Jeremy's Dreidel

by Ellie Gellman, Judith Friedman (Illustrator)

Jeremy signs up for a Hanukkah workshop to make unusual dreidels and creates a clay dreidel with braille dots for his dad, who is blind.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Family, Childrens, Disability, Holiday, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story about a boy who takes a class in order to make a special dreidel for his father. A Hanukkah history lesson is deftly woven into the tale, and there are a few pages of instructions on how to make the dreidels discussed in the book.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeremy's Dreidel, illustrated by Judith Friedman

Jeremy signs up for a special "Different Dreidels" workshop at the Jewish Center in this Hanukkah story for younger children, intent on making a braille dreidel for his blind father. Although some of his fellow participants have interesting ideas of their own - Abby wants to make an environmentally friendly dreidel out of recycled material, David decides to make a dreidel that changes color as it spins, while Orit is determined to make an Israeli sevivon, which reads "A Great Miracle Happened Here" (rather than the more traditional "A Great Miracle Happened There") - it is Jeremey's project that grabs the workshop's attention, raising awareness of people with visual impairments, and their needs during the holidays. When the braille dreidel is chosen for a special display at the center, Jeremy's friends assume he'll be thrilled, until he points out that a braille dreidel is of no use to anyone, if placed inside a glass case. Is there a way to highlight all the great dreidels created, without putting them on display...?

Of course there is, and Jeremy and his fellow workshop participants find it in this engaging tale of a young boy and his efforts to create a special gift for his dad at the holiday. Just reprinted this fall, with new artwork by Maria Mola, Jeremy's Dreidel was originally published in 1992 with illustrations by Judith Friedman. It is this earlier edition that I read, after finding it on the Hanukkah display at my local library this past weekend. It is an appealing tale, one which incorporates issues of disability naturally into a narrative - a child making a gift for a parent, to mark a special event - that manages to be both culturally specific and widely identifiable. The artwork is appealing, with full-page color illustrations facing each page of text, save for a few two-page spreads where the artwork stretches across both pages, with the text beneath. A different dreidel is depicted in miniature above each full-page text-block, while instructions for making some of the "different dreidels" in the story can be found in the afterword. All in all, an engaging holiday story, one I would recommend to young readers who are looking for Hanukkah tales that address issues of special needs, and inclusion.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read a newer version of this book, not knowing about this original edition. (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...) The illustrator is different and some of the story has been somewhat changed, though it’s basically the same story. Although I gave both thse editions 4 stars, honestly I see no reason for it to have been redone. I think I like this earlier version (pictures and story) slightly better.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. This story is wonderful. You do learn about dreidels and Hanukkah 🕎 as well as the beautiful father / son story. The story is absolutely touching. I young boy and his blind father. Must read hanukkah 🕎 book.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an unexpected surprise! This picture book not only captured the story of the dreidel and a bit about Hanukkah, but also about how we as people make assumptions about the limitations of someone who is physically challenged in some way. Jeremy wants to make a dreidel that his blind father can enjoy. While doing this he talks about the ways his dad is just like any other dad, he just does things in a different way to get the same outcome as someone who has sight.

[Cosette]

I have no frame of reference for this book. I may need to do further reading on this subject

[Storytime Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Jeremy read the poster at the Jewish Community Center, then added his name to the sign-up sheet. Dreidel Workshop: Monday at 4:00pm. Bring your own ideas!"

This opening sets the stage for a thoughtful exploration of creativity, inclusion, and understanding as Jeremy embarks on a dreidel-making workshop with a unique goal in mind. The book does an excellent job introducing how modern technology, like GPS and braille computers, empowers blind individuals in their daily lives. It also addresses the frustrations that can arise when well-meaning people express disbelief or pity, highlighting the importance of empathy and respect.

The story's emotional core centers on Jeremy’s decision to design a dreidel for his blind father, offering a heartfelt glimpse into their bond and the ways his father navigates the world without sight. Once Jeremy’s project and its significance become clear, the book’s message feels complete, delivering an impactful and memorable story.

The artwork, while expressive, sometimes feels a bit somber, especially in how characters’ eyes are depicted. However, the illustrations overall complement the narrative nicely, adding warmth to its more serious themes.

“Jeremy’s Dreidel” is an enlightening read, making it a valuable addition to any Hanukkah book collection. While it may not demand frequent re-reads, it’s a story well worth experiencing at least once for its important message of inclusion and ingenuity.

