. He spends the day helping Little Red Riding Hood take care of her sick grandmother (even though he'd rather eat them both) and showing the three little pigs how to make their houses stronger. Despite the new feelings these kindnesses give him, deep down he doesn't believe a wolf can change, because he keeps making mistakes. But as the day ends, his new friends arrive with a feast to break their Yom Kippur fast and they want to share it with their helper, partner and friend, a Big GOOD Wolf.
Sharp, sly illustrations envelop this gently fractured fairy tale in humor and warmth, while the story includes many details that help explain Yom Kippur practices to young readers as they discover we can all return to our best selves, beginning with kindness and heartfelt apologies.
About the Author
David Sherrin is a national-award-winning teacher at Scarsdale High School in Scarsdale, New York. This is his debut picture book. His second book, The Pirate Rabbi, will be published in Spring 2024. He is also the author of several books about teaching history including The Classes They Remember: Using Role-Plays to Bring Social Studies and English to Life. David lives in Tarrytown, New York. Martin Moron is the illustrator of more than fifty books for children including Surfing Past Fears. He is the author and illustrator of many books as well, including Un Senor de Negocios, published in Spanish. He studied at the School of Visual Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he lives.
Reviews
On the Day of Atonement, the Big Bad Wolf reflects.
It's Yom Kippur, and the Big Bad Wolf is preparing to be bad. Things start changing at the synagogue, where he concedes a hug feels nice and almost sings along with the others. Hearing the rabbi's sermon, Wolf wonders if he can become "better and brighter." After services, Wolf encounters familiar story characters: a red-hooded girl and her grandmother, whom he treats kindly, and a porcine trio to whom he gives sensible home-building advice. What's happened? Wolf's worst instincts repeatedly try to surface, but they're defeated by his much-improved nature, and it becomes clear that the formerly Big Bad Wolf has evolved into a much nicer lupine. That evening, after the holiday is over, the Big Good Wolf is rewarded by his grateful newfound friends. This sweet, humorous tale conveys the meaning of this important Jewish holiday in a way that's understandable for children. Its premise proves it's easy to err on the side of good; each of us has kindness within, and it's satisfying to let it show. The fractured-fairy-tale motif will engage young readers and also makes familiar literary sense, as the Big Bad Wolf, naturally, is the antagonist of both "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Three Little Pigs." The illustrations are comical and dynamic; Wolf and all other animal characters are riotously expressive. Bespectacled Little Red and Granny are pale-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A solemn holiday is given an appealing, entertaining treatment well suited to young kids. (author's note about Yom Kippur) (Picture book. 4-8) --Kirkus Reviews
In his new picture book BIG BAD WOLF'S YOM KIPPUR (Apples & Honey Press, 2023) illustrated by Martin Moron, author David Sherrin offers readers a fun, fractured fairytale that explores the essence of Yom Kippur in a meaningful and kid-friendly way. Full of heart and humor, readers will no doubt adore the cranky yet introspective Big Bad Wolf. The magical fairytale-like illustrations are a perfect pairing for the lively text. --Barbara Bietz, Jewish Books for Kids
Kids who love fairy tales fea tur ing the Big Bad Wolf will be inter est ed to see how this par tic u lar wolf observes Yom Kip pur. He attends syn a gogue hop ing that hav ing so many of his friends in one place will make for a giant, tasty meal. When he arrives, the warmth and friend li ness of the rab bi and can tor are sur pris ing ly appeal ing. He lis tens to the rab bi's inspi ra tional speech and begins to think about being kinder to oth ers. When he meets Lit tle Red Rid ing Hood on her way to Grand moth er's house, he has many oppor tu ni ties to be help ful. When he meets the Three Lit tle Pigs, he assists them in build ing a secure home. He strug gles all day with his evil incli na tions, but the desire to be good out weighs them. As Yom Kip pur ends, the Big Bad Wolf finds that Lit tle Red Rid ing Hood and the Three Lit tle Pigs have pre pared a tasty, after-the-fast meal at his home - and he begins to under stand the ben e fits of friend ship. He focus es on improv ing his out look and behav ior in the future.
Amus ing and col or ful illus tra tions depict the ani mal char ac ters with a charm ing range of facial expres sions. An author's note pro vides more infor ma tion about Yom Kip pur and the efforts one can make to be a bet ter, kinder per son. This cre ative approach to teach ing chil dren about Yom Kip pur and intro spec tion can lead to fur ther con ver sa tions about the peo ple they hope to become as they grow up. --The Jewish Book Council
Awards
Winner of Robert H. Jackson Center National Award for Teachi 2014 (United States).
Book Information
ISBN 9781681156064
Author David Sherrin
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Behrman House Inc.,U.S.
Publisher Behrman House Inc.,U.S.
