Description
Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories
Book Summary
This work gathers seven traditional Jewish tales recovered by Nobel laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer, which transport the reader into a world of humor, wisdom, and tradition. The book combines stories about clever fools, unexpected heroes, and life lessons, all narrated with the literary mastery that characterizes the author. It is a gateway to Yiddish culture through stories that have been translated into numerous languages and recognized with multiple awards.
What is it about?
The volume includes seven stories that take place in the imaginary village of Chelm, known for its inhabitants of peculiar wit. The title story narrates how a tanner, in times of need, decides to sell his goat Zlateh, but an unexpected journey changes his plans. Other stories feature the seven most famous elders of Chelm in "Snow in Chelm," the comical confusions of "The Tangled-up Feet and the Silly Groom," the incredible story of a young man who thinks he is dead in "Fool's Paradise," and the bravery of a boy facing "The Devil's Trap." Completing the book are "Grandmother's Tale," about a demonic guest, and "The First Shlemiel," which portrays a lazy and gluttonous husband.
Main Themes
- Eastern European Jewish traditions and culture
- Humor and folk wisdom through tales of fools
- Family and community relationships in rural settings
- Values such as cunning, generosity, and survival
- Yiddish folklore and its archetypal characters
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at children and young readers aged 8 and up, as well as adults interested in traditional literature and Jewish folklore. It is also suitable for reading mediators, educators, and families looking for stories with values, humor, and cultural depth. Lovers of short, well-crafted stories will find this work to be a collection of timeless tales.
What this book offers
- Access to children's literature by a Nobel laureate, with texts of exceptional literary quality
- Seven stories that convey values such as cunning, loyalty, and the importance of community
- An immersion into Yiddish culture through humorous and moving stories
- A carefully illustrated edition, ideal for shared or independent reading
- Material to reflect on topics such as poverty, family, and tradition
Technical Specifications
- Author: Singer, Isaac Bashevis
- Publisher: Kalandraka
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: PICTURE BOOKS, ACTIVITY AND MATERIAL BOOKS, ILLUSTRATED STORYBOOKS, TRADITIONAL TALES, CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG ADULT: NON-FICTION GENERAL
- Collection: CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication Date: June 2019
- Number of pages: 104
- Weight: 326 g
Editorial Review
This edition recovers a classic of children's literature signed by a first-rate author, with a careful translation and a hardcover presentation that invites preservation. The work stands out for combining the characteristic humor of the Chelm tales with a thematic depth that allows for reading at different levels. It is a recommended option both for introducing the youngest to traditional Jewish narrative and for adult readers who appreciate the literary quality and cultural value of these stories.