This book lands at ⭐⭐⭐⭐, making it well worth a read, but not necessarily a re-read.

Storytime Corner's Rating Scale:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ is a must-buy or a definite read-again.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ is well worth a read, but not necessarily a re-read.
⭐⭐⭐ is good if the theme or timing fits, but not essential.
⭐⭐ is probably not worth the time.
⭐ would require the content to be actively offensive.

[PeaceB · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book teaches children that there are people from different situation and background.

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about the dreidel. It explains the begging history, has intructions on how to make three different kinds and talks about the blind.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little story

[Salam Kabbani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the author combined a holiday and educated about a disability and braille. Very cute children’s book with deep meaning about disability and caring for one’s family.

[Jan Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story about a boy who makes a braille dreidel for his blind father. All the kids in the group also have interesting ideas for their dreidels.

[Jenna Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This realistic fiction picture book not only teaches the children what it is like to be blind but also teaches the audience about the Judaism culture. The plot of the story not only intertwines the Jewish culture but can incorporate the culture of the blind beautifully. The main character is a Jewish boy, and he is making a dreidel for his blind father. The text in the book has even snuck some words in Hebrew but does a fantastic job of defining the words for the audience, especially if they do not know Hebrew. The text also explains how a group of dots in braille are called a ‘nun'; Jeremy’s Dreidel is set around the time of Hanukkah. Many of the students are creating dreidels, and many different dreidels are made from many different materials that many people would not think a dreidel can be (such as an environmentally-friendly dreidel, a musical dreidel and of course, a braille dreidel). This story does a great job of breaking the stereotype that ‘blind people have a guide dog.' Jeremy – whose father is blind – explains how his father can do everyday tasks such as helping Jeremy with his homework, how his father is still able to go to work (just like everyone else) and what his father likes to do in his free time. After Jeremy’s Dreidel was picked to be showcased, it proposed a problem because his father cannot simply see the dreidel, but instead needs to feel the dreidel and after a moment of thought the community center had the idea of inviting people in the community and use the dreidels to play the dreidel game.The illustrations used are colorful and do an excellent job of relating to the text on the page. It accurately depicts the characters and the setting as well. Pretty much all the pictures represent the people of having varying shades of brown hair, though. One of the things that I found was immaculate was that the author has taught in Jewish schools and lives in Israel and therefore, has learned a bit about the Judaism religion and culture. There are also instructions for the reader to be able to make different kinds of dreidels and play the dreidel game as well as see the Hebrew Braille Alphabet that Jeremy used to create the words on his dreidel for his father.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremy's Dreidel is about a young boy named Jeremy. Jeremy wants to make a special dreidel for his dad who is blind. All the other children who are making dreidels thinks that Jeremy's looks weird but the reason Jeremy's dreidel is different is because he put braile on it. He put braile on so his father could be able to read the dreidel. I really liked this book because it talks about a parent having special needs instead of a child. It shows that children like to do things for their parents who have special needs just like parents like to do things for their children who have special needs.

[Jenni Frencham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable picture book about a little boy who wants to make a Braille dreidel for so his father can play with him. Jeremy dispels many myths about blind people and explains that his dad helps him with his homework, goes to work, reads, and does lots of other things that other dads do. Not only does this book discuss blindness, but it also gives lots of great information about Jewish culture as well. The end of the book contains directions for making several different types of dreidels, including the Braille one that Jeremy made.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jeremy makes a clay Braille dreidel for his blind father. The children in his workshop are naturally curious about his father's vision impairment and ask him a lot of questions.

I like the book because it explained a bit about Hanukkah, and what the dreidel stands for. There are also directions for dreidel making in the back of the book, but the Hebrew letters to write on the dreidel aren't clearly shown in the book, so I am bummed about that.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story for anyone, whether your Jewish or not. The book explains both Hanukkah and various methods used by blind people to live their everyday lives. At the end of the book, there is also a section with instructions for making some of the dreidels mentioned in the story.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy makes a Braille Hanukkah dreidel for his father, who is blind. Includes instructions for making different types of dreidels.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a link to my full review of Jeremy's Dreidel:

https://remreader.wordpress.com/2016/...

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neat book! Loved the story and learned something new, too!

[Jane]

A good addition to a child's Jewish bookshelf, which embraces the intersection of Jewish and disabled identity.