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48th out of 76 books
—
225 voters
Golem
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 Je...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
October 18th 1996
by Clarion Books
(first published January 28th 1996)
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“Golem” is a Caldecott Medal award winning book by David Wisniewski which is about how the Jews are being persecuted because of the “blood lie” and how Rabbi Loew tries to figure out a way to save the Jews by building a Golem! “Golem” is a great and dark story that might please older children and adults, but it will definitely scare smaller children who do not understand the book’s mature content.
David Wisniewski has done a brilliant job at writing and illustrating this book. David Wisniewski’s...more
David Wisniewski has done a brilliant job at writing and illustrating this book. David Wisniewski’s...more
This is the second book I read about the "Golem," and the first one that I've read to our girls. The first book, by Elie Wiesel, matched this story very closely, but didn't have illustrations, and I think it was a little too scary for younger kids. This one was also a little scary, perhaps, but I tried to give it a dramatic reading that made it more exciting, less real, and not so scary. Our girls weren't overly excited about the book, but I thought it was great. The illustrations were wonderful...more
3 likes · like · see review
This telling of the classic Jewish legend centers in Prague when the Jewish people were confined to the ghettos. The story is the typical one of the Golem. The Jewish people were in danger of physical confrontation thanks to a rumor that said they used the blood of Christian children in their bread for the Passover. The Golem is created to protect the Jewish people by a rabbi and eventually becomes a giant clay man that kills many of the Christian attackers.
This is an interesting story and it i...more
This is an interesting story and it i...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
While it was an interesting tale of Jewish persecution in 16th century Prague, I can't say that I really liked the text of the story Golem written and illustrated by David Wisniewski. It tells how a Jewish rabbi created Golem, a clay man, to defend the Jewish people from those promoting a vicious lie. It could have been a great book with a plot line like that, but the book was too short for readers to develop any real feelings or relationship with the characters. At one point Wisniewski tries to...more
A golem is an artificial person created by Jewish mystical methods. The origin of the term apparently begins with the hapax legomenen (a term which appears only once in the Bible) 'golmi' which is variously translated "unformed substance," "embryo," and "life stages." In this case, 'golmi' appears at Psalms 139, verse 16. Various legends surrounding the golem are cataloged by Gershon Scholem in the Encyclopedia Judaica, and Leo Rosten, in the classic "Joys of Yiddish" suggests it is the inspirat...more
Golem was a very dark and graphic book. The illustrations have a sense of magic and wizardry to them. However, the pictures were almost all done in reds and blacks making the mood somber and sad. The first time I read the book I went through it “reading” the pictures alone. I thought that maybe I could find the meaning to the story through the illustrations. However, I found myself completely confused and at a loss as to what the author was getting at. Once I went back and read the words the sto...more
May 16, 2012
June
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Monsters?, Medieval legends?
Recommended to June by:
Children's Group - Picture Book - Mystical Creatures
A beautiful, but brutal tale of the Jewish persecution in 16th century Prague, with the "Blood Lie." A righteous rabbi creates a Golem (a giant of living clay) to protect the Jews. As Golem catches the people planting false evidence of the Blood Lie, the enemies of the Jews attack the ghetto with a mob. Golem grows and sweeps aside the first wave of attackeers, then snapping the battering ram in two rakes great furrows in the attacking rabble, dispersing them; but killing and wounding many. The...more
Apr 23, 2012
Kathryn
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
I strongly caution parents of young/sensitive children to preread
Shelves:
childrens-picture-books
Four stars for talent, though I did not "like" this story.
This is a powerful, deeply disturbing "cautionary tale about the limits of human power." It also shows the cruelty of man, and the dangers of believing rumors. I really don't feel equal to writing a review of this story.
On the one hand, I admire the obvious talent in the (Caldecott Medal-winning) illustrations and the author's note at the end enhances the story, helping explain about Jewish religion and history for those who might be ign...more
This is a powerful, deeply disturbing "cautionary tale about the limits of human power." It also shows the cruelty of man, and the dangers of believing rumors. I really don't feel equal to writing a review of this story.
On the one hand, I admire the obvious talent in the (Caldecott Medal-winning) illustrations and the author's note at the end enhances the story, helping explain about Jewish religion and history for those who might be ign...more
8 likes · like · see review
Amazing, powerful illustrations. The story of the Golem wanting to see a sunset and to live is heartbreaking, resembling a classic tragedy. Gracefully written, not too long for the older children who are, after all, the ones who will appreciate it more than the tots, and terrific author's note that explained a lot to me, even though I've read several other books about Golems.
