A year back the book The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon by Audrey Barbakoff and illustrated by Rotem Teplow came out. I found it hidden in my online reader links, so I had the pleasure of reading it that way. When I finished reading I felt that it was a cozy, silly folktale, and the usual antics that can be labeled as way too over the top and frankly stupid, were not there. I was, okay the adults are not the brightest people, but nobody got hurt, sure they did some dumb things, but all in good faith. And the way the children save the day (and moon) isn’t too pushy or preachy.
I was not sure how I was going to like Sarah and Sam and their village which is known for not having the brightest adults, but as I said, it was cozy. The illustrations were a smidgen too computerized looking for me to love them, but they add the perfect touch to the final result. They are goofy nice and the story is goofy nice. It is a nice book. I know people might not like the use of nice as it seems to diminish the enjoyment or the overall picture, but it is the perfect way to describe it. It is a nice sit-down and read to a child or a small group. There is not too much excitement, but enough action to keep you entertained and engaged in the story.
It is a twist on a classic Yiddish folktale which I was not familiar with but glad I got to experience with the Chelmites, who have different abilities and skin tones. A Yiddish glossary is included which is most helpful. 