Traditional Literature_Gershon's Monster by John J. Muth

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kimmel, Eric A. 2000. GERSHON’S MONSTER: A STORY FOR THE JEWISH NEW YEAR. Ill. by John J. Muth. New York, NY: Scholastic Press, ISBN 043910839X.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Gershon is a crass and thoughtless man who makes no apologies for his sins of broken promises, white lies, and quick temper. Every Friday, Gershon sweeps his thoughtless acts and gathers them in a cellar. Annually at Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish New Year, he packs his sins and tosses them out to the sea. His baggage eventually catches up to him when it jeopardizes the lives of his children. The harm that may befall his children causes Gershon to repent.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The theme of the story is universal. Making amends for hurtful words and actions is something most parents and teachers emphasize with children and one we personally can relate to. Jon Muth’s use of dark and hazy watercolor illustrations set the tone for the story and setting. Both author and illustrator give readers insight into an area of Jewish culture as well as the significance of Rosh Hashanah.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed on Amazon: “Eric Kimmel, a prolific Jewish children's book author, presents this book for the High Holidays based on a Hasidic tale about tashlikh and repentance. The book is based on a Hasidic tale attriuted to the Ba'al Shem Tov (BeSHT). It also incorporates the writings of Rabbi Maimonide's 12th Century "Laws of Repentance (Chapter 2)", and Rabbi Benay Lappe's 20th Century "Six Steps for Doing Teshuva." The back page includes the steps needed for real repentance.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Years ago, a fellow teacher and I would get together and plan culturally diverse lessons. It started with “Christmas Around the World” and progressed to New Year’s Day Celebrations. Gershon’s Monster is a book that can be added to how and why people of diverse backgrounds celebrate New Year’s Day.
*“Community Circle” is something I did with students K-2nd grade. Issues that affected our community of learners were discussed openly. Showing remorse and repentance were keys to making amends and getting along with our community. This tale touches on this and can stimulate great discussion and social learning.