I'd be careful sharing this with children who don't know much about Jewish identity & their struggles, though, because...more
I'd be careful sharing this with children who don't know much about Jewish identity & their struggles, though, because...more
2 likes · like · see review
This book is not the traditional myth but more of a Jewish tradition or as Wisniewski suggests a cautionary tale. I must admit that I know bits and pieces of the Jewish religion but am not familiar enough to pick up on all the significant references and meanings in this book.
There was a time when there was hatred present between all the religions. The Jews were attacked more viciously and were even made to live in ghettos. The Golem, a large strong, simple, giant was summoned from clay to protec...more
There was a time when there was hatred present between all the religions. The Jews were attacked more viciously and were even made to live in ghettos. The Golem, a large strong, simple, giant was summoned from clay to protec...more
I read the book Golem. It is a fantastic nonfiction book about religion and legends; therefore it is a conbination of facts and fiction. The story is about the practices and believes of the Jews in Praque four hundred years. The book is illustrated by David Wisniewki. It is book that could be read by elementary ages 5-10years. The author talks about a Revered Jewish teacher and a Scholar Rabi Loew, who four hundred years ago , shaped a giant man of clay, a golem, and brought him to lfe to vanqui...more
Wow. What an overwhelming picture book. The elaborate cut-paper illustrations have certainly communicated the rage, fear, oppression and rebellion that is occurring within this story. This is definitely one of those picture books I would NOT recommend for elementary level students. Golem portrays an extremely powerful story of Jewish persecution that would certainly send a message to a much older adolescent crowd, but would not be appropriate for young children. While everyone can appreciate the...more
Many modern stories have their origin in the legend of the Golem, an anthropomorphic creature created out of clay to protect the Jews of Prague toward the end of the 16th Century. Fans of Superman will recognize the use of enormous strength for protection of others while those who have read Shelley’s Frankenstein will recognize the sensitivity of the monster in that story in the Golem’s simple appreciation of the sunrise, “the sky changes from black to blue. It is very beautiful.”
According to th...more
According to th...more
After a history of their people that is filled with tyranny and strife, the Jews of Prague strike back in a big way in this book.
A lie regarding the Jewish rite of Passover has been spread in the city of Prague, saying that the blood of Christian children is being used in the symbolic unleavened bread used during the religious observation. Retribution against the Jews is swift and vengeful, as the unwarranted fury of the non-Jewish majority is unleashed in full force.
Imminent violence agains...more
A lie regarding the Jewish rite of Passover has been spread in the city of Prague, saying that the blood of Christian children is being used in the symbolic unleavened bread used during the religious observation. Retribution against the Jews is swift and vengeful, as the unwarranted fury of the non-Jewish majority is unleashed in full force.
Imminent violence agains...more
This story is an excellent one to include when dealing with themes of prejudice at an intermediate or middle school level. It first off deals with the idea of how much is enough when it comes to the endurance of great injustices done to a certain group of people. Although this story is about the prejudices encountered by the Jews of Prague in the late 1500s, the tale can be applied to many other segregated and persecuted groups of people. At some point that group of people must decide that enou...more
The story of Golem originates from a Jewish legend. Golem was created by man to protect the persecuted people imprisoned in the ghetto of Prague. The legend tells that Golem grew too big, too strong, misused his powers, and eventually turned into a monster. For this reason he was destroyed by the man who created him. I enjoyed reading Golem and studying the awesome illustrations created by Wisniewski. I was intrigued by the legend and did some additional research on its origins and story variati...more
This tale is of the mythical Golem, created by Rabbi Loew in Prague in 1580 to protect the Jews. While it is about antisemitism it is also about the dangers and responsibilities of creation. Once the Jews' safety has been guaranteed by the Emperor the Golem is cast back to the earth. For me the most interesting aspect of this story is that Golem was sentient enough to say, "Please let me live!" as he was being destroyed.
The illustrations are finely detailed paper cuts and are used wonderfully t...more
The illustrations are finely detailed paper cuts and are used wonderfully t...more
I did not necessarily enjoy Golem. But I do think it portrays a powerful story about the persecution of the Jewish people. Violence was brought upon the Jews of Prague because they were accused of mixing blood lines with Christians. Rabbi Loew decided he needed to try to save the Jewish people so he created a "golem" out of sand and clay. This golem was to protect the Jews. And protect them he did, very well... maybe too well. The Rabbi told the golem, named Joseph, that once the Jews were no lo...more
This Caldecott Honor book draws upon Jewish mythology to tell to the story of the persecution of the Jews in Prague in 1580. The Jews were forced to live in a walled ghetto and were accused of killing Christian babies and using their blood for their ancient rituals. The chief rabbi, Judah Loew ben Bezalel, creates a golem out of clay to protect the Jewish people. As the golem spends more time alive, it begins to acquire a human yearning for life. The golem, however, was only created to protect...more
26 likes · like · see review
Golem is a giant, made of clay. He is brought to life by a Rabbi for the sole purpose of keeping the Jewish people safe. Golem is only supposed to stay alive until all of the Jewish people are safe again, and once that day comes, he will become part of the earth again. Golem keeps the Jewish people safe, and soon his day to go back to the earth has come. He realizes though that life is a precious thing and he doesn't want to return back to the earth. What will happen to Golem? Will he turn back...more
Golem by David Wisniewski is the dramatic tale of the legend of the Golem made, with supernatural forces, to protect the Jews of Prague from destruction by mob violence in 1580.
