The Porridge Pot Goblin

A mischievous goblin plays havoc with preparations for Shabbat in this playful take on Jewish folklore.

Rose and Benny, Jewish siblings who are light-skinned with dark hair, are braiding challah for Shabbat dinner, trying to be quiet so Mama can rest after a hard day at work in the village. They are interrupted by loud rumbling noises. They check outside to see their yard a mess and strange tracks all around. Both children attribute the damage to a goblin, for everyone in the village knows of these invisible creatures with rooster-like tracks. They nervously continue working on the challah. Suddenly Rose’s kerchief is yanked off her head and flies across the room and up the chimney. Then their Shabbat candlesticks and kiddush cup go flying and crashing to the floor. Rose comes up with an ingenious plan, and the siblings work together to capture the goblin. Focusing on Jewish folklore—something not seen as commonly in kid lit—this tale centers on a loving, kind, and resourceful sibling pair. They are never in any real danger, as Jules keeps the tale light and lively, providing sound effects in uppercase letters to enliven the action. Borlasca’s bright cartoons set the scenes in an old-style kitchen with no modern appliances in sight and with the Shabbat accouterments prominently displayed. The children are expressive, and the action is depicted with humor and charm. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Joyful and entertaining, with a glimpse into a different aspect of Judaism. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

--Kirkus Reviews

The Porridge-Pot Goblin is a charming picture book in which an invisible goblin disrupts the Shabbat preparations of two village children.

After several mishaps and some chaos, the children outsmart the goblin and save the Shabbat meal (and their mother’s nap).The story focuses on Shabbat preparations, and the chaos of the goblin’s mischief is contrasted to the peace and happiness of the Friday night meal, in a way that makes the atmosphere of Shabbat feel almost tangible. The well-written text and delightful illustrations work together to bring this fun, humorous story to life. It should be a strong contender for the Sydney Taylor Book Award.

--Leah Cypess for The Sydney Taylor Shmooze

While Rose and Benny help prepare for Shabbat, they have the misfortune to be visited by none other than a goblin. It’s invisible, but still leaves tracks and a mess in its wake. The siblings have to fix up a solution so that their Shabbat will be a peaceful one.

There are so many delightful parts to The Porridge-Pot Goblin. Benny and Rose’s relationship is one of those highlights. They are kind to each other, helpful to their hardworking mom, and brainstorm together. And the fact that their mom works as a midwife/doula/OB is such a fantastic little element. The art is so bright and sharp, it works well to accentuate the action and vibrance of the story. And they’re funny! The little foot sticking out from underneath something (from where might give the end away) was entirely giggle-worthy. The invisibility is part of the authentic representation of goblins in Jewish folklore, and that fact also made the story feel more universal. Kids everywhere feel a connection to characters dealing with troubles that can’t be seen. And the way the story weaves in showing and teaching about Shabbat traditions without slowing the pace of the action was well done. The backmatter is the right length to read all the way through with children, and it is a wonderful encouraging and educational addition. With characters determined to work together to find a solution to their goblin-y problem (and good doses of humor and learning thrown in), this is a book that would be a great read aloud to share with kids 4 and up.

--Katie Fischer, For the Love of Books, Old and New

In The Porridge-Pot Goblin, siblings Benny and Rose are frightened by an invisible goblin, only known by his pranks and his tracks. They fear the goblin is too big for them to stop. But working together, Benny and Rose learn they are much braver than they think. This tale, drawn from Eastern European folklore, includes a working single mom and two siblings who want to let her rest while they get ready for Shabbat. An end note explains the Jewish origin of goblins. Why I Love This Book: 1. I always loved folktales and, like most folktales, this one is entertaining, engaging, and has a message we all can embrace. 2. I love the ingenuity and bravery of the two children. 3. The illustrations are perfect and help bring the characters to life.

--Vivian Kirkfield. Picture Books Help Kids Soar

Read some 5-Star Reviews from Goodreads!

• The Porridge-Pot Goblin by Jacqueline Jules is a suspenseful and engaging story that incorporates a charming folk tale to illustrate the significance of Shabbat. The children at the center of this story assume the responsibilities for preparing Shabbat for their family as their busy mother is engaged in helping others in their community. This elevates the role of the children as guardians of the weekly celebration of Shabbat. The illustrations are delightful and serve to further draw the reader into the story. Parents and children will enjoy this book and want to read it again and again. --Marcia Lawson, from Goodreads
  
• Another lively story from author Jacqueline Jules! --Liz, from Goodreads
  
• It is a fun, sweet, gentle book about rising to the situation and saving the day. --Terry Jennings, from Goodreads
  
• Folktales are often morality plays, and The Porridge-Pot Goblin gives the child protagonists a sense of pride and accomplishment when they use their ingenuity to stop the goblin as well as a streak of kindness in freeing him. At the end there is a brief but welcome explanation of Jewish Shabbat traditions. The story could inspire family conversations not only about Shabbat but resourcefulness, helpfulness and family. Hector Borlasca’s sprightly, colorful illustrations in a folk-art style are a perfect complement to the silly and the serious in the tale. The publisher’s Behrman House Blog noted that “story-telling goes beyond preserving the old, familiar folktales. It embraces the creation of new interpretations of our ancient traditions and texts.” Jacqueline Jules has indeed provided a fun and meaningful new interpretation of the goblin tradition. --Karen Leggett, from Goodreads
  
• a fun book that will connect both with children who celebrate Shabbat and children who know nothing about Jewish traditions--Anna, from Goodreads