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Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale
Purim is approaching and Hershel, the only blind boy in the village, wishes he could help his mother prepare hamantashen for the holiday. If only I could see, he thinks, I could help my mother more. That night, Hershel dreams of a winged angel descending a sparkling ladder. She says, "Make what you see. You see when you close your eyes. You see in your dreams." With new courage, Hershel learns to trust his dream and creates something more beautiful than anyone in the whole village can imagine. An Author's Note about Purim is also included.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 30, 2023
Barbara Diamond Goldin’s “Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale” is beautifully illustrated by Jaime Zollars.
The author chose what appears to be an Eastern European shtetl for this story, giving it an historical air. I love how the author made the main character, Hershel, blind—explaining that he lost his eyesight as the result of a childhood illness. In some ways, the story lends a lot of sadness—the boy’s father is deceased and the mother, Basha, is so poor that she has to sell baked goods at a local market. However, this is a story of triumph. Even though Hershel is blind, he is able to “see” using his imagination and can make beautifully shaped cookies for Purim which his mother is able to sell.
I can’t say enough about the illustrations. Zollars did an absolutely phenomenal job illustrating this book. The pictures are so beautiful! The author included an Author’s Note at the end of the book that discussed what Purim is. However, it would have been wise to include a glossary that provides both pronunciation and definitions of different terms. This would have helped many gentile children and parents to understand this important Jewish holiday.
Overall, this is a cute book. Most Jewish children will be able to understand all of the cultural references included, but most gentile children won’t and will need adult guidance to understand some of the terms used within.
The author chose what appears to be an Eastern European shtetl for this story, giving it an historical air. I love how the author made the main character, Hershel, blind—explaining that he lost his eyesight as the result of a childhood illness. In some ways, the story lends a lot of sadness—the boy’s father is deceased and the mother, Basha, is so poor that she has to sell baked goods at a local market. However, this is a story of triumph. Even though Hershel is blind, he is able to “see” using his imagination and can make beautifully shaped cookies for Purim which his mother is able to sell.
I can’t say enough about the illustrations. Zollars did an absolutely phenomenal job illustrating this book. The pictures are so beautiful! The author included an Author’s Note at the end of the book that discussed what Purim is. However, it would have been wise to include a glossary that provides both pronunciation and definitions of different terms. This would have helped many gentile children and parents to understand this important Jewish holiday.
Overall, this is a cute book. Most Jewish children will be able to understand all of the cultural references included, but most gentile children won’t and will need adult guidance to understand some of the terms used within.
March 4, 2022
Cakes and Miracles (1991 edition), illustrated by Erika Weihs.
As mentioned in my review of the 2010 reprint of this title, illustrated by Jaime Zollars, when a picture-book is repackaged in this way - new artwork, edited text - I tend to want to find the original as well, and compare and contrast the different editions. Even when there's no textual difference (as with Jane Yolen's The Seeing Stick , for example), I still enjoy comparing illustrative interpretation. Oddly enough, I read the newer version of Cakes and Miracles first, before realizing that there even was a difference in text, so I was on the lookout, with this 1991 edition, for any pieces of narrative that weren't included in the 2010 reprint.
What I discovered, to my surprise, was that the differences were not insignificant, and while the newer edition does preserve the basic storyline and meaning of the original, a lot of the nuance - particularly the more poignant and/or disturbing elements of the tale - were omitted. The scene in which Hershel makes mischief in school, for instance, setting a frog loose in Reb Shimmel's class; or the one in which his mother says: "If you had eyes you could..." (something Hershel didn't like to hear), were deleted from the 2010 text. I'm sure the intention was to make a simpler story, suitable for the youngest readers, but the result was a much "sweeter" (and flatter) tale, with all the bite missing.
In the end, although I preferred the new illustrations, by Jaime Zollars - Erika Weihs' work is also appealing, in a stylized folk-art way, but isn't as warm and inviting - I liked the original text better. Four stars for the Zollars art, and four for Goldin's original narrative - I ended up giving both editions a three-star rating.
