Kimmel, Eric A., and Jon J. Muth. Gershon's Monster : A Story for the Jewish New Year. New York: Scholastic P, 2000.
Awarded the Sydney Taylor Book Award, Gerhson’s Monster is “a story for the Jewish New Year” (Kimmel, 1). This story follows an older gentleman by the name of Gershon and his wife Fayga in the fictional city of Constansa. “Unlike most people, Gershon never regretted what he did” (Kimmel, 1). This is the first character description we get dealing with the main character and it is an unpleasant one. Gershon only finds the need to repent on his wrong doings once a year over the Jewish New Year because it is the time of forgiveness. After deciding the couple want children Gershon arrives at the “Tzaddik’s” house in hopes of finding out what could be done to get the family his wife and him desire. The Tzaddik explains that Gershon has done many wrong doings and should start behaving more thoughtfully. He states, “God is angry with you” but ultimately explains to Gershon that his wife will have twins that will be taken away on “the morning of their fifth birthday” (Kimmel, 9). Years pass and Gershon continues in his reckless ways only asking God for forgiveness on the Jewish New Year. On the morning of the twins fifth birthday they go out to sea and are almost killed. Gershon asks the monster to take him instead; he did not want his children to be punished for all his thoughtless deeds. Gershon finally felt sorry for all the sins he had done and realizes how blessed he is and by doing so the monster goes back into the sea. This story ends with the realization of how important it is to “keep your soul clean, your best self will always shine through” (Kimmel, 28).
Not only is this children’s book working to incorporate information about the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, it is conveying an important message for all people. The story encourages individuals to stay positive and be thoughtful to all actions that may have an effect on others. As a Sunday school teacher I teach my kids about this holiday. We go around the room saying all the things we regret having done in the past year and talk openly about them. It is important for students to realize that no one is perfect and it is okay to say sorry. As long as you realize your wrong doings you can try and change how you behave in the future.
This story is centered on the Jewish religion dealing with an extremely important concept in the religion yet the lesson is universal. No one in the entire world is perfect and most can benefit if they are able to forgive themselves for all their wrong doings. The language as well as the images is not overbearingly Jewish. Gershon wears typical Hasidic Jew attire and the Tzaddik’s attire represents one of a Rabbi. Individuals who are not knowledgably about the religion may not know what certain words mean or why the characters dress they way they do but knowing this information previously does not take away from the story itself.
Kimmel does a good job as an insider to make the story appeal to children as well as teach a widespread lesson. This lesson is my favorite part of the book because it is one everyone can benefit from. The watercolor imagery is appealing but not stimulating and exciting as it could be. I enjoyed the book and appreciate the positive message therefore; I would use it in a public school setting. I like that the story centers on the Jewish New Year because it teaches people what the holiday’s significance is. This holiday is the most important in the Jewish religion and learning about it adds to the student’s knowledge of cultures and diversity, something I want to highly focus on in my own classroom.
Not only is this children’s book working to incorporate information about the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, it is conveying an important message for all people. The story encourages individuals to stay positive and be thoughtful to all actions that may have an effect on others. As a Sunday school teacher I teach my kids about this holiday. We go around the room saying all the things we regret having done in the past year and talk openly about them. It is important for students to realize that no one is perfect and it is okay to say sorry. As long as you realize your wrong doings you can try and change how you behave in the future.
This story is centered on the Jewish religion dealing with an extremely important concept in the religion yet the lesson is universal. No one in the entire world is perfect and most can benefit if they are able to forgive themselves for all their wrong doings. The language as well as the images is not overbearingly Jewish. Gershon wears typical Hasidic Jew attire and the Tzaddik’s attire represents one of a Rabbi. Individuals who are not knowledgably about the religion may not know what certain words mean or why the characters dress they way they do but knowing this information previously does not take away from the story itself.
Kimmel does a good job as an insider to make the story appeal to children as well as teach a widespread lesson. This lesson is my favorite part of the book because it is one everyone can benefit from. The watercolor imagery is appealing but not stimulating and exciting as it could be. I enjoyed the book and appreciate the positive message therefore; I would use it in a public school setting. I like that the story centers on the Jewish New Year because it teaches people what the holiday’s significance is. This holiday is the most important in the Jewish religion and learning about it adds to the student’s knowledge of cultures and diversity, something I want to highly focus on in my own classroom.
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