Moishe's Miracle: A Hanukkah Story by Laura Krauss Melmed

Moishe's Miracle: A Hanukkah Story Reviews

• 
  Abigail

  A generous and gentle soul, Moishe the Milkman was forever giving away extra milk and cream to the poorer villagers, driving his penny-pinching wife, Baila - a born complainer and scolder - to distraction. When his kindheartedness is rewarded, and a magical frying pan - one which produces an endless supply of latkes, if (and only if) Moishe is using it - is mysteriously left in his barn as a gift, it seems that all the couple's problems have been solved. Now they will always have enough for themselves, and for all their friends and neighbors as well! But Baila, not content with the gift, tries to use it herself, in order to make a profit, and disaster ensues. Instead of latkes, she's produced demons! Can everything be set to rights again...?
  
  An engaging original story, one that reads like a traditional folktale, Moishe's Miracle follows the basic narrative outline of stories like The Sorcerer's Apprentice, or
  Strega Nona, in which a magical gift or ability, when wielded by someone for whom it was not intended, goes dangerously awry. I liked the ending here, in which the rabbi's arrival puts a stop to the frying pan's shenanigans, and the magical ability is lost, as this highlights the notion that our actions have consequences, often permanent. The artwork, done by David Slonim in earthy tones, is marvelously expressive (one can almost hear Baila rolling her eyes, in one scene), and adds to the book's other charms. All in all, an appealing Hanukkah title, one I would recommend to anyone looking for fun stories for the holiday!
• 
  Nancy

  I enjoyed the old world look of the illustrations and the story. Moishe was a dairy man, who was kind and giving. He would leave milk for families, who couldn't pay for it, which reminded me of my dad, who was a co-owner of a dairy, and told me he left milk with mother's who couldn't pay for the milk during the depression. Moise's wife nagged her husband for giving away what was theirs. He went to the barn to get away from her, and fell asleep. When he awoke the cows spoke to him, and told me of a man, who came and entertained them, and left a gift for Moishe. It was a frying pan, with grease. Moishe could cook all the special holiday cakes he wanted just by putting the pan on the fire, but he was the only one that could use the pan. I enjoyed this story about Hanukkah.
• 
  Judy

  A kind man with a big heart and a too-practical wife. Art that expresses the emotions and setting. A cautionary tale which is bound to capture the imagination of the kids. Like several other Hanukkah stories on the shelves, this is sure to be a favorite.
• 
  Rebecca

  3 3/4 stars
  For my Hanukkah collection.
  
  
  For the storyteller with a gift for Yiddish and Jewish accents, this is great fun as a read-aloud.
  
  A charming story with a cute message.
  
  The artwork (and the expressions on Baila's face) bump this up 3/4 of a star. (Yes. Three quarters of a star. Deal with it.)
• 
  Kate Hastings

  Strega Nona and the pasta pot for Hanukkah. Should be fun.
• 
  Ruth Ellen

  Latkes
  
  Moishe the Milkman is a generous a man. His wife does not approve. One night, the animals talk to him and he has been given a fry pan to make laktes. He is only one to use it. His wife sends him off on an errand and then tries to use the pan. It gives her demons and burnt smells of latkes. Moishe returns with guests and the demons disappear. Moral. Generosity is good and gifts are for the one person. Really liked this story.
• 
  Literary Laurel

  3.75*
  Super cute story with great illustrations
• 
  Elizabeth

  Moishe's Miracle is a charming and sweet Hanukkah story that will delight children and adults alike. It has some positive messages and lovely artwork. Recommended!
• 
  Sandy

  Charming Hanukkah folktale. My family enjoyed the story, but the kids had a bit of trouble with the illustrations.
• 
  Rebecca Caufman

  A Hanukkah story with a warning and a character with a change of heart.
• 
  Kristen McBee

  A fun Hanukkah story in the vein of a spooky Christmas tale with a lesson.
• 
  Matthew

  This is a pretty good Hanukkah story. I liked it and I feel like a class could enjoy it as well. It was pretty interesting. It was fun and it had a pretty good lesson on greed and its consequences. The illustrations are attractive as well. Overall, this book is a pretty good addition to any Hanukkah collection. Upper elementary would be the best audience for its length and amount of Yiddish that would probably need to be explained.
• 
  Kate

  Moishe's kindness is the sort of spirit I want to relay to my child during the holidays. We are not Jewish, but I think it speaks to a more universal kindness that we all should embody in spirit. My Daughter loves the characters, especially the expressive illustrations and language makes it engaging for her.
• 
  Dolly

  This is a colorful and interesting Hanukkah fable that talks about being kind and generous, no matter how wealthy you are. It is also a cautionary tale against avarice. The illustrations are muted and expressive. Our girls enjoyed watching the story on the Tumblebooks website. (tumblebooks.com)
• 
  Alfajirikali

  A good story that highlights the merits of generosity.
• 
  N_Allie l

  This was an audio book.
• 
  Kevin

  Great story to read to the kids! Loved it.
• 
  Valerie

  A great holiday story.