As mentioned in my review of the 2010 reprint of this title, illustrated by Jaime Zollars, when a picture-book is repackaged in this way - new artwork, edited text - I tend to want to find the original as well, and compare and contrast the different editions. Even when there's no textual difference (as with Jane Yolen's The Seeing Stick , for example), I still enjoy comparing illustrative interpretation. Oddly enough, I read the newer version of Cakes and Miracles first, before realizing that there even was a difference in text, so I was on the lookout, with this 1991 edition, for any pieces of narrative that weren't included in the 2010 reprint.
What I discovered, to my surprise, was that the differences were not insignificant, and while the newer edition does preserve the basic storyline and meaning of the original, a lot of the nuance - particularly the more poignant and/or disturbing elements of the tale - were omitted. The scene in which Hershel makes mischief in school, for instance, setting a frog loose in Reb Shimmel's class; or the one in which his mother says: "If you had eyes you could..." (something Hershel didn't like to hear), were deleted from the 2010 text. I'm sure the intention was to make a simpler story, suitable for the youngest readers, but the result was a much "sweeter" (and flatter) tale, with all the bite missing.
In the end, although I preferred the new illustrations, by Jaime Zollars - Erika Weihs' work is also appealing, in a stylized folk-art way, but isn't as warm and inviting - I liked the original text better. Four stars for the Zollars art, and four for Goldin's original narrative - I ended up giving both editions a three-star rating.
September 10, 2019
Cakes and Miracles (2010 edition), illustrated by Jaime Zollars.
I'm a big fan of Purim - a Jewish holiday celebrating the biblical story of Esther, in which children dress up in costumes, plays are given, and sweets (like Hamantaschen) are eaten - so when I learned that a new Purim picture-book was due out this coming November, I was quite excited. As it turns out, Barbara Diamond Goldin's Cakes and Miracles is a 2010 reissue of a picture-book first released in 1991, with new illustrations, and a shorter text. As always, in a case like this, I decided to read the two editions in tandem, in order to compare and contrast.
The tale of Hershel, a young blind boy who wants to participate in the Purim baking, as a means of helping his hard-working mother, this is a holiday story that incorporates a number of themes, from learning to live with a disability, to following one's dreams, no matter the obstacle. The text is simple and engaging, and the collage and acrylic illustrations appealing. I loved the colors Zollars used here, from her warm golden hues to her melancholy purples. All in all, a lovely Purim tale, one I might have given four stars. Unfortunately, after comparing this 2010 version with the original, from 1991, I found that while I prefer the newer artwork, I also prefer the original, unexpurgated text. In the end, I settled on three stars for each.
I'm a big fan of Purim - a Jewish holiday celebrating the biblical story of Esther, in which children dress up in costumes, plays are given, and sweets (like Hamantaschen) are eaten - so when I learned that a new Purim picture-book was due out this coming November, I was quite excited. As it turns out, Barbara Diamond Goldin's Cakes and Miracles is a 2010 reissue of a picture-book first released in 1991, with new illustrations, and a shorter text. As always, in a case like this, I decided to read the two editions in tandem, in order to compare and contrast.
The tale of Hershel, a young blind boy who wants to participate in the Purim baking, as a means of helping his hard-working mother, this is a holiday story that incorporates a number of themes, from learning to live with a disability, to following one's dreams, no matter the obstacle. The text is simple and engaging, and the collage and acrylic illustrations appealing. I loved the colors Zollars used here, from her warm golden hues to her melancholy purples. All in all, a lovely Purim tale, one I might have given four stars. Unfortunately, after comparing this 2010 version with the original, from 1991, I found that while I prefer the newer artwork, I also prefer the original, unexpurgated text. In the end, I settled on three stars for each.
February 23, 2018
Young Hershel is blind, but he still wants to help with Purim. Hershel's mother doesn't have much faith in her son's ability to make the special cookies and cakes of the holiday. After an inspiring dream, Hershel believes he can see what the treats will be, yet his mother still doubts him. Yes, her disbelief in her son is disappointing. So, when Hershel sneaks down to the kitchen at night and bakes his heart out to produce the loveliest cookies, his triumph is delightful.
Overall, Cakes and Miracles is a gentle story that should have been billed as a folk tale. The long-ago setting and antiquated traditions of Purim distance the reader, but there are many nods to Jewish folklore (dreams, angels, etc.) that were perfectly attuned to that genre.
Overall, Cakes and Miracles is a gentle story that should have been billed as a folk tale. The long-ago setting and antiquated traditions of Purim distance the reader, but there are many nods to Jewish folklore (dreams, angels, etc.) that were perfectly attuned to that genre.
December 2, 2013
I am always a fan of children's books that take an alternative slant on a holiday, while still offering an important ethical/hallachic message that one can discuss with young children. With "Cakes and Miracles" Barbara Diamond Goldin has produced just such a book for Purim. Instead of another take on the classic story of Ester (which is the story of the Purim holiday), Goldin's book offers a tale which evokes old Hasidic tropes of a child's purity of faith and the potential that can be found within every person. The central characters blindness may strike some readers as schmaltzy, but it works and offers great potential for parent-child conversations. Jamie Zollars soft evocative illustrations add a wonderful folktale aesthetic. All and all, a great choice for the coming holiday.
October 14, 2008
Hershel is a blind boy whose only way to help his mother is to carry water and wood. In a dream he understands that he can make what he can see in his imagination. When he wakes he makes beautiful original cakes and cookies to help celebrate Purim, the Jewish holiday which celebrates Queen Esther's saving her people in ancient Persia. This book includes an explanation of Purim and even a recipe for Hamantashen, the traditional three cornered pastry filled with poppy seeds or fruit.
December 5, 2017
Hershel can do all the things that the other children in his village do, such as go to school or play down by the river. But when he wants to help his mom bake cakes for the traditional Jewish holiday Purim, his mom does not let him because he is blind. After an angel appears in his dream to remind Hershel that he can see in his dreams, Hershel realizes that he can make the cakes, but when he tells his mom she still says no. However, Hershel does not give up and the next night after his mom is asleep he makes the cookies by imagining the shapes he wants to form in his head. In the end, everyone loves Hershel’s cookies, including his mom.
Cakes and Miracles tries to teach its readers that nothing is impossible. Hershel’s ability to make the cookies even though he is blind shows that those with disabilities can still do the same things as able-bodied people, they just have to do it in their own way. The story also portrays this message through the fact that Hershel plays by the river by himself and does chores, such as washing dishes. Therefore, like many books about characters with disabilities, this book shows that people with disabilities are just like everyone else.
Yet, not only does the story teach children that they should not let others stand in their way of accomplishing a goal, but it also teaches them about Jewish culture. For example, readers learn that Purim is a traditional holiday that Jews celebrate. The story explains that people celebrate Purim by going to the synagogue at night, using noisemakers, and baking cookies or cakes. Thus, whether they are blind or not, children who are Jewish can relate to what happens in the story.
However, because the story is set in Ancient Persia Jewish children today may not be able to fully relate to Hershel because the way Jews celebrate the holiday is likely different than it was back then. Nonetheless, they can still identify with the importance of Jewish holidays. Additionally, because of the setting, people who are blind will likely find it difficult to identify with Hershel. To explain, while most people today who are blind use aides, such as canes, service dogs, or glasses, Hershel does not use any of these. Therefore, while the book gives representation and a voice to people who are blind, it does not do so in a way that those living today can relate.
Lastly, the story includes and breaks down gender stereotypes. For instance, Hershel’s mom does all of the cleaning, sewing, and cooking. In contrast, the illustrations show that Hershel did the more physically demanding tasks of carrying wood and buckets of water. However, the story also disrupts stereotypes of boys or men because Hershel is good at baking which is assumed to be a woman’s job.
This book is part of the Larissa Gerstel Collection at American University located at http://www.american.edu/cas/education...
Cakes and Miracles tries to teach its readers that nothing is impossible. Hershel’s ability to make the cookies even though he is blind shows that those with disabilities can still do the same things as able-bodied people, they just have to do it in their own way. The story also portrays this message through the fact that Hershel plays by the river by himself and does chores, such as washing dishes. Therefore, like many books about characters with disabilities, this book shows that people with disabilities are just like everyone else.
Yet, not only does the story teach children that they should not let others stand in their way of accomplishing a goal, but it also teaches them about Jewish culture. For example, readers learn that Purim is a traditional holiday that Jews celebrate. The story explains that people celebrate Purim by going to the synagogue at night, using noisemakers, and baking cookies or cakes. Thus, whether they are blind or not, children who are Jewish can relate to what happens in the story.
However, because the story is set in Ancient Persia Jewish children today may not be able to fully relate to Hershel because the way Jews celebrate the holiday is likely different than it was back then. Nonetheless, they can still identify with the importance of Jewish holidays. Additionally, because of the setting, people who are blind will likely find it difficult to identify with Hershel. To explain, while most people today who are blind use aides, such as canes, service dogs, or glasses, Hershel does not use any of these. Therefore, while the book gives representation and a voice to people who are blind, it does not do so in a way that those living today can relate.
Lastly, the story includes and breaks down gender stereotypes. For instance, Hershel’s mom does all of the cleaning, sewing, and cooking. In contrast, the illustrations show that Hershel did the more physically demanding tasks of carrying wood and buckets of water. However, the story also disrupts stereotypes of boys or men because Hershel is good at baking which is assumed to be a woman’s job.
This book is part of the Larissa Gerstel Collection at American University located at http://www.american.edu/cas/education...
October 13, 2021
This was a sweet book that talked about a Jewish holiday. I really liked that this book had an author's note at the end talking about the holiday that is celebrated in this book. In this book our main character was interesting, he was a sweet boy who had a single mother working hard to provide for her son. Hershel really wants to help his mother; he understands that she works so hard each day only hoping to provide for her son. Hershel wants to make her job easier epically with the holiday coming up. At one point Hershel asks his mother to help her with the cookies, she tells him that because he can’t see he can’t help with the cookies, but she knows her will help her elsewhere. When Hershel can’t sleep, he goes to make the cookies for his mother, making beautiful cookies that even the baker complements. Hershel's mother is so happy and Hershel is happy that he was able to help his mother, this also gets him to think about all the things that he can do.
February 27, 2018
A children's book for Purim about a young boy who is blind who helps his mother. She doesn't think he could bake the traditional hamantaschen, filled cakes to look like Haman's hat, because he wouldn't be able to see the dough and make it triangle shapes. This book teaches much about sight and vision. And tzedakah. And righteousness. You'll have to read the book to discover the miracles. A great book for young students--and their teachers and parents. A PJ Library book.
December 23, 2019
Great telling of tradition connected with story of Ester
Loved the simple pictures depicting the life of a blind boy and his imagination. And liked the authors note connecting his story to Purim.
Loved the simple pictures depicting the life of a blind boy and his imagination. And liked the authors note connecting his story to Purim.
February 13, 2018
A cute Purim tale about a young blind boy who helps his mother by making special cakes for Purim.
March 19, 2020
i am not Jewish, but i love learning and i really enjoyed this read. the illustrations are just amazing. great history or learning is to have had. i loved it!! i wanna learn more. always. so fun.
July 13, 2024
Cakes and Miracles may take place during Purim, but is really a story about acceptance and ability. Despite his blindness, Hershel does many things that other youngsters can do. He can play in the river, catch frogs, even go to school. although she loves him, his mother only sees his limitations. Her most common comment is "if you had eyes". They are very poor, and his widowed mother sells baked goods as one of the way to make ends meet. Hershel wishes to help her, but she doesn't believe that anyone who can not see, could help make hamantaschen. But Herschel can see when he dreams and in this tale, he makes what he sees. Barbara Diamond Goldin has created a story that recognises the worth of those who are differently abled. It is a touching story that has the feel of a folktale. There are two editions of this book with different illustrators. In the 1991 first edition illustrated by Erika Weihs, the beautiful muted earth tones provide a folksy feeling. This newer edition with art by Jaime Zollars uses realistic illustrations with closeups of the faces creating a more intimate story. The characters also reflect the Persian origin of the story. I recommend this book for children five or older.
February 15, 2011
If life puts difficult obstacles in your way, can you still follow your dreams? On one hand, this might seem like an overplayed message, but Barbara Diamond Goldin's picture book Cakes and Miracles does a lovely job of showing a young boy overcoming his blindness to help his mother the way he wants to. It's a sweet, inspiring tale - wonderful to share during the Jewish holiday of Purim, or at any time.
Young Hershel was blind, but "his blindness did not keep him from going to school, or shaking pears from the neighbor's tree, or catching frogs in the river." His mother worked hard to earn money, ever since Hershel's father died: cooking, cleaning, making things to sell in the marketplace. This year, Hershel wants to help make the sweets his mother sells at Purim, the Jewish holiday that honors Queen Esther, but his mother wonders how he could make the delicate cakes if he cannot see them. That night, Hershel has a dream where an angel tells him, "You see when you close your eyes. You see in your dreams." And the next night, Hershel went to the kitchen and made beautiful cakes and cookies, following the shapes he saw in his head.
This sweet story affirms the power that each child has within them to follow their vision, to help and contribute in the way they know they can. At the end of the day, after all the cookies had been bought at market, Hershel smiled with happiness:
"Hershel couldn't see the table. But he could feel the excitement all around him. Purim excitement. Cookie excitement. Talent excitement. And in his head, he could see himself as a man, a baker, perhaps, with bowls of flour all around."
Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale, has been recognized with the Sydney Taylor Honor Award for Younger Readers, an award that is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries, this is an award that helps bring a wide range of books to a broad audience.
Barbara Diamond Goldin originally wrote and published Cakes and Miracles in 1991. She has shortened the text, and it has been released with new illustrations. I particularly like the warmth and feelings in Jaime Zollars' illustrations.
Young Hershel was blind, but "his blindness did not keep him from going to school, or shaking pears from the neighbor's tree, or catching frogs in the river." His mother worked hard to earn money, ever since Hershel's father died: cooking, cleaning, making things to sell in the marketplace. This year, Hershel wants to help make the sweets his mother sells at Purim, the Jewish holiday that honors Queen Esther, but his mother wonders how he could make the delicate cakes if he cannot see them. That night, Hershel has a dream where an angel tells him, "You see when you close your eyes. You see in your dreams." And the next night, Hershel went to the kitchen and made beautiful cakes and cookies, following the shapes he saw in his head.
This sweet story affirms the power that each child has within them to follow their vision, to help and contribute in the way they know they can. At the end of the day, after all the cookies had been bought at market, Hershel smiled with happiness:
"Hershel couldn't see the table. But he could feel the excitement all around him. Purim excitement. Cookie excitement. Talent excitement. And in his head, he could see himself as a man, a baker, perhaps, with bowls of flour all around."
Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale, has been recognized with the Sydney Taylor Honor Award for Younger Readers, an award that is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries, this is an award that helps bring a wide range of books to a broad audience.
Barbara Diamond Goldin originally wrote and published Cakes and Miracles in 1991. She has shortened the text, and it has been released with new illustrations. I particularly like the warmth and feelings in Jaime Zollars' illustrations.
June 23, 2024
Cakes and Miracles may take place during Purim, but is really a story about acceptance and ability. Despite his blindness, Hershel does many things that other youngsters can do. He can play in the river, catch frogs, even go to school. although she loves him, his mother only sees his limitations. Her most common comment is "if you had eyes". They are very poor, and his widowed mother sells baked goods as one of the way to make ends meet. Hershel wishes to help her, but she doesn't believe that anyone who can not see, could help make hamantaschen. But Herschel can see when he dreams, and in this tale, he makes what he sees. Barbara Diamond Goldin has created a story that recognises the worth of those who are differently abled. It is a touching story that has the feel of a folktale. There are two editions of this book with different illustrators. In this 1991 first edition illustrated by Erika Weihs, the beautiful muted earth tones provide a folksy feeling. I recommend this book for children five or older.
November 8, 2013
Hershel is blind due to an illness and is unable to help his widowed mother make hamantashen for Purim. The mother depends on money from baking for their survival. Hershel is experienced in playing in the mud and making shapes and one night an angel comes to him and tells him though he may not have sight, he can still imagine what hamantashen looks like. Hershel surpasses his mother by making hamantashen cookies in different shapes on Purim day. She bakes them and sell them at the market. They are a big hit and everyone is impressed with Hershel. A very sweet, well written story of Purim which any child would enjoy and especially children who are Jewish. The illustrations are equally wonderful and meaningful.
January 5, 2011
This story does a nice job, I think, of weaving the story and holiday of Purim with the plight of a young blind Jewish boy and his single mom. My impression of the mom is that she's kinda stressed by the day-to-day life of raising a blind child on her own, but the boy seems to be pretty happy and self-sufficient, able to help around the house and find his way down to the river to play in the mud. His muddy experiences end up coming in handy when he is able to help his mom do the baking for Purim. To find out what happens, read the book. You'll be glad you did! Nice illustrations, too!
February 10, 2015
An absolutely gorgeous and meaningful tale of a young boy without eyesight, using his inner sight to create when no one else thought he could. An incredibly story to encourage young minds to use their imagination, their inner wisdom and belief in themselves to create in their lives. Although the story takes place during Purim, the message goes beyond any religious upbringing.
A very worthy and memorable read promising rich discussions to follow.
A very worthy and memorable read promising rich discussions to follow.
February 19, 2015
This is a great story about a little blind boy who wants to help his mother make the cakes they will sell in the market. The mother supports them since the father has died, and works really hard. The little boy Hershel dreams one night that he can help make the cakes, in his case he makes cookies. He does and it shows him and his mother that even though he is blind, he has skills and worth, something to offer.
August 7, 2011
This was a very good, and very interesting book. I think that young children will be fascinated that Hershel is blind. I like that there is a brief description of the Purim holiday and the biblical story behind it. This is a great book for teachers looking to educate students on different holidays and cultures.
February 14, 2011
It was an enjoyable book to read to my 5 yr. old son that was very different from typical Purim tales. My son said it was "okay" because he had a hard time understanding how the boy in the book could "see".
October 25, 2013
When a disabled person is the main character I think it needs to be proved by the disabled person. In this case a blind person. Can blind person really see in their head? Is this really a story of hope?
December 6, 2014
Kids story for Purim
A toughing story of a boy that became blind from a illnesses. His father is deceased. His mother makes money by baking and selling it at the village market. One night Herschel has a dream from. The illustrations are wonderful.
A toughing story of a boy that became blind from a illnesses. His father is deceased. His mother makes money by baking and selling it at the village market. One night Herschel has a dream from. The illustrations are wonderful.
November 24, 2015
4 stars as a book for me. 3 stars as a book to read to my daughter, who is new to the US and learning English. Much of the story was over her head, both because of the word choice and subject matter, but she enjoyed looking at the pictures.
March 13, 2012
Enjoyed the extra messages mixed in this beautiful book... Don't underestimate skills and celebrate the holiday!
March 4, 2013
A sweet story about pushing the limits of what you think you can and can't do, along with how everyone can contribute *something* to life and society.
March 24, 2016
A great short book for our study today on the holiday, Purim. The message is a wonderful one as well as the discussion of Purim and the traditions that follow.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews