Blog #28

Kibitzers and Fools: Tales My Zayda Todl Me

Written and illustrated by: Simms Taback

Penguin Group

2005

42 pages

            I chose this book because of the funny illustration with the polish man dancing on the front.  I just knew it was a multi-cultural book by Simms Taback and I had to pick it up!  This book is written about the stories that Simms Taback’s Polish grandfather, or Zayda, told him when he was young.  His grandfather always told stories with a moral lesson in the end as well as to share new Yiddish words with young Taback.  A kibitzer is a smart-alec or know-it-all.  So this book is really titled: Smart-Alecs and Fools.  Taback shares that over fifty Yiddish words are in the English dictionary and we use them all the time without knowing them.  Throughout the short stories told there are Yiddish words that are defined for the reader.  Each short story always has a moral to learn.

            The illustrator is the author, Simms Taback.  Taback’s illustrations are well-known and easy to recognize from far away.  I walked past this book in the library and I immediately turned around to pick up the book because I recognized the artwork.  Taback appears to have used colored pencils and collage to render the artwork.  He uses both single and double-page spreads throughout the book along with formal text placement.  The illustrations show Polish characters in traditional clothing and Jewish yamakas.  The culture of Yiddish-speakers is illustrated.

            This book is appropriate for students in grades first until sixth grade.  The book can be read aloud to younger grades and it will make them laugh.  Older grades will be able to navigate the text and understand the cultural differences brought out by Taback.  I would use this book to talk about Jewish and Polish culture.  I could also talk about the different forms of storytelling and passing on wisdom from generation to generation in different cultures.  Older children would like learning to speak the Yiddish words and how to pronounce them.  I like this book because of the humorous illustrations and funny story morals.