Wisniewski's detailed, intricate illustrations were executed in Color-Aid, Coral, and Bark layered cut paper. They are impressive and bring the magic, power and horror of this tale alive. Impressive images include the cover, dream, Golem awakes, sunrise, mob on bridge, Golem and mob, and dissolving Golem.
This powerful, m...more
Wisniewski's detailed, intricate illustrations were executed in Color-Aid, Coral, and Bark layered cut paper. They are impressive and bring the magic, power and horror of this tale alive. Impressive images include the cover, dream, Golem awakes, sunrise, mob on bridge, Golem and mob, and dissolving Golem.
This powerful, m...more
I’ve loved this book ever since I was a wee-tot. The fun illustrations and the ability to relate to the boy make it impossible for anyone (child or adult) to enjoy this book. The boys adventure is such an exciting way to escape reality when reading it. I felt as if I was with the boy through every sci-fi illustration dreamlike wordage. When one of my drama classes read this we actually acted out scenes and did different dramatic exercises with parts of the book. I would do exactly that with my o...more
Jul 27, 2012
S. J.
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Parents and children, People interested in myths, art students
Recommended to S. by:
Library
Since I have not read this in some time, I won't post a full review until I read it again.
Having said that, I want to briefly touch on why I liked this book. I wasn't planning on it, truthfully. I like some myths, but I've never been a huge fan of the golem tale. However, I was told I had to read this one not only because it was a Caldecott winner, but because you simple had to see the illustrations to believe them. On the whole, I have to agree. It is nearly impossible to believe that these det...more
Having said that, I want to briefly touch on why I liked this book. I wasn't planning on it, truthfully. I like some myths, but I've never been a huge fan of the golem tale. However, I was told I had to read this one not only because it was a Caldecott winner, but because you simple had to see the illustrations to believe them. On the whole, I have to agree. It is nearly impossible to believe that these det...more
Golem is a fantastic picture book depicting how the Jewish people of Prague were being persecuted in 1580. Judah Loew, the chief rabbi, dreamed that he saw a hand of light appear and that it wrote GOLEM. Golem was a giant of living clay. Golem was to only live until the the Jews were no longer in danger and then he would return to the earth. The Golem enjoyed the simple pleasures in life like the sun raising and setting but knew he job was to protect Rabbi Lowe's people. Did the Golem accomplish...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I completely understand why this book won the Caldecott medal. It's unique artwork and sophisticated writing make this picture book as powerful as any standard adult novel. I'm not that this book is suited for younger readers. The writing is beautiful, but perhaps too much for a reader just starting out and the subject matter could use an adult handy for any questions the reader may need answered. This book deals with religious persecution, as well as questions of consciousness and the definitio...more
So far this is my favorite of the Caldecott winning books I have read. The story is dark and challenging, the cut paper style illustrations are beautiful and menacing, and the message is genuine and meaningful. Golem retells the Jewish folk tale in a story of a Jewish community in Prauge in 1580 which is being persecuted. A Rabbi creates the Golem to protect them, and he does, but when he is dont he is put back to sleep, even after begging for the gift of life. At times violent and dark, this ma...more
The illustrations used in the story are really fabulous. The are exactly the mood the author is portraying in the setting. He uses the deep and dark colors with accents of oranges to create this world he is expressing throughout the story. The type of art used in the pictures is like a 2D cardboard cut out, the layers are placed in front of each other to make the pictures seem 3D. The characters drawn and developed throughout the story are really made alive by the illustrations the author chose....more
This story is about a tradition tale involving a rabbi who uses magical powers to create a creature known as a Golem to protect the Jews of Prague from prosecution in the 16th century. Golem was another book whose illustrations were done in a technique that I have never seen before in a children’s book. The layering of ripped and cut paper gave the pictures a third dimension to them. They created the illusion that you could feel the grass or buildings, or people because they looked that real by...more
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Apr 27, 2012 08:33am
Thanks Kathryn!
Apr 27, 2012 11:30am