THE SCHLEMIEL KIDS SAVE THE MOON

Siblings outshine not-too-bright grown-ups in this take on Yiddish folklore.

Sam and Sarah Schlemiel are walking along the beach with their parents when Dad notices that the moon has fallen into the water. Neighbors are alarmed: The moon’s stuck! How will they see at night? The siblings try explaining, but no one listens. After all, this is Chelm, where adults aren’t famed for their smarts. A neighbor volunteers to pull the moon from the lake; another attempts to scoop the moon into her bucket; both are unsuccessful. At the wise rabbi’s house, everyone offers preposterous solutions and prays. Sarah whispers her own idea to Sam. Next morning, a tearful Sarah tells the rabbi that she and Sam want to see the moon before the townspeople set it free, but they can’t visit the beach alone. So the rabbi escorts them to the beach—and is shocked to realize the moon is gone! He concludes the prayers “lifted” it into the sky! Everyone marvels at his wisdom—everyone except the two smart children. Readers will relish this comically fresh, fast-paced tale. An author’s note explains that stories of Chelm and its hilariously ignorant residents have been passed down for years (though this tale is set in the present). Colorful illustrations enliven the humorous proceedings. Sam and Mom are brown-skinned, while Sarah and Dad are lighter-skinned; townsfolk are racially diverse. Most males wear skullcaps or head coverings.

An enjoyable, rollicking read. Fun by the light of the moon—or anytime.