Thirteen stories have everything from mild, tongue-in-cheek humor to laugh-out-loud outrageousness in Simms Taback’s entertaining collection of Yiddish tales. Taback uses Yiddish words and phrases to liberally flavor his retellings. Some of the Yiddish words may prove surprisingly familiar, from “kibitzer” to “klutz” to “cockamamie.” Oy vey! Taback manages to playfully define each Yiddish word in context without interrupting the flow of his storytelling. All seriousness aside, he matches the tone of his narrative with humorous illustrations that both pay tribute to and poke lighthearted fun at the Eastern European culture out of which these spirited stories came. (Ages 6–9)

A saying- It pays to have a little chutzpah (nerve).

With Old World charm, universal humour, and just a bit of chutzpah, Simms Taback offers this lively spin on thirteen playful tales - as only he could. Paired with his trademark vibrant and hilarious artwork, these stories illustrate ultimate universal truths and important life lessons, from the difference between a shlemiel and a shlimazel to the idea that just because you can talk doesn't mean you make sense. Taback delivers the perfect combination of wisdom and humour - just the way your zayda (grandpa) would.