Purim is known as a holiday of hidden miracles, and things unseen. How appropriate then, that ‘Cakes and Miracles: a Purim Tale” tells the story of a blind boy name Herschel who wishes he could help his mother prepare for the holiday. Herschel learns that while he can’t ‘see’, he has an inner sight of dreams and thoughts, which he uses to create his own Purim treats for his entire village to enjoy.

Beautifully written in language that is soft and inviting, this lovely book made me really care about Herschel and his mother. I even got a little misty eyed when he is successful and his ‘sight’ validated at the end of the story.

 

Stories based in the shtetl can often appear grey and dreary, but Jaime Zollars’s illustrations enrich the warmth and tone of the story by creating a vibrant world that substitutes purples for greys, and oranges for browns.

 

It is also a remarkable how Zollars chose to depict Herschel. He holds no cane, wears no patch. He appears to be a boy like any other, who likes catching frogs, playing with mud, and longs to contribute to his family and village. The subtle message in that is certainly one we want to share with our children: that we should view the impaired and identify with them in the same way we would any other child.

 

My one criticism is that I felt the story ended a little abruptly. I wish Herschel and his Mom had saved just one cake that they could’ve enjoyed together to celebrate Purim and Herschel’s success.

 

Purim is usually associated such loud noise and raucousness, so  its wonderful and unique to have such a quiet story to add to the genre. I highly recommend this book not just as a Purim story, but also as a wonderful way to open the conversation about disability with your children.

 

Rating: 5 out of 5.