For families who love classic folklore, this book explores the creation of a powerful giant and the profound responsibilities that come with its existence.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels powerless against injustice or bullying and wishes for a superhero to make things right. Based on a classic Jewish folktale, this book tells the story of a wise Rabbi in old Prague who creates a giant protector out of mud, a Golem, to defend his community from those who spread lies and threaten them. The story powerfully explores themes of justice, responsibility, and the potential danger of unchecked power. Its stark, evocative illustrations and simple text make it accessible for children ages 6 to 9, providing a fantastic starting point for conversations about using strength wisely and standing up for others, all while introducing a significant piece of cultural folklore.
The Golem is created to stop enemies; violence is implied but not graphically shown.
Racism & DiscriminationMild
The plot is driven by the persecution of a religious community.
Sensitive Topics
The core sensitive topic is religious and ethnic persecution (specifically antisemitism), which is handled metaphorically. The enemies are not specified, only that they “spread wicked lies” and threaten the community. The book's context is explicitly Jewish. The resolution is bittersweet and cautionary: the immediate threat is neutralized and the community is safe, but their powerful protector must be deactivated because its own strength is a liability. The Golem's return to clay is a form of death or deactivation, which could be a sensitive point for some children.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 7 to 9 year old who is beginning to think about complex ideas like fairness, power, and protection. It would resonate with a child who has witnessed or experienced bullying and fantasizes about a powerful hero to intervene. It is also an essential read for children being introduced to Jewish folklore or for any child interested in myths, legends, and monsters with a moral dimension.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to provide some context, as the book is sparse. Explaining that this story comes from a time and place (16th-century Prague) where Jewish people were often in danger can enrich the reading. Preview the illustrations, which are stark and expressionistic and could be intimidating for a more sensitive child. The scene where the Rabbi must “unmake” the Golem is pivotal and may require a conversation about why this difficult choice was necessary. A parent might pick up this book after their child expresses frustration over injustice, saying something like, “It’s not fair! I wish I were big and strong enough to stop them.” It's also a go-to for parents looking to share culturally significant Jewish stories with their children, particularly ones that deal with resilience and protection.
Age Experience
A younger child (6-7) will likely focus on the superhero element: a giant made of mud who saves the day. They might find the Golem's immense power both exciting and a little scary. An older child (8-9) is better equipped to grasp the moral complexity: Was it right to create the Golem? What does the story say about power and truth? They can engage with the cautionary elements of the tale and the bittersweet nature of the ending.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many superhero or monster stories for this age, this book is rooted in specific, deep-seated folklore and carries significant cultural and historical weight. Its primary differentiator is its moral ambiguity and somber tone. The hero is also the potential threat, and the resolution is not a simple victory but a difficult, responsible choice. Mark Podwal's minimalist, primitive art style is highly distinctive and creates a timeless, mythic atmosphere that sets it apart from more conventional picture book illustrations.
Read plot summary
This book retells the famous Jewish folktale of the Golem of Prague. Faced with persecution and false accusations, Rabbi Judah Loew forms a giant man from the mud of a riverbank. He brings the Golem to life by inscribing a sacred word, “emet” (truth), on its forehead. The Golem successfully protects the Jewish community from its enemies. However, the giant's power grows, and it becomes a potential threat itself. Realizing the danger of this unchecked power, the Rabbi removes the first letter from the word on the Golem's forehead, changing it to “met” (death), and the giant returns to lifeless clay, to be hidden away until it is needed again.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The Rabbi created the Golem using the word 'emet,' which means 'truth.' Why do you think truth was the key to bringing the protector to life?
2
When the Golem's power grew too great, the Rabbi had to turn it back into mud. Do you think this was a difficult decision? Why was it the right thing to do?
3
The Golem was a protector, but it also became a danger. Can you think of other things in the world that can be both helpful and dangerous at the same time?
4
At the end, the Golem is hidden in the synagogue's attic, waiting for a time it might be needed again. Do you think it will ever be needed again? What kind of problem would be big enough to wake the Golem?
