Golem (CALDECOTT MEDAL BOOK)
A solemn retelling set in sixteenth-century Prague, where a clay giant is created to protect a Jewish community.
Work Information
The protector made from clay grows into a force that can no longer be fully controlled.
The legend of the golem, born in persecuted Prague, is reconstructed through dense cut-paper imagery.
Book Information
- Publisher
- Clarion Books
- Published
- 1997-04-11
- Pages
- 32 pages
- Language
- 英語
- Size
- 23.5 x 0.99 x 27.94 cm
- ISBN-13
- 9780395726181
- ISBN-10
- 0395726182
- Category
- 洋書/Children's Books/Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths/Multicultural
Retold from traditional sources and accompanied by David Wisniewski's unique cut-paper illustrations, Golem is a dramatic tale of supernatural forces invoked to save an oppressed people. It also offers a thought-provoking look at the consequences of unleashing power beyond human control. The afterword discusses the legend of the golem and its roots in the history of the Jews. A Caldecott Medal Book.
David Wisniewski (wiz-NESS-key) was born in Middlesex, England, in 1953. After training at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, he spent three years as a clown, designing and constructing his own props, costumes, and gags. He was subsequently hired by his future wife, Donna, as a performer with a traveling puppet theatre. Married six months later, the Wisniewskis started their own troupe, Clarion Shadow Theatre, specializing in shadow puppetry. In the course of creating the plays, puppets, and projected scenery, Mr. Wisniewski evolved the storytelling techniques and art skills that eventually led to his picture books with their unique cut-paper illustrations. His retelling of GOLEM was awarded the 1997 Caldecott Medal. David Wisniewski died in 2002 in the Maryland home he shared with his wife and two children.
Reviews
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wonderful book gripping story
This book is awesome. It tells a good tale on history so well that even young children pay attention. My daughter really liked this book. Golem protecting the Jews and also wanting to live was so griping. When he was destroyed at the end my children asked why?? Good book/
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The Golem story in its simplified form for 8 years old and up
“ The Golem “ is the story of Rabbi Lowe in Prague during medieval times and his creation - a super human monster made from clay which will help the Jews from persecutions. The book is intended chiefly for kids though it can get a bit dark at times. Recommended if you have a pre teen in the house.
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Amazing Collage Illustrations!
I bought this book for myself for the beautiful paper-cut collage illustrations...and I wasn't disappointed! The artwork is AMAZING! The story may be a little scary for young children...make sure you read the description of the text.
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a little intense for the younger ones - a poingant and moving story
The tale of the Golem of Prague was told me by my Bohemian grandmother when I was a little boy, so I was pleased to find Wisniewski's book. The cut-paper art is magnificent, giving an almost 3-D perspective to it. However, the story itself is a bit intense for those under 5. The golem, for those not familar with the story, was a man made of clay to protect the Jews of Prague from anti-Semites. Eventually it grew out of control, and had to be destroyed. It therefore deals with some pretty adult themes: intolerance, violence, death. The deeper meanings of the story: that it is far better to be tolerant of others, that violence is not a good way to resolve disputes, and that we (like the Golem) will one day return to dust will probably be over the heads of the very young; the book does provide an opportunity to discuss these themes with older children, however. It is a beautiful book, and the story is a good one - give its themes consideration before purchasing.
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a bit too intense
I found this story a bit too intense for its readership age; its text and images are aimed more appropriately for 10 year olds than 6-8 year olds I think.
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Great book!
I had taken the book out of the library years ago. I was happy to see it again.