The Silly World of Chelm is a rich collection of the folk tales of the backwards world of Chelm, a legendary Eastern European Jewish city filled so-called “fools.” The textbook-sized volume includes more than 150 short stories telling of the lives of the world’s most foolish Jews. Readers will meet Mendel the tailor and his wife, who argue over whose father to name their baby after, even though both fathers share the name “Chaim.” Readers will also find Old Kalman’s wife, who purchases a dog license even though she doesn’t own a dog. And, most importantly, readers will love the Sage of Chelm, who, page after page, story after story, solves problems in this crazy little town with the most ridiculous “wisdom.”
The book includes “A Non-Introduction Introduction,” explaining the “obtuse logic” and history of the town in Poland, as well as the origin of the book. Filled with pen and ink cartoon-like drawings, as well as a “Photo Journal” and pages to Draw Your Own Story Images, The Silly World of Chelm is a necessary addition to Jewish libraries in homes, schools and synagogues everywhere. Recommended for all ages, many of the tales are wonderful for read-aloud